NYS Broadcasters Association to Host 49th Annual Executive Conference June 27-28th in Bolton Landing, N.Y.

ALBANY, N.Y., May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) today unveiled its slate of activities for its 49th annual Executive Conference and the schedule surely will not disappoint.

More than 350 of the most influential people in New York's media, advertising and broadcasting industries are expected to attend the two-day conference, which will take place June 27-28 at the picturesque Sagamore Resort on Lake George.

The event will kick-off Monday with a welcoming reception followed by The Tony Malara Memorial Awards Dinner, featuring the 45th Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting — a competition recognizing outstanding achievement among New York's radio and television stations.  The dinner will also feature induction ceremonies into the association's prestigious Hall of Fame, as well as the 2011 Broadcaster of the Year Award.

"I am particularly pleased with this year's conference program," said NYSBA President Joseph A. Reilly, who will retire from his post following the conference. "Our organization has always been able to draw together the broadcast industry's best and that's certainly true for this year's conference. I am thrilled that the culmination of my NYSBA tenure will follow on the heels of what will be a top-notch event."

Tuesday's sessions kick-off with concurrent sessions by Television Bureau of Advertising President Steve Lanzano and Jeff Haley, president/CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau, who will provide an overview of where each of their respective industries is headed.

Next on center stage, Neil Cavuto, senior vice president, Fox Business News and host of "Your World with Neil Cavuto," will offer his unique perspective on the latest business broadcast news.  Named "the best interviewer in broadcast business news" by The Journalist and Financial Reporter, Cavuto has covered some of the most important business stories of the last two decades, including the 1987 stock market crash, Microsoft's antitrust lawsuit, and the financial scandals involving Enron, Tyco and Martha Stewart.

Cavuto will be followed to the podium by Gordon H. Smith, president/CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, who will update attendees on the critical issues affecting the broadcasting industry.  

Shortly thereafter, the "Digital Strategists Panel," moderated by Pierre Bouvard, senior vice president of media sales with TRA Inc., a leading advertiser analytics company, will convene to discuss digital revenue opportunities in a downturn economy.  Panelists include: Matt Sunshine, executive vice president of the Center for Sales Strategy; Sree Nagarajan, founder and CEO, Colligent Inc.; Craig Smith, executive vice president of sales and distribution, WorldNow Network; and, Eric Straus, president/CEO of Straus Digital Media and 10 Local Coupons.

"Digital revenue remains one of the fastest growing cash flow sources in the broadcasting business," added Reilly.  "This informative session will provide the latest strategies for effectively developing digital media advertising (online, mobile or cross-platform packages) revenue today."

The last session will be followed by the 49th Annual NYSBA Golf Tournament at the Sagamore Golf Course, named a top U.S. Resort Course by Conde Nast. After conquering the mountainside links, attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception along with the Sagamore's "Spectacular Surf and Turf Under the Stars."

Blood Sweat and Tears, the legendary group known for their multiple Billboard Top 40 hits such as "You've Made Me So Very Happy" and "Spinning Wheel," will rock this year's conference to a close.

For more information on NYSBA's 49th Annual Executive Conference, call (518) 456-8888.

Founded in 1955, the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) represents the interests of more than 1000 television and radio stations in the NYS Senate and Assembly; the US Congress, and various other legislative bodies. NYSBA also offers a variety of services to help the broadcasters of New York State better serve their communities.

SOURCE New York State Broadcasters Association