The Cable Show 2013 PREVIEW

In four short days, this year’s Cable Show opens its doors just a few blocks from NCTA’s office right here in D.C.  It’s a showcase of what’s happening in cable tech and television and if you’re not careful, you’ll miss something big. So to make things a little easier, here’s Cable Tech Talk’s preview of Cable Show must-sees and must-dos while on the show floor and in D.C.

For a full events list and schedule, go to 2013.thecableshow.com

GENERAL SESSIONS

The Cable Show 2013’s trio of General Sessions offers candid, unscripted and insightful conversations involving some of the leading strategists from the worlds of media and communications (not to mention an opening act you won’t want to miss). You’ll hear some of the world’s most influential innovators from television, digital media, broadband communications and the investment community share insights about the impact of digital technologies on their businesses – and on the world.

Monday’s General Session includes NCTA President and CEO Michael Powell’s keynote presentation followed by two panels, the first includes some big names in new media like Jim Bankoff from Vox Media, Hosain Rahman from Jawbone, and Ali Rowghani from Twitter.

On Tuesday, General Session events include a one-on-one conversation with Michael Powell and Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn. Following the conversation will be a highly anticipated tech demo from Comcast’s Brian Roberts.

Wednesday’s General Session starts with a conversation with Jennifer Lopez and a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The General Sessions will conclude with an exclusive, Cable Show-first entertainment panel with some of Hollywood’s top TV producers and writers.

IMAGINE PARK

Imagine Park is The Cable Show's live portal for killer concepts, major breakthroughs and audacious ideas that are about to take digital living to entirely new places. It's the place where great ideas connect with great people. Where industry visionaries connect with today's innovative youth. Where the next big thing might just be the next thing you see on stage.

A few sessions we’re looking forward to are the June 10thSecond Screen Scene and the June 11thInternet of Everything. And don’t forget Tech Talk with Tony on June 12th where some of the coolest tech demos of the week will be packed into one session.

OBSERVATORY

Situated directly across from Imagine Park you will find The Observatory, a 360-degree immersive multimedia venue that combines visual storytelling, product showcases and demos, and audio-video experiences.

Inside The Observatory you will be able to hear what some of cable’s most creative and entertaining storytellers have to say, watch cable’s evolution unfold before your eyes, play with captivating new apps on all sorts of second screen devices, interact with new user interfaces and much more – all powered by a network showing off what cable broadband can do!

OUTSIDE THE CONVENTION CENTER

This year expect exciting guerilla marketing from some of cable’s biggest names.

We’d love to tell you more, but it’s a bit of a mystery – even to us! But if you want the inside scoop, we’d be out front of the convention center with a camera on Monday, June 10th at 11 AM if we were you.

WHILE IN DC

For those coming from out of town, DC has a lot to offer beyond monuments and museums. If you have a little bit of time in between Cable Show activities, here are a few ideas:

If you’re in early, take in a Nationals game. Cable Show attendees can get a special price on the Sunday, June 9th game before the show. Go here for tickets and more information.

If you’re a foodie, than you’re in luck! DC has become something of a gastronomic paradise. Be sure to check out DC institutions like Bens Chili Bowl for a half-smoke and Johnny’s Half Shell for a classic DC crab cake. If you really want to stamp your diner passport, visit Graffiato. From Mike Isabella (of Top Chef Season 6), Graffiato offers an amazing selection of locally sourced Italian style delicacies. It’s just around the corner from the D.C. Convention Center so there’s no excuse not to drop by!

Whether it’s your first Cable Show or your fiftieth, it’s tough to take the whole show in in just three short days. So make a plan, pick your favorites, and don’t forget to follow @CableShow and join the conversation through #Cable 13 on Twitter and Instagram to stay on top of the latest Cable Show news and information. We’ll see you next week!