Public radio’s engineers have a spring date in Las Vegas, and their association is already working to fill it. The annual Public Radio Engineering Conference is open for registration, presentation proposals, and scholarship applications, with a bigger scholarship push.
The 27th PREC is set for April 1 and 2, 2027, at the Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas, the Thursday and Friday before NAB Show. Attendees can secure a seat via the Association of Public Radio Engineers website, with early-bird pricing available until February 27.
Registration includes all presentations, meals, the Thursday Night Owl session, and special room rates from the Tuscany. A virtual option offers live viewing of all presentations and the ability to ask presenters questions at a special price.
APRE is accepting presentation proposals through January 29, or until all slots are filled. The group is seeking technical presentations that are neither marketing nor promotion for a specific product, company, or service, based on peer knowledge and experience, manufacturer solutions, and educational papers.
Topics include emerging technology, RF theory and antenna and transmitter innovations, audio production, automation and traffic systems, STLs and studio links, console technology, SNMP, budget planning, legal issues and compliance, virtualization, facility upgrades, remote studio operation, and digital services such as video, streaming, and podcasting. Proposals can be submitted via an online form and are reviewed by the PREC Presentations Committee, led by Chair Jim Gray.
Additionally, APRE plans to expand its scholarship program for 2027, with a goal of doubling the awards given last year. Scholarships help cover the cost of attending in person or virtually. Applicants must be employed at a public radio station and have less than two years of experience, and engineers who have not attended PREC in the last five years are also encouraged to apply.
Applications are due January 29, via the scholarship application link on the APRE website.
