For weeks I’ve been wanting to get this out but sometimes things change leading up to an event so patience is required. Our full agenda for next week’s conference is set, and I’ve added a few last-minute surprises, which I’m excited to share with you. If you scroll down below you will see a photo with our detailed schedule plus a link which takes you to the schedule page on the BNM Summit website. I’ve also added a bunch of specific things in this column so all of your questions are answered in advance.

So let’s get you updated on what’s been added.

For starters, when the BNM Summit ends on Day 2 at 1:30pm, it will be immediately followed by the BNM Summit Wrap Up, a 90-minute opportunity to enjoy free lunch and network with industry friends and colleagues before heading home. In addition, I’m pleased to share that we’ll have a special live acoustic performance from upcoming country artist Braden Hull. I’m sure folks on hand will like what they hear.

Secondly, we initially listed ‘Details Still To Come‘ for the second session on Day 2, and now I can finally reveal what’s planned. That session will be titled ‘The Marketplace of Ideas‘ and feature Martha Maurer of KTAR in Phoenix, Dave Tepper of KOA in Denver, Peter Thiele of KZRG in Joplin, and McGraw Milhaven of KTRS in St. Louis. Each PD will spend six minutes taking attendees through three successful promotions/events their brands have created in their respective markets. We’ll leave a few minutes for questions as well.

The third addition to the schedule is one I’ve been working on for a bit and I’m so glad that it came together. Thanks to Jill Albert and the great teams at Direct Results and Omaha Steaks, we will make history at the BNM Summit during The Shark Tank. Except this version will have a twist.

Jill will serve as our lead shark with BNM’s Andy Bloom and Peter Thiele serving as special advisors. They will welcome Tim Wenger of WBEN in Buffalo, Gordy Rush of Talk Radio 107.3 in Baton Rouge, Dan Endom of Talk Radio 98.3 WLAC in Nashville, David Wood of WIBC in Indianapolis, and McGraw Milhaven of KTRS in St. Louis into the tank, where each will spend 3 minutes highlighting their brands influence, success, and value. 2-minutes will be available for follow ups from the sharks.

What exactly will they be pitching their brands for? That’s where it gets exciting. The best pitch will receive a $4,000 advertising buy courtesy of Omaha Steaks.

The purpose of the session is to educate the room on the sales-buyer process, and how to present your brand’s success story quickly, and succinctly. When this idea came to me after a brainstorming call with Demetri Ravanos, I knew we had a chance to do something big and different. Thanks to Direct Results and Omaha Steaks, we’re bringing the idea to life. I can’t wait to watch it unfold.

For the full list of sessions, see the image below or click here for the more detailed version.

There are a few other important items I’d like to pass along about check in, hotel shuttles, the BNM Summit Social on Wednesday night, tickets, sponsorships, and our college contest.

First, we’ve outgrown the room we picked for the BNM Summit Social so we are switching our location. The Wednesday night event from 5:30-6:30 presented by Ramsey Solutions will now originate from the Central Bar & Kitchen at the Marriott Nashville-Vanderbilt. The bar is located at 2555 West End Avenue, walking distance of the Summit. I’ll provide reminders during the show to make sure everyone knows where to go for free drinks after Day 1.

Next, sponsorships for the Summit are no longer available. If companies are looking to take advantage of promoting themselves around this year’s event, reach out to Stephanie Eads to see what options exist on the BNM website and BNM Rundown newsletter. She can be reached by email at [email protected].

If you’re staying at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, a shuttle will be available to and from the event. The hotel is only a few blocks away our conference venue so walking is also an option. So too is using Uber or a taxi service.

Speaking of hotels, our room block and discounted room rate are no longer available. You can still book a room at a higher price at the Homewood Suites by Hilton or seek out another nearby option.

For those curious about check in, registration opens at 8am CT both days. Please bring photo ID with you so the process runs smoothly. All attending or participating in the show will receive an email next Monday with the full list of attendees in order to reach out in advance and arrange meetups.

As far as tickets are concerned, they will remain on-sale until close of business on Monday September 11th. They will not be available for purchase after that. To make sure you’re not left out of this year’s show, go here to secure your seat.

We are also running a special college contest to reward Tennessee students with free tickets to the show. All a student has to do for consideration is submit a 2-minute video by email to [email protected] explaining why they’d like to go, and what steps they’re taking to pursue a future in broadcasting or journalism. The deadline for submissions is Friday September 8th. If you know someone in school who’d benefit from being in the room, please make them aware of the opportunity.

Last but not least, we are looking for a few local people to help out at the show. If you’re in Nashville in college or working in radio-TV-print-advertising, etc. and interested in a paid opportunity, reach out to Stephanie Eads at [email protected].

I know that’s a lot to digest but I like to leave no stone unturned. If over the next seven days you’re unsure of what’s happening and can’t find it on BNMSummit.com, circle back to this article. It has everything you need to know in it. If you still can’t find an answer, Stephanie Eads from my team will help you out. Her email is listed twice in this column.

We’re closing in on a special moment for this brand, and I can’t wait to bring people together and put the News/Talk format on display. None of this happens without a lot of talented people making time to contribute, and great partners stepping up to support our efforts. I have high hopes for the future of this format but know there’s a lot that needs to be done to move it forward. We start digging in next week. I’ll see you in Nashville.