The NMBA Summer Convention was held last Friday at the Sheraton Uptown in Albuquerque. The NMBA welcomed 200 broadcasters from across the state to what felt like the party of the year.
The morning began with the annual meeting for the general membership. Stations voted to induct new members to the NMBA Board of Directors, followed by a rousing keynote address from former KOB weatherman Steve Stucker who encouraged members to see the happiness and joy in their lives. He celebrated our members’ dedication to community and reminded everyone that “you should do all that you can do. Because all we can do is enough.”
The breakout sessions provided sales, radio programming and management attendees knowledge from giants of broadcasting, including Steve Wexler of WEXL Coaching, Bruce Gilbert of Cumulus Media and Lisa Fields from Media Staffing Network.
The Past Chairs and Hall of Fame Luncheon celebrated two broadcasters who have been in the business for over 40 years – each! KOAT longtime Chief Meteorologist Joe Diaz was recognized for his “commitment to providing accurate weather forecasts and essential updates during severe weather events [that] has made him a trusted figure in the community.”
Additionally, Maria Garay of KOB 4 has dedicated her entire working career to the station that hired her straight out of high school. As the quintessential team player, Maria has worked behind the scenes logging programming and filling in wherever she was needed. As KOB GM pointed out, Maria “embodies what it means to work here — commitment to peers, community, and the family of broadcasters.”
The afternoon continued with Corey Elliott of Borrell Associates giving a “View from Mainstreet” in the sales seminar, Mike McVay imparting his years of programming knowledge, and Steve Wexler leading managers in an in-depth look at reinventing the future for stations and staffs.
Of course, the evening ended with the celebration of the 2024 Excellence in Broadcasting Award winners. It was an electrifying night of fun and laughter. Pictures from the event will be available soon on our website.
