2025 GABCON Education Sessions

Join us at GABCON 2025, Georgia’s official broadcasting conference, for a weekend of networking, innovation, and industry insights. See the list below for our expert-led education sessions covering the latest trends and strategies in broadcasting. Registration is required in advance. Register HERE.

Engineer Gathering

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: WSB Transmitter Site — 4111 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA 30084
Hosted by: The GAB & Cox Media Group
Sponsored by: SCMS

Join us for a special event at the WSB-TV transmitter site, hosted by Charles Kinney (Director of Engineering, CMG Atlanta) and John George (Broadtech Services, Inc.) All broadcasters are welcome- however, RSVP is required. Please email mhare@gab.org to register.

Futures Day

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Co-Chairs: Beth Bacall (WFSH) & Abby Jessen (WSB)
Featuring: The 2024 Rising Stars

The GAB is committed to investing in the future of broadcasting by connecting students with industry professionals. Future’s Day helps aspiring broadcasters gain clarity, network with peers, and prepare for their careers. Click HERE to apply for a GABCON Scholarship and register for Futures Day.

Legislative, Legal & FCC Update from GAB Counsel

8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Location: KMCC – Exhibitors
Moderator: Geniece Granville (Vice Chairwoman, GAB)
Panelists: Derek Bauer (BakerHostetler), Jeremy Collins (Golden Eagle Strategies), David O’Connor (Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP)

Get the latest FCC regulatory and legislative updates and understand how these changes impact your station and the broadcasting industry in Georgia.

Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & the 988 Lifeline

Speakers: Lori Geary & Dave Huddleston (Lexicon Strategies)
Certification provided upon completion

Learn how to report on suicide and mental health responsibly, combat myths, and shift public discourse toward hope, recovery, and public service.

Managing with Metrics & Magic

Speaker: Ron Harrell (Harrell Media Group)

Discover how to turn data into creativity. Learn to balance analytics with human connection to lead teams and inspire audiences across air, screen, and stream.

Broadcasting: Critical Infrastructure for Critical Events

Moderator: KJ Allen
Panelists: John George (Broadtech Services, Inc.), Matt Johnson (WJBF Chief Engineer), GEMA, GDOT, GA Power

Explore strategies to safeguard station operations during emergencies, ensuring you can continue serving your community when it matters most.

AI at Your Station: A Legal, Ethical & Practical Playbook

Speakers: Dr. Amanda Bright (UGA) & Claire Ferguson (Gray Media)

Explore how AI is transforming broadcasting, from ethical concerns to legal considerations, and get practical insights from real newsroom experiences.

Navigating Georgia’s Local Ad Market

Speaker: Christina Hurley (BIA Advisory Services)

Stay ahead of shifting ad trends with insights from BIA’s Local Ad Revenue Forecast and discover new business opportunities in Georgia.

Reduce the Noise to Increase the Volume®

Speaker: Ron Harrell (Harrell Media Group)

Cut through distractions and lead with clarity in a chaotic media world. Learn how to amplify your people, values, and content.

Honors Luncheon Panel — Mapping the Future of Broadcast

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Delta SkyClub
Moderator: Ben Hart (GAB Chairman, WJCL)
Panelists: Curtis LeGeyt (NAB), Caroline Beasley (Beasley Media Group), Pat LaPlatney (Gray Media)

An engaging fireside chat with industry executives discussing the future of broadcasting, emerging challenges, and evolving opportunities.

2025 Rising Star Panel

Featuring: GAB Rising Stars

Future’s Day at GABCON gives industry leaders a unique opportunity to hear directly from the next generation of broadcasters about their experiences entering the field. By making meaningful connections with professionals, students gain clarity on their career paths while leaders gain valuable insight into the needs, perspectives, and expectations of the industry’s future talent.

SBE: Metadata 101 — Now Playing & More

9:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Speaker: Shane Toven (Frandsen Media)

Understand the basics of metadata and how to provide listeners with the rich, detailed experience they expect — across streaming, HD Radio, and FM. Attendees receive SBE credit.

SBE: FCC Compliance for Your Broadcast Facility

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM

Speaker: John George (Broadtech Services, Inc.)

Gain insights into FCC filings, EAS, tower lighting, and required recordkeeping to ensure full compliance. Attendees receive SBE credit.

SBE: Hardening the Transmitter Site

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Speaker: Jeff Welton (Nautel)

Learn infrastructure strategies to improve site security, grounding, cooling, and data integrity to keep your transmitter resilient. Attendees receive SBE credit.

SBE: Beyond the Box — A Software-First Approach for Today’s Radio Air Chain

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Speaker: Kirk Harnack (Telos Alliance)

Explore virtual radio workflows and how Audio over IP enables broadcasters to improve flexibility, scalability, and competitiveness. Attendees receive SBE credit.

Must attend all 4 sessions to receive SBE credit.