After months of conversations, submitting requests, brainstorming ideas, and analyzing feedback, we’ve released the full schedule for the 2023 BNM Summit. If you’re looking to see what’s planned, the schedule appears on the main page under the main image section, just above the full list of speakers. I’ll be emailing all speakers this week to make sure they’re aware and fully prepared.

Additionally, you’ll also see that we are having a special SALE on tickets this week. This will be your last chance to take advantage of lower prices. Individual tickets are $174.99 from Monday to Sunday August 27th. From August 28-September 12 you’ll still be able to buy tickets but they will return to the normal rate of $224.99. Tickets are not available on the days of the conference.

Next, we are announcing a special contest for Tennessee college students. As we’ve done each year at our sports summit, we will give current students a chance to attend the show for free in order to learn from and meet the industry’s best and brightest. To be considered for a free ticket, students must submit a video explaining why they wish to attend the show, and pass along details on what they’ve done or are doing to explore a future in the media industry. It doesn’t matter if the student is at Vanderbilt, Fisk, Tennessee, Belmont, Middle Tennessee State or another university, just that they are currently enrolled and pursuing a path into the broadcasting business.

If that wasn’t enough, we’ve also added a few additional speakers to the lineup. I’m pleased to welcome WCCO 830 Program Director Brad Lane, KOA Newsradio 850/94.1 Program Director Dave Tepper, Guaranty Media Vice President and Market Manager Gordy Rush, and KZRG Program Director and BNM columnist Peter Thiele to this year’s lineup. I may still add another name or two to the schedule as there are a few things still being finalized. Aside from those remaining possibilities, we’re done accepting speaking requests.

For those making the trip and wondering what the plan will be for food/drinks, and travel to/from the Summit, here’s what you need to know.

First, if you’re staying at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2400 West End Ave. Nashville, TN, a shuttle will be available to and from the event. Please make sure you’re in line to catch your ride if using the hotel shuttle. If you can’t get on to the bus, the hotel is walking distance of our conference venue, the Student Life Center at Vanderbilt University. You also have the option of using Uber or calling a taxi. Registration opens at 8am on Wednesday.

Secondly, a big thank you to Ramsey Solutions. Thanks to their support we will have the very first BNM Summit Social from 5:30pm-6:30pm on Wednesday September 13th immediately following our Day 1 activities. Free drinks will be provided during the Social at P.F. Changs, 2525 West End Ave. Nashville TN. The restaurant is a 5-6 block walk from the conference. Attendees may also choose to use Uber or a taxi if they don’t prefer to walk. For those looking to eat at the restaurant after the Social, making reservations is recommended. You can do that by calling 615-329-8901.

Lastly, BNM will supply lunch on both days at the show. The only difference is the time of when it is served. On Day 1, lunch is from 12:15-1:15. Attendees have the choice of enjoying a sandwich on site or exiting the building to grab food at one of the nearby restaurants. For Day 2, lunch is part of the BNM Summit After Party, starting at 1:30pm and ending at 3pm, which is when the entire event ends.

Now that those details and the schedule are squared away, the only remaining things on our end are finalizing sponsorships. I want to thank ABC Audio for being the latest group to sign on as an advertising partner with BNM. The deadline to get involved in the Summit is Monday August 28th. We have a lot of partners for our inaugural conference, which is awesome, but we do have a few spots left. If interested, email Stephanie at [email protected].

When I put together a conference, it’s common for participants to want to know what the topics are in advance and will be part of their panel. Though it’d make my life easier to set this up months ahead of time, I believe it’s important to deliver the best event possible. If it means taking longer to post a schedule, making room to accommodate something great or adjusting an idea because another one is better or more relevant, then that’s what we do. It’s all about the final product.

Beyond taking care of our speakers and partners, my main responsibility is making sure we produce the greatest show we can, and providing maximum value for those who make time to join us. If people don’t have a great time and head home with new ideas, information, relationships, and ways to grow their businesses, then we haven’t done our job. That’s why I take my time building these conferences the way I do.

If you work in the News/Talk format and have been thinking about coming but haven’t booked your travel or bought a ticket yet, do it. You will get a lot out of this event. I know there are some in this format still discovering BNM and learning about me. There’s no better way to find out then to be in the room with many others in Nashville next month.