Nashville Gears Up For CRS 2011: “Where Connections Are Made”

Feb 28, 2011 Nashville Gears Up For CRS 2011: “Where Connections Are Made”

Nashville Gears Up For CRS 2011: “Where Connections Are Made” Country Radio Seminar 2011 is March 2-4 at the Nashville Convention Center (Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 28, 2011)  Music City is gearing up this week for the biggest Country radio industry event in the world as CRS 2011 prepares to kick off on Wednesday, March 2, in downtown Nashville. Proclaimed “Country Radio Week” by Mayor Karl Dean, CRS 2011 is held March 2-4 at the Nashville Convention Center.  This year’s theme is “Where Connections Are Made,” a reference to the social, educational and professional networking opportunities afforded to the thousands who attend the three-day seminar each year.  Planned and executed by Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., the annual event brings the best and brightest educators, innovators, speakers and performers in the Country radio industry to Nashville. “This year, we are really stressing the networking aspect of Country Radio Seminar,” says CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “We’ve offered deeply discounted rates to make the seminar more affordable for those hit hardest by the economy, and for those still unable to attend, we’ve placed more emphasis on our social media initiatives to keep them abreast of what’s going on at CRS.  Our goal has always been to share information and provide a forum for professionals in this industry to interact with each other so that Country radio remains a healthy and vital component of the music industry.” CRS 2011 is packed with educational panels, prominent speakers, research presentations, awards, exhibits and intimate performances from some of Country music’s biggest stars and emerging artists.  A thumbnail summary of agenda highlights follows below. Tuesday, March 1: The Country Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner unofficially kicks off CRS each year.  The 2011 inductees are Dale Carter, Barry Kent and Lee Rogers (On-Air Personality) and Charlie Cook, Dene Hallam and Bill Payne (Radio).  The Judds are receiving the 2011 Career Achievement Award and Joe Galante is receiving the President’s Award.  This year’s ceremony and dinner has sold out. Wednesday, March 2: Country music superstar Carrie Underwood officially opens CRS 2011 with a performance of the national anthem, followed by the keynote address, delivered this year by Scripps Networks CEO Ken Lowe.  Presentation of the Tom Rivers Award and the Artist and Radio Humanitarian Awards follow the keynote address.  Wednesday’s key panels include a session on digital media and its effects on the business of radio and records, a tutorial on conducting on-air interviews, and the “Show Me the Money” panel, an eye-opening look at the economics of the music industry.  Attendees will get an opportunity to review actual financial figures from the radio, record and artist perspective.  Wednesday’s performances include the second annual UMG luncheon at the Ryman Auditorium with scheduled appearances from: Gary Allan, Laura Bell Bundy, Hayes Carll, Coldwater Jane, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Dani Flowers, Vince Gill, Mallary Hope, Jamey Johnson, Josh Kelley, Randy Montana, Kip Moore, David Nail, Randy Rogers Band, Ashton Shepherd, Canaan Smith, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack and special surprise guests.  The afternoon KCRS Live! songwriter showcase features Aaron Lewis, LoCash Cowboys, Rivers Rutherford and Jeffrey Steele.  Blake Shelton headlines the Music City Jam™, which closes out Wednesday’s events at the Convention Center. Thursday, March 3: Thursday is loaded with educational panels, case studies, focus groups and research presentations.   A sample of Thursday’s panels include: 90 Executable Ideas in 50 Minutes, Strengthening Partnerships Through Social Media, What Radio and Records Don’t Know About Each Other, From the Mouths of the Consumer (focus group), Creating Successful Marketing Programs Using Country Radio (case study) and more.  The CRB and CMA-sponsored research presentation examines new media trends and usage as it pertains to both the Country music consumer and the Country music professional. Performance events include the Sony Music Nashville luncheon, featuring Ronnie Dunn and Joanna Smith.  Dallas Davidson, Jerrod Niemann and Whitey Shafer headline the WCRS Live! songwriter showcase, and the Broadjam Acoustic Showcase features Mark Croft. Friday, March 4: Friday offers attendees a variety of panels, including: Leadership Skills and Management Secrets, Video Saved the Radio Star, Inside the Brand with the Decision Makers, PPM: Pardon the Interruption, Building Revenue with Social Media, Concerts: Connect the Dots Between Ratings, Revenue and Promotions and the popular Town Hall wrap-up panel. Friday’s musical performances includes Luke Bryan at the Capitol Records Nashville luncheon, followed in the evening by one of Country Radio Seminar’s most anticipated events, the sold out New Faces of Country Music Show®.  The CRS 2011 New Faces lineup is: The Band Perry, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Steel Magnolia and Josh Thompson.  The Digital Rodeo “British Invasion” Show closes out CRS 2011 at Cadillac Ranch.  Performers include: Katie Armiger, Burns and Poe, Sarah Darling, Due West, Ashley Gearing, Josh Gracin, The Harters, Jacob Lyda, One Night Rodeo, Julie Roberts, Adam Tefteller, Tiffany, Bryan White, Mark Wills and more. A detailed schedule with descriptions of all CRS 2011 panels and events can be viewed at www.CRB.org or accessed via the new CRS 2011 smartphone application.  Available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry, the app provides seminar attendees with an expanded CRS agenda, featuring panel descriptions, speaker bios, live performances, post-CRS nightlife activities, a map of downtown Nashville and the ability to rate individual panels and panelists. CRB is also upgrading its social media initiatives at CRS 2011.  Throughout the three-day seminar, CRB will post Facebook and Twitter updates from the Convention Center about specific panel highlights, artist performances, special guests and more.  Ongoing video blogs from CRS will be posted at CRB.org. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at (615) 327-4487. About CRS: The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the Country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2011 will be held March 2-4, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn.  $499 On-Site registration (excluding a ticket to the sold out New Faces Show) is available at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at (615) 327-4487.

Nashville Gears Up For CRS 2010: “It’s A Whole New Decade!”

Feb 25, 2010 Nashville Gears Up For CRS 2010: “It’s A Whole New Decade!”

Country Radio Seminar Runs Wednesday, Feb. 24 – Feb. 26 at the Nashville Convention Center Music City is preparing this week for Nashville’s biggest annual Country radio industry event as CRS 2010 opens on Wednesday, Feb. 24, in downtown Nashville at the Convention Center. Proclaimed “Country Radio Week” by Mayor Karl Dean, the week of Country Radio Seminar is the culmination of months of planning by Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. to bring the best and brightest educators, speakers and performers to Nashville that the Country Radio industry has to offer.  The three-day event has undergone a series of upgrades this year that include a redesigned agenda, updated educational panels, newly enhanced feature events, the debut of a $99 Unemployment Rate and more artist performances than ever before. “This year’s CRS has made significant strides to bring our seminar up to date in many key areas,” says interim CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “Our slogan of ‘It’s A Whole New Decade’ is designed to let everyone know that Country Radio Broadcasters has heard the call of our radio industry and worked hard to give our seminar a facelift.  Our work is not done, but we feel that CRS 2010 is a positive step towards our goal as we begin this new decade.” A brief, day-by-day summary of CRS 2010 agenda highlights follows below. Tuesday, Feb. 24: The Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame induction and dinner unofficially marks the beginning of CRS each year.  The 2010 inductees are Bill Bailey, Laurie DeYoung and Rudy Fernandez (DJ Hall of Fame) and Cy Blumenthal, Dan Halyburton and Mike Hammond (Radio Hall of Fame).  Brooks & Dunn will receive the Career Achievement Award and Charlie Cook will be presented the President’s Award.  Dierks Bentley will give a special acoustic performance to honor Brooks & Dunn. Tickets for the DJ Hall of Fame event are now sold out. Wednesday, Feb. 24: Following the official welcoming ceremonies, Wednesday’s events kick off with the anticipated keynote address from financial expert Dave Ramsey, followed by the Artist & Radio Humanitarian Awards.  Key panels during the day include a Country Consumers focus group, a motivational Workplace 911 session with best-selling author Bob Rosner, a label and radio partnership discussion and the Arbitron-sponsored PPM panel.  Wednesday’s performances include a packed UMG luncheon at the Ryman Auditorium with: Gary Allan, Ryan Bingham, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, Mallary Hope, Julianne Hough, Jamey Johnson, David Nail, Randy Rogers Band, Sugarland, Josh Turner and Lee Ann Womack.  ASCAP’s songwriter showcase (formerly KCRS Live!) will feature Darius Rucker, as well as songwriters Clay Mills, Frank Rogers, Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley and Rivers Rutherford.  The CRS 2010 Music City Jam™ performance will be given by Taylor Swift, and Rascal Flatts will close out the evening with their 10th anniversary radio party, sponsored by Lyric Street Records.  Rodney Atkins will perform an acoustic set during the label partnership panel.  Wednesday also features the return of the Artist/Attendee Welcome Reception just prior to the Music City Jam. Thursday, Feb. 25: Thursday is packed with a wealth of educational panels, including sessions on how to increase station revenue, pros and cons of playlists, how to attract and hold on to listeners, improving interview skills and more.  One of Thursday’s highlights is this year’s CMA Research Presentation, which will provide recent data and feedback from its Country Music Fan Tracking Study.  A follow-up research workshop will review and interpret the study’s findings. Performances include the Sony luncheon, featuring Alan Jackson, Danny Gokey, and a special announcement from Brooks & Dunn.  WCRS Live! (sponsored by BMI and Country Aircheck) hosts performances from legendary Tom T. Hall and fellow songwriters Wynn Varble and Easton Corbin. Friday, Feb. 26: Friday kicks off with the Manager’s Breakfast, followed by a morning of panels and sessions on: maximizing promotional budgets, PPM technology, radiothons, Arbitron vs. Nielsen, small market programming and the CRS Hot Topic panel: The Art of Transition.  After lunch, topics include brand marketing, online media marketing, talent coaching, the popular Town Hall panel and more.  The Operation Troop Aid package deployment assembly line will take place just before Friday’s luncheon. Performances on Friday include Emily West and Eric Church at the Capitol luncheon and one of Country Radio Seminar’s perennial highlights, the New Faces of Country Music Show.  This year’s lineup features: Gloriana, Randy Houser, Love and Theft, Justin Moore and Chris Young.  The Digital Rodeo Guilty Pleasures Show unofficially closes out CRS 2010 at Cadillac Ranch. On-site registration for CRS 2010 is $649 and single day registrations are available for $225. A detailed schedule and descriptions of CRS 2010’s panels and confirmed panelists can be viewed at the Country Radio Broadcasters website: www.CRB.org.  CRB, Inc. reserves the right to modify or change the agenda as speakers and panelists are added or removed. About CRS: The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2010 will be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn.  Registration is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487. About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at 615-327-4487.

Week of March 2, 2009 Officially Declared "Country Radio Week"

Feb 3, 2009 Week of March 2, 2009 Officially Declared "Country Radio Week"

Week of March 2, 2009 Officially Declared "Country Radio Week"  Mayor Karl Dean has officially proclaimed the week of March 2, 2009 as "Country Radio Week" in Nashville, Tenn. in recognition of Country Radio Seminar 40. In appreciation of the contributions made to Nashville by Country Radio Seminar over the past 40 years, the mayor will present the proclamation to Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Executive Director Ed Salamon and President Becky Brenner when he welcomes attendees to CRS-40 on March 4. "For the fifth consecutive year, CRS week has been designated as 'Country Radio Week' here in Nashville," said CRB Executive Director Ed Salamon.  "We are honored that Mayor Karl Dean has recognized the seminar as an important component to the ongoing vitality of our city's economy and culture." The proclamation states that "Country radio promotes Nashville tourism daily by broadcasting information about our city and its attractions.  Country radio is the primary medium for exposure of Country music, an endeavor which employs many Nashvillians as artists, writers and producers."   CRS-40 will be held March 4-6, 2009 at the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.  Complete seminar information may be obtained by contacting CRB, Inc. at 615.327.4487 or by visiting www.crb.org.  The current rate of $699 expires Feb. 6.  On-site registration is $749.

Nashville Mayor Declares the Week of March 3, 2008 "Country Radio Week"

Feb 25, 2008 Nashville Mayor Declares the Week of March 3, 2008 "Country Radio Week"

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean issued a proclamation making the week of March 3, 2008 "Country Radio Week." The mayor will present the official proclamation to Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Executive Director Ed Salamon and President Becky Brenner when he welcomes attendees to the 39th Country Radio Seminar (CRS-39) on March 5th. The proclamation recognizes that "Country radio promotes Nashville tourism daily by broadcasting information about our city and its attractions. Country radio is the primary medium for exposure of Country music, an endeavor that employs many Nashvillians as artists, writers and producers. Country Radio Seminar will bring country radio professionals together from all across America." Ed Salamon, Executive Director of the CRB stated, "We are gratified that Mayor Karl Dean recognizes the considerable economic impact that country radio has on Nashville and Davidson County and has given radio its own week" This honor reinforces the reputation of CRS-39 as the premier forum for education and information for members of the country music industry. Along with continuing education panels for industry professionals, the CRS-39 agenda includes research presentations, artist showcases and discussion forums. Issues that impact Country radio sales and programming, as well as the record industry in general, will be covered during the three-day event. CRS-39 will take place from March 5th to 7th at the Nashville Convention Center. All agenda and registration details are available at www.crb.org. For additional information contact the CRB office at 615-327-4487.

Nashville Gears Up for 38th Annual Country Radio Seminar

Feb 26, 2007 Nashville Gears Up for 38th Annual Country Radio Seminar

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is  again preparing for the official start of the Country Radio Seminar, this year scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2007. The seminar will take place during the third official "Country Radio Week", as declared by the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. This is known as "Market Week" for the Country industry as labels and vendors roll out their new products to radio. Country radio promotes Nashville tourism daily by broadcasting information about our city and attractions. It is the primary medium for the exposure of Country music, an endeavor that employs many Nashvillains as artists, writers and producers. Ed Salamon, Executive Director of CRB, said, "There's nothing else like The Country Radio Seminar in any other radio format. This week over one thousand radio folks from all over the USA will come to town and join forces with their record industry counterparts to learn what's new in Country radio, hear the music that they may soon be playing and return home to talk about Nashville and Country music every day for the next year." CRS-38 provides continuing education for industry professionals which is vital in this rapidly evolving industry. The panel discussions and speakers, along with the session topics, are decided by the CRS Agenda Committee. The committee is made up of representatives from all facets of the Country radio and music communities. In addition to the programming and promotion panels, research presentations, round tables, discussions, and other popular features. The CRS 38 agenda will focus on critical and controversial industry issues. This years highlights will include two research presentations by Edison Research: a review of Hispanic attitudes towards Country radio and Country music, and a large scale study of loyal country radio listeners. CRS 38 will include over 30 presentations and panels where individuals get the chance to go one on one with industry experts, as well as luncheon and dinner concerts. It will provide attendees multiple networking opportunities at various day and after-hours gatherings and showcase some of Country music's best talent. For the first time events will begin on Wednesday morning with a 10 AM showcase presented by Montage Music. This will be followed by a panel at 11 AM featuring the newest inductees into the Country Music DJ and Hall of Fame. Later that afternoon will be the introduction of a new event, the ASCAP sponsored KCRS Live! songwriter showcase. Both industry trade organizations are again involved with the Country Radio Seminar this year with the CMA (Country Music Association) sponsoring the performance hall and the ACM (Academy of Country Music) co-sponsoring the Toby Keith & Friends Music City Jam with United Stations. Luncheon showcases have been set with Curb Records hosting Steve Holy and Lee Brice on Wednesday, SONY/BMG  presenting Terri Clark and Chris Young on Thursday, and Capitol Nashville artists Trace Adkins and Luke Bryan performing on Friday. Another anticipated highlight is the Keynote address featuring Jon Bon Jovi hosted by WSIX FM radio personality Gerry House and sponsored by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40. Walk Up Registration Still Available At The Rate of $655 Onsite There are still a limited number of tickets available for the following three events: On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the DJ Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will be in the Nashville Convention Center. The dinner starts at 6:15 PM and the ceremony begins at 7:15 PM. There will be a Cocktail Reception at 4:30 PM. Tickets are available at $85 per person at the registration desk at the Nashville Convention Center beginning at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 27th until they are sold out. On Thursday, March 1, the Spring Town Meeting Package is still available which includes admission for half day during the seminar. This includes a panel discussion, performances by some of Nashville greatest songwriters at WCRS Live! and great networking opportunities. Registration for the package is $135 onsite. The Spring Town Meeting is sponsored by BMI/CRB and WCRS Live! is co-sponsored by Country Aircheck. On Friday, March 2, Radio Sales Day is the second time CRB has offered a separate full day's registration for Friday only. Registration for this special offer is $335 onsite. Registrants will be able to attend a full day of CRS activities as well as Friday night's annual New Faces of Country Music Show which features Eric Church, Trent Tomlinson, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Rodney Atkins and is hosted by ABC Radio Networks Kix Brooks, host of America's Country Countdown. Register on-site at the Nashville Convention Center starting Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 AM. Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.

Nashville Declares CRS 38 "Country Radio Week"

Jan 18, 2007 Nashville Declares CRS 38 "Country Radio Week"

In honor of the Country Radio Broadcasters, The Municipal Government of Nashville and Davidson Country has again declared Country Radio Week to coincide with the Country Radio Seminar, Country Music D J and Radio Hall of Fame Reunion and Induction Dinner and related events. PROCLAMATION recognizing "Country Radio Week” in Nashville, Tennessee WHEREAS, the week of February 26, 2007, in Nashville, Tennessee, will be “Country Radio Week”; and WHEREAS, over the past 38 years, the Country Radio Seminar has earned a reputation as a unique radio educational forum; and WHEREAS, the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Seminar will be held the week of February 26, 2007, otherwise known as “Country Radio Week” in Nashville, Tennessee; and WHEREAS, Country radio promotes Nashville tourism daily by broadcasting information about our city and attractions; and WHEREAS, Country radio is the primary medium for the exposure of Country music, an endeavor which employs many Nashvillians as artists, writers and producers; and WHEREAS, the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Seminar will bring together Country radio professionals from all across America together with attendees from the country music industry; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. and proudly recognizes the week of February 26, 2007, as “Country Radio Week." I, Charlie Tygard, Councilmember 35th District of the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Council do hereby recognize the week of February 26, 2007, as “Country Radio Week” in Nashville, Tennesse, and presented to Mr. Ed Salamon, Executive Director of the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. and R.J. Curtis, President, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. a copy of said proclamation Signed under my hand, Charlie Tygard, Councilmember 35th District