Welcome to the Radio magazine NAB2006 preview. The NAB convention is the largest broadcasting event of the year, and this year's convention is expected to be another record-attendance event. Digital technologies are maturing, radio ad sales continue to show increases and consumer interest in media is as high as it has ever been. The discussions on the convention floor will likely cover the various forms of digital terrestrial radio and its associated technology.

Our convention preview provides many elements to help you prepare for the show. This issue of Radio magazine is packed with useful information to help you navigate the floor. The exhibit hall is the center of activity and overflows with new product introductions. Look for many of the new products in the NAB Extra!

The FASTtrack — a Radio magazine exclusive — organizes the exhibitors into product categories, and then sorts them according to booth number. This is done so that you can plot the shortest course — the fastest track — between exhibitors showing the products you seek.

The convention floor covers a lot of space, and most of the radio-specific exhibits are in the North Hall. Our pull-out map will help you find your way.

When you need a break from the exhibit halls, take in a session. The session timetable outlines all the events of the Broadcast Engineering Conference and more.

And be sure to take the FASTtrack with you on your PDA. Download the Radio magazine FASTtrack, Exhibitor Directory and BEC Session Guide to your Palm or Pocket PC today. The files are on the Radio magazine website. Look for the FASTtrack for PDA link.

See you in Las Vegas.