The Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is expanding its slate of professional development sessions in 2026 with the return of Workshop Alley, a block of hands-on learning opportunities designed to help radio professionals sharpen their skills while adapting to new tools, technologies and revenue strategies shaping the industry.
Organizers say the initiative reflects the event’s broader mission of providing practical education that attendees can immediately apply to their work, particularly as the radio business continues navigating rapid technological change, evolving audience behavior and new expectations surrounding content creation and monetization.
Workshop Alley is scheduled for Friday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to noon and will feature three distinct learning tracks covering artificial intelligence, on-air performance and sales strategy. Each track will be led by experienced broadcasters, programmers and industry specialists who will focus on delivering actionable guidance rather than broad theory.
One of the featured tracks, titled “AI Classroom,” will explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence across content production, workflow management and creative development inside modern radio operations.
The sessions will begin with Alpha Media’s Phil Becker presenting a discussion centered on efficiency tools designed to streamline routine tasks and enhance productivity within programming departments. Audacy’s Nick Steele will follow with a session examining creative tools that can support content development, while Stan Marczewski of BBR Music Group and Stoney Creek Records will lead a conversation about effective prompt writing techniques for AI-driven platforms.
The final presentation in the AI track will feature Audacy’s Clay Walker introducing what organizers describe as “30 tech tools in 30 minutes,” a rapid overview intended to highlight emerging resources broadcasters may incorporate into their daily workflows.
A second track titled “360° Approach to Being a Jock” will focus on the evolving expectations surrounding on-air talent in today’s multiplatform audio environment. Sessions will include guidance on improving social media presence, negotiating talent contracts and developing effective imaging and promotional content.
Among the presenters scheduled to participate are Bo Matthews of Super Hi-Fi and Izzy Guti of Disruptive Soul, along with Neil Wilson, Jess Jennings and Cowboy Kyle. Additional discussions will explore techniques for creating authentic on-air breaks and strategies for maximizing the impact of music scheduling within station programming.
Sales professionals attending the seminar will also have an opportunity to participate in the “Sales: Acoustic” track, which will feature a session moderated by Audacy’s Sarah Frazier examining the lifecycle of advertising campaigns and the role every department plays in generating revenue.
CRS 2026 will take place March 18–20 in Nashville and will include several of the conference’s traditional cornerstone events, including the New Faces of Country Music show, CRS Honors, label luncheons and the Digital Music Summit.
Online registration for the seminar has closed, although organizers say attendees can still register on-site in Nashville for $799. Limited tickets remain available for the New Faces of Country Music show at $110, while students, industry groups and single-day attendees can also access discounted registration options.
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