ANNUAL CONFERENCE PREVIEW EDITION

2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

The Kentucky Broadcasters Association invites active member stations and industry partners to join us for "KBA Madness”, September 29-30, at Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington.


This year's conference, or as we like to call it, "our annual family reunion", will showcase innovations in technology, professional development, industry and legal updates, networking opportunities and so much more. Conference registration, training, accommodations, meals and entertainment are provided complimentary to active KBA member stations.


The ball is in your court...

Improve your game...

Drive for success...

Slam dunk your KBA Madness registration today!

START YOUR REGISTRATION
 
 

KICKOFF PEP RALLY

FULL OF BIG BLUE SURPRISES!!

Be sure to wear your favorite UK swag as this year's conference kicks off on Sunday, September 29th with an epic big blue madness style pep rally at Rupp Arena. Special guests include former Kentucky basketball greats Derek Anderson (above left), Antoine Walker (above center), Cameron Mills (above right) and many others from past championship teams. We are intentionally keeping the guest list secret until the pep rally... you won't want to miss it!


Also, please plan to wear soft sole shoes to the pep rally should you happen to find yourself on the court attempting a free throw, 3-pointer or half-court shot!

 

INTRODUCING...

A FEW OF OUR SPECIAL GUESTS

We are blessed and thrilled to be joined this year by numerous elite industry professionals to help you elevate your career and sharpen your skills.


Guests include:

  • Al Tompkins, Journalism Teacher, Coach, Author and Bulldog Reporter
  • Kim Johnson, Vice President of Professional Development, RAB
  • David Oxenford, Partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer
  • Jeff Schmidt, Senior Vice President of Professional Development, RAB
  • Ralph Hacker, retired broadcaster and former voice of the Kentucky Wildcats
  • Tom Leach, voice of the Kentucky Wildcats
  • Jim Host, Host Communications
  • John Clark, Senior Vice President, Emerging Technology and Executive Director PILOT, NAB
  • Jack Smedile, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, NAB
  • Juan Galdamez, Senior Director of Broadcast Strategy & Business Development, Xperi
  • Mike Hulvey, President & CEO, RAB


Click HERE to see the 2024 conference schedule.

NEW THIS YEAR:


Kentucky Sports Broadcasting Panel - Monday @ 12:30pm

Join special guests Tom Leach, Jim Host, Ralph Hacker and others as we talk about the evolution of sports marketing and sports broadcasting in Kentucky.


Women Leading Broadcasting - Monday @ 1:45pm

When all the women talk, people begin to listen – join us for a women’s only session of conversation, empowerment, broadcast leadership, stories, advice, and relaxation.


RETURNING THIS YEAR:


Engineering Field Trip - Monday 10a-4p

Back by popular demand is the Engineering Field Trip, intended for IT/Engineering professionals. Space is limited for this offsite technical adventure!

 
 

A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE

LEGACY AND EXCELLENCE AWARDS DINNER

The annual conference concludes on Monday evening with our biggest celebration of the year, the Legacy and Excellence in Broadcasting Awards. Join us as we celebrate career, station and individual achievements from all corners of the Commonwealth.


Monday, September 30th

5:00pm - Awards Cocktail Reception

6:00pm - Legacy and Excellence in Broadcasting Awards

 

ANSWERING THE CALL

MIKE TARTER SELECTED TO JOIN AMBASSADORS

Only by majority vote of existing Ambassadors can a new member be invited to join the family. When KBA's Ambassadors emerged from behind closed doors following last week's annual conclave, spokesperson Chris Aldridge announced that Mike Tarter had been selected as the Association's tenth Ambassador.


"I am humbled and very grateful for to be chosen as a KBA Ambassador. The KBA means a great deal to me and to have the opportunity to represent the organization is a true privilege. This is a tremendous honor," said Tarter.


Mike is the President & CEO of Forcht Broadcasting, with 26 stations across three states. Mike currently serves on the NAB Radio Board and previously on the RAB Board. Tarter was inducted into the KBA Hall of Fame in 2010, received the Al Temple award in 2017, was KBA Board Chairman in 2004 and has served the Association in numerous capacities including district director and as an at-large member of the board.


Mike joins Chris Aldridge, Mike Feldhaus, Ed Henson, Beth Mann, Jim Moore, Carl Nathe, Jeff Ray, Barb Smith and Barry Williams as KBA Ambassadors. He will be honored and presented with his green Ambassador blazer during KBA's Annual Conference in Lexington, September 29-30th.

 
 

THIS WEEKS MEMBER PIC

HORSING AROUND

You never know where Ambassador Jeff Ray will show up and what he may be riding. Jeff and his stick horse "Fried Bologna" recently made a guest appearance at the Owingsville Lions Club Horse Show. While no stick horses were harmed during the event, Fried Bologna was retired to an undisclosed farm to spend the rest of his days avoiding bonfires.

We want to promote YOU! Send us your staff additions, promotions and special events. Email Chris at chris@kba.org

 

WILL YOU TRY THIS?


Here we are, midway through 2024.  How do you feel?  Really?  No, I’m serious; I want you to stop for just 60 seconds and analyze your feelings.  What are you telling yourself right now?  With a seemingly endless supply of tension, hostility, and rancor in all aspects of our lives, it can be very easy to find yourself in a funk or, worse, depression.  


Psychologists tell us there are two easy ways to pull yourself out of a mental slump:

  1. Gratitude
  2. Service – doing something to help another


Today is the day you review/update/modify your plan so you can have a successful week. For many, the pit in their stomach developed on the way to the office. Whether that office is in your home or you drove to an office.  We believe most of us have an underlying purpose or goal to make a positive difference in the lives of our clients, prospects, and communities.  


Here are two simple things you can do to make a difference.

  1. Sincerely compliment someone
  2. Show appreciation for what they are doing


As you structure your call list this week, would you try this?  Create a list of clients and prospects, call them, find something you can compliment them for, and then thank them for that contribution. You can do this on the phone, or for extra credit, write out five hand-written notes and mail them today.


In my experience, nothing gets a more positive response, and nothing makes a person feel better than a sincere compliment and appreciation for what they are doing.  Here’s an example for a car dealer:


Brad, I admire how your company has embraced the various causes you help promote. I’m particularly moved by your work for children in the area. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you and the job you are doing.


This will catch them off guard because they are not used to it, and that’s precisely why it’s so powerful.  No sales pitch, just a compliment and appreciation, and be ready to hang up – if it’s a phone call. If you sent a card, be prepared for them to call you to thank you for the note.  


If you aspire to make a difference in the lives of others, nothing is more powerful than a compliment and appreciation.  You may also uncover additional ways to provide service and help to your clients or friends. Will you add that to your activities this week?  Even just a few?  Then please let us know what responses you receive.  

Your courage and willingness to try new things have always been impressive, and we so appreciate you taking the time to interact with us. Your feedback and experiences can help us shape a future we can all be proud of.


Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you.  Email us here.

Jeff Schmidt is the SVP of Professional Development at the Radio Advertising Bureau. You can also connect with him by email JSchmidt@rab.com or on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Your active KBA membership entitles you to complimentary access to RAB's online certifications.

 
DATES TO REMEMBER

AUGUST 15, 2024

9:00am - KBA Board of Directors Meeting - Louisville, KY


SEPTEMBER 29-30, 2024

KBA Annual Conference - Central Bank Center in Lexington


NOVEMBER 21, 2024

9:00am - KBA Board of Directors Meeting - Bowling Green, KY


*All times shown are Eastern

 
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