2026 IBA-“U” and Student Silver Dome Awards

IBA-“U” is the IBA’s annual one-day conference specifically designed for college students preparing for a media career, held in conjunction with IBA’s annual professional conference as hundreds of the state’s broadcasters assemble for a day of education and celebration.

This year’s IBA-“U” will take place on October 1st at the Crowne Plaza Springfield.

The Student Silver Dome Awards will take place at 11:45AM during the IBA2026 Awards Luncheon.

To view this year’s Student Silver Dome Awards finalists, click here.

To register for the event, click here.

Cost for attendance is $15 per attendee.

At 211° water is hot but at 212° water boils! The energy rises to a level that causes a transformation into steam – a power source! Discover how to create a new level of energy in your team and create an unstoppable force of success.

Attendees will learn the tactics necessary to make the 1° Decision and unlock their true potential and the untapped potential of their team members. With an emphasis on developing a powerful mindset that leads to unparalleled performance and results, the audience will understand how to stay on course with their goals, overcome any obstacle, and arrive at their dream destination.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn strategies to sustain high levels of focus.
  • Understand how to empower your team members.
  • Discover new ways to overcome anything holding you back.
  • Achieve success, no matter what circumstances you face.

- Hall of Fame Induction 
- Downstate Vanguard Award Winners
- Downstate Broadcast Pioneer Award
- Broadcaster of the Year Award
- Student Silver Dome Awards Presentation

AI isn’t replacing sellers—it’s helping us work smarter and faster. This session walks through the modern sales cycle and shows how AI can streamline everything from prospecting and research to CNAs, presentations, and creative messaging. A practical, real-world look at how radio and TV sellers can shorten the sales cycle without losing the relationship-driven heart of the job.

Uncertainty doesn't lower the bar — it raises it. When budgets tighten and buyers get cautious, the sellers who win aren't the ones with the fanciest pitch, they're the ones who stay focused on what they can control: the next call, the next conversation, the next relationship built on trust. This session breaks down how top performers block out the noise of the economy and keep showing up to win the day, every day.

From his book, Dynamic Sales Combustion, learn how to do more than having just a sales vehicle; learn how to fire up your sales engine and drive sales to new levels. Discover the high-energy power of enhancing perceptions and mastering sales activities like contacting and follow-up.

Key Takeaways:

Attendees will discover the sales strategies and techniques necessary to open new opportunities, stay motivated, and impact their clients at higher levels during these unprecedented times. With an emphasis on understanding the sales engine that powers their sales vehicles, sales leaders will learn new ways to enhance their performance while achieving greater results. Today’s sales leaders will unleash their unlimited potential!

  • Learn strategies to enhance your mindset
  • Understand how to identify and gather important data
  • Discover new ways to build deeper relationships
  • Create the structure necessary for gold-medal results
REGISTER NOW