Days Until IBA2025

Date: October 27th
Time: 10AM
Location: Presidential Abraham Lincoln Springfield – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Learn the latest on legal issues every station owner and General Manager needs to know.

TRENDS VS. TRUST
It's easy to chase the latest trend-but in the noise of today's media landscape, broadcasting still delivers what others promise: connection, credibility, and community impact.

THE RALLY CRY
This session is a rally cry for broadcasters everywhere. We'll reignite pride in our purpose, spotlight the unmatched power of our platforms.

FINAL PUNCH
Remind ourselves, and the world, why local media isn't just surviving, it's thriving. Come ready to be inspired, recharged, and reminded why broadcasting is still king!

- Hall of Fame Induction of Mr. T
- Downstate Broadcast Pioneer Awards
- Downstate Vanguard Award Winners
- STUDENT Silver Dome Awards Presentation

As technology evolves rapidly, sales professionals face the dual challenge of adapting to new tools while maintaining fundamental sales principles. This session will explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the sales process, highlighting how AI enhances seller efficiency, streamlines operations, and improves outcomes. Join us to gain insights into leveraging AI effectively, addressing advertiser uncertainty, and thriving in an ever-changing media landscape. Discover practical strategies to integrate advanced technologies into your sales approach while fostering meaningful client relationships.

Step into the mindset of top-performing sellers and learn how to run your sales strategy like a thriving business. In this session, you’ll dive into the habits, tools, and frameworks that successful sales professionals use to drive consistent results and sustainable growth. Discover how to manage your pipeline with precision, set and exceed targets, and build a strong personal brand that resonates with clients. From time management and goal-setting to leveraging data and creating value-driven strategies, this session will provide actionable insights to elevate your approach. Gain the confidence and skills to run your sales territory like a business, maximizing your impact and achieving new levels of success.  Oh, and get reminded why it’s so important to have some fun!  Broadcasting is still the best industry in the world, so be prepared to get excited!  Recommended for all sellers and managers.

Securing in-person meetings with potential clients today is more challenging than ever. Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop where we’ll transform your elevator pitch into a compelling narrative that captivates your audience. Together we’ll brainstorm innovative ideas and rehearse your pitch in a dynamic, collaborative setting. Get ready to elevate your communication skills and inspire clients and prospects to say “yes” to that crucial meeting. 

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Derron Steenbergen is the President and Founder of the Swagger Institute. The Swagger Institute specializes in sales and leadership training, motivational speaking and business and nonprofit consulting. Derron is the founder and partner of The Ten Minute Trainer Network, the industry’s leader in broadcast training. He also spent nearly 30 years as the Chief Revenue Officer of Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation. Steenbergen’s career was built in sales, beginning as a local direct rep and advancing through the ranks of sales management. His years training sales people led to the formation of Swagger.

Steenbergen has recently been called “the most relatable sales guy in the country,” and “the modern day Zig Ziglar.” He is also the past chair of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association where he served several years on the KBA board. He is active with many civic organizations throughout South Central Kentucky. Steenbergen is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, married to Krista Steenbergen and has three daughters, Logan, Lyn Dawsyn and Landry. When he is not working, Derron enjoys relaxing with a good cigar.

Jeff Schmidt likes to start with “why,” and Jeff’s why is: To Inspire engage, educate, equip, and empower people to believe in themselves, have confidence in their abilities, and achieve even greater levels of success – however they define success.

While his mother wanted him to become a preacher or a lawyer, Jeff Schmidt became an salesperson with the Midwest Family Broadcast Group in the 80s. Jeff has been “on the air”, on the streets as a successful seller, and has spent years inspiring teams as sales manager. Jeff has navigated the complexities of working for small independently owned companies, survived the tumultuous occasions of ownership changes, and excelled in the corporate arena. He rose through the ranks as sales manager, market manager, and regional vice president and has served in various sales roles and organizations in his 30+ years in radio.

As Senior Vice President of Professional Development, Jeff Schmidt oversees the professional development group across all RAB’s training services and works with the industry’s leadership to continue to provide a professional development practice positioned to serve an evolving industry sales force focused on digital, solution based integrated marketing and sales efforts.

Jeff’s passion is to help you get better. He lives his personal mission statement: Think BIG and make BIG things happen.