VAB will once again host a combined EAS Operator Summit, TV & Radio Station Leader Assembly and Get-To-Know-Your-State-Legislator mixer Wednesday, February 12th at Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier. While details are still being worked out, keep this date on your calendar reserved to attend this free event, which includes a complimentary lunch from 12:30-1:30PM.

EAS Operator Summit:
Approx. 9:30AM-12:30PM

The VT State Emergency Communications Committee (VT SECC) met on December 11th and approved changes to VT’s EAS Plan that impact which stations your station(s) will monitor in the near future. During this meeting, it became clear that the EAS areas in the plan need to be redrawn and we can only do that if we have all the stakeholders in the room. We will also discuss how the recent announcement by Sage to discontinue making their ENDEC impacts you as well as other FCC notices of proposed rule making. Note, this event is in addition to the free engineering-on-a-budget training event that will happen in North Conway, NH in May.

TV & Radio Station Leader Assembly:
Approx. 1:30-4:30PM

For Commercial Stations: Whereas details on the exact content are TBD, this will be an Executive level discussion about serious topics including workforce recruitment, how technology (ie Generative AI, digital dashboard, ATSC 3.0 and podcasting) is changing commercial broadcasting as well as an update on Federal legislative initiatives from the NAB Government Relations team. 

For Community Stations: Leaders of Vermont’s community stations will have the opportunity to gather in person to discuss ways to collaborate, share content, engage volunteers, shape their missions and give advice to the new LPFMs just starting out.

Get-to-Know Your State Legislator Mixer:
Approx. 4:30-6:30PM

The VAB will invite all Vermont state senators and representatives to attend a reception where they can meet and/or get better acquainted with the radio & TV station leaders in their districts. This mixer gives broadcasters an opportunity to educate law makers about how they serve the community and keep Vermonters safe by communitcating in real time during emergencies and/or disasters.