Who are three of my new favorite people?
George Alexander Louis (the royal baby), Geraldo Rivera, and of course, Anthony Weiner.
All three of these wonderful celebrities have conspired to knock the Detroit bankruptcy story right off the front pages of newspapers and out of the mainstream news cycle. Sometimes this short attention span thing works in your favor.
So in spite of all this noise surrounding these big newsmakers, we’re going against the grain and putting Detroit right back on the map – front and center – where it belongs. It’s your invitation to take a journey this fall to the land of cars for a unique multi-industry gathering that will have its focus out the windshield, looking down the road.
Jacobs Media is partnering with Radio Ink and telematics expert Valerie Shuman to present DASH – a two day conference on October 23-24 that will bring together key players in radio, the automotive industry, car dealers, and ad agencies to meet, exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and learn from one another. It will conveniently take place at the beautiful Westin Hotel located right inside the terminal at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, allowing for a smooth in and out process for attendees.
And yes, where else but Detroit? Much like why these Country radio conferences are held in Nashville, Detroit continues to be at the epicenter of what’s moving and shaking in the auto industry – and how the connected car impacts the world of audio entertainment – or “audiotainment.”
Radio and the car have historically been like peanut butter and jelly. Inseparable. Connected. A team.
But starting with Ford’s SYNC system, and spreading throughout the automotive industry, the dashboard is changing – and fast. Learning how this affects radio – in terms of content consumption and revenue – is at the heart of why we’re presenting DASH – a conference dedicated to this pivotal movement that impacts radio right down to its DNA.
We know that the lion’s share of broadcast radio listening takes place behind the wheel. That’s especially the case for progressively younger generations of Americans. And we also know about the importance of automotive revenue – nationally and locally – to our stations in markets big and small. That’s why this conference is so important.
Starting with Radio Ink’s Convergence back in 2012, perhaps the first true “digital dash” panel took place. I was honored to participate in that session, moderated by Greater Media’s Buzz Knight, featuring executives from GM, Toyota, and Harman (Aha).
Since then, just about every radio-centric conference has included a connected car session – or plans to very soon – signifying the importance of this issue to the radio business. I’ll be co-presenting with Valerie at the Morning Show Boot Camp’s convention early next month. And I’m honored to share the Radio Show stage in Orlando with telematics impresario, Roger Lanctot – a Super Session put together with Arbitron, the NAB, and the RAB.
These events are important for raising awareness, informing broadcasters, and setting the stage for an important future between these two storied industries. And that’s why we’ve created DASH.
There is no one more passionate about radio than Radio Ink’s Eric Rhoads. And Valerie Shuman has a long, successful history in telematics, and has become a highly visible player in radio circles since we first shared the podium at the Arbitron Client Conference this past December.
Together, we’re crafting an agenda designed to present a 360° view of the connected car by bringing together radio execs and managers, the OEMs, Tier 1s, ad agencies, and car dealers in a unique format that will feature panels, keynotes, and brainstorms where these diverse groups will work together to learn from one another and explore ways in which our industries can work together.
The response has already been enthusiastic and supportive as Erica Farber and the RAB, David Field, Peter Smyth, and many others are already committed, making reservations, and ready to go.
Soon to come, announcements from the auto side of the spectrum, including local dealers who play an important role in the relationship, as well as the agencies spending millions of dollars in auto advertising.
So why fly to the Motor City this fall and hang out with a bunch of “Detroit bigwigs” and other motivated and passionate industry professionals?
Because the connected car is truly connected to radio’s future.
For more information about DASH and to register, click here.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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