CRS 2013 set for Feb. 27 – March 1

(Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 27, 2012)  CRS 2012 enjoyed an increase in attendance for the fourth straight year, rising 9.6 percent over last year’s totals, according to Country Radio Seminar officials.

A total of 2,904 registrants attended this year’s seminar, held Feb. 22-24 in Nashville, Tenn.  That number includes 2,190 full registrants (attendees, exhibitors, panelists and sponsors) and 714 participant registrants.  Participant registrants are defined as attendees that register for individual CRS events or purchase single day seminar passes only.  Total CRS attendance in 2011 was 2,649, with 2,181 attendees in 2010 and 2,106 in 2009.

“With attendance jumping nearly 10 percent this year, daily superstar performances, improved on-site conveniences and more event sponsors than ever before, CRS 2012 was a great success,” says CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “This is the fourth straight year we’ve enjoyed growth in our attendance numbers, and it really goes to show how the Country radio industry is not only remaining relevant, but thriving in today’s media saturated marketplace.”

CRS 2012 Photo Highlights

(Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 27, 2012)  CRS 2012 was held Feb. 22-24 in Nashville, Tenn., offering professionals from the Country radio industry three days and nights of panels, speakers, luncheons, research presentations, musical performances and networking opportunities.  Included below are selected photo highlights from CRS 2012.

The 2012 inductees to the Country Radio Hall of Fame, held Tuesday, Feb. 21, as the unofficial kick-off to CRS 2012.  L to R: CRS President Mike Culotta, inductees Eddie Stubbs, Ron Rogers, Beverlee Brannigan, Rusty Walker, Bill Whyte, Moby, CRS President’s Award winner Bob Kingsley, CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne.  (Not pictured: CRS Lifetime Achievement Award winner Glen Campbell).  Photo: Bev Moser.

Rascal Flatts accepted the CRS 2012 Artist Humanitarian of the Year award on Wednesday, Feb. 22, following the seminar’s opening ceremonies.  Photo: Bev Moser.

Songwriter showcase KCRS Live! featured hit songwriters and artists.  Pictured L to R:  Jim Collins, Andy Gibson, Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson.  Photo: Bev Moser.

L to R: Marc Chase, Leslie Fram, Lance Tidwell and Tom Baldrica led the “Show Me Your Hits” panel at CRS 2012 on Friday, Feb. 24.  Photo: Bev Moser.

Performers at the annual New Faces of Country Music Show, co-sponsored by MDA and ACM, closed out CRS 2012 on Friday night, Feb. 24, at the Nashville Convention Center.  Pictured L to R, top row: Jon Jones (Eli Young Band), Mike Eli (Eli Young Band), Sunny Sweeney, James Young (Eli Young Band), Chris Thompson (Eli Young Band).  Bottom row, L to R: CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne, David Nail, Hunter Hayes, CRS President Mike Culotta. (Not pictured: New Faces performers Thompson Square). Photo: Bev Moser.

Study reminds Country radio to connect, understand non-P1 audience,

(Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 22, 2012)  The CRS Radio and Artist Humanitarian Awards were handed out today on the opening day of CRS 2012, held Feb. 22-24 in downtown Nashville at the Nashville Convention Center.

The 2012 Radio Humanitarian winners are KMOK/Lewiston, Idaho (Small Market), WIVK/Knoxville, Tenn. (Medium Market) and WLHK/Indianapolis, Ind. (Large Market). As previously announced, the Artist Humanitarian Award winner is Rascal Flatts.  CRS President Mike Culotta and Radio Ink’s Lois Chooljian presented the awards at 10:30 a.m., immediately following the CRS Keynote Address.

Small Market Winner: 106.9 KMOK/Lewiston, Idaho -
Lewiston’s KMOK was instrumental in dozens of local humanitarian efforts in 2011, including National Night Out Against Crime, Pet of the Week, Lewis Clark Animal Shelter’s Dog Swim, Coats for the Cold, Annual Life Safety Day, United Way Day of Caring, Relay for Life, Earth Day, Jackson Baldwin Foundation, Jog for Jugs, Wounded Warriors Project, Cruising to Clarkston and numerous others.

Medium Market Winner: 107.7 WIVK/Knoxville, Tenn. -
WIVK’s contributions to fundraising efforts helped raise a total of more than $12.9 million in 2011.  Campaigns included: the HonorAir Radiothon, Voices from the Front, Coats for the Cold, Stuff the Bus, a Susan G. Komen benefit concert and the Teddy Bear Round Up.  WIVK sponsored dozens of events, such as the “Real Steel” movie premiere, Buddy’s Race Against Cancer, Fantasy of Trees for Children’s Hospital, Great Rubber Duck Race for Boys & Girls’ Club, ADA Step Out Walk, Knoxville Zoo and more.

Large Market Winner: 97.1 WLHK/Indianapolis, Ind. -
Indianapolis’ HANK FM/97.1 continued its avid support for Habitat For Humanity in 2011, building a five bedroom house at the Indiana State Fair in just 15 days.  The station hosted a Santa’s Secret Star benefit concert for the Salvation Army during Christmas, debuted its Christmas Angel program, received national media attention for Cheri’s Chores, partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to host the Big Blue Drive-Through for tornado relief and was instrumental in efforts supporting the victims at the Indiana State Fair tragedy.

Rascal Flatts received the 2012 Artist Humanitarian award for their charitable contributions and humanitarian endeavors throughout their career.   In 2010, the group donated $3 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s Pediatric Surgery Center.  They currently serve as celebrity spokespersons for the national suicide prevention organization, The Jason Foundation, and have been members of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet for the past seven years.

About the CRS Artist Humanitarian Award:
The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.  Past recipients of the annual award have included Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels and Kenny Rogers, among others.

About the CRS Radio Humanitarian Awards:
The CRB Radio Humanitarian Awards are presented to full-time Country radio stations for notable public service initiatives that improve the quality of life for the communities they serve.  The annual awards are presented to stations in three categories: Large (markets 1-50), Medium (markets 51-130), and Small (markets 131+).

About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

Country Radio Seminar punctuates in-demand event with sold out Hall of Fame ceremony and New Faces show

(Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 20, 2012) CRS 2012 is set to officially kick off its three-day seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville.

With overall attendance at CRS increasing each of the past two years, CRS 2012 looks to continue that trend with a cutting-edge agenda and a number of convenience upgrades and entertainment options available.  From an educational perspective, attendees can expect more than 30 panels and roundtable discussions, with dozens of industry-leading speakers and panelists, exhibits, in-depth research and endless networking opportunities with other Country radio professionals from around the country.

Entertainment and recreation options at this year’s seminar include the addition of more on-site showcases, after-hours events and special performances from some of the biggest stars in Country music.  For the second year in a row, the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony and the seminar-closing New Faces of Country Music Show each sold out in advance of CRS.

“We have worked hard over the past couple of years to keep our seminar affordable while delivering more bang for our attendees’ buck,” says CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “I think people are going to be surprised at some of the unique destinations and events we are offering on-site at CRS 2012 and the new sponsors that have made many of those upgrades possible.  We are continuing to raise the bar at Country Radio Seminar, and without question, we have made great strides again this year in providing a total 360 experience for the thousands that attend this great event each and every year.”

A thumbnail summary of daily highlights, after-hours events and agenda items at CRS 2012 follows below.

Tuesday, Feb. 21:
CRS unofficially kicks off with the sold out Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony at 6 p.m.  The 2012 inductees are Beverlee Brannigan, Ron Rogers and Rusty Walker in the Radio category and Moby, Eddie Stubbs and Bill Whyte in the On-Air category.  Glen Campbell is the Career Achievement Award recipient and Bob Kingsley is receiving the President’s Award.  Sony Music Nashville and Sea Gayle Records are presenting the inaugural “Official Country Radio Hall of Fame After Party” at 8:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Hotel.

Wednesday, Feb. 22:
CRS 2012 officially begins with the keynote address, delivered at 9 a.m. by MTV co-founder and Clear Channel exec Bob Pittman. American Idol finalist Lauren Alaina will perform the national anthem.  Presentation of the Artist Humanitarian (Rascal Flatts) and Radio Humanitarian awards (winners TBA) follows.  Futurist David Houle will address attendees about trends affecting consumer behavior in his “FLOWS” panel, and the annual, expansive CRS research study is presented at 2:30 p.m. in conjunction with Edison Research.

This year’s UMG Nashville luncheon is held at the Ryman Auditorium, featuring a lineup including Laura Bell Bundy, Easton Corbin, Scotty McCreery, David Nail, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack and additional surprise guests.  The KCRS Live! showcase features artist/songwriters Jim Collins, Andy Gibson, Aaron Lewis and Bobby Pinson. A full-band concert by Lady Antebellum is held Wednesday night at Municipal Auditorium, with complimentary transportation and special seating provided for CRS attendees.

Thursday, Feb. 23:
Thursday’s agenda topics include: diary methodology, PPM strategies, coaching air talent, evaluation and implementation of social media, case studies on brainstorming techniques, CMA’s “Year of Country Radio” presentation, a Country radio listener focus group, and the CRS 2012 research follow-up panel.

Iconic artist Alan Jackson performs at Thursday’s Capitol Nashville luncheon, and this year’s WCRS Live! lineup includes hit songwriters Matraca Berg, Natlie Hemby, Lori McKenna and Ashley Monroe.

Friday, Feb. 24:
Friday’s agenda is loaded with educational panels.  Topics include: mobile device usage, marketing case studies, multi-format programming, the Digital University roundtable discussions, radio technology in automobiles, unique branding and promotional relationships, national digital strategies, artist visit dos and don’ts, small market programming, building effective brands, “hit record” analysis and more.

Friday’s musical lineup features a special performance from Faith Hill at the noon Warner Music Nashville luncheon and the seminar-closing, sold out New Faces of Country Music Show® at 6:30 p.m.  The CRS 2012 New Faces performers are: Eli Young Band, Hunter Hayes, David Nail, Sunny Sweeney and Thompson Square.

CRS on-site services and conveniences include the debut of CRSnet, a free intranet service available for attendees to download panel and research materials, the CRS smartphone apps for Android, Blackberry and Apple products, free internet café and cell-phone charging station in the St. Jude Internet Cafe, complimentary coffee cart and the second floor networking lounge.  The CRS media room is open on the first floor for approved media and artists.

On-site and after-hours destinations include The CRS Badge Bar in the Renaissance Ballroom, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley in the Belmont Room with performances from Rhett Akins, Casey Beathard, Jim Beavers, Corey Crowder, Tom Douglas, Marv Green, Ben Hayslip, David Lee, Wendell Mobley, Rivers Rutherford and Jeffrey Steele, Tenacity Records showcase with Bill Gentry and Darryl Worley, Black River Entertainment showcase with Sarah Darling, Due West, Craig Morgan and Glen Templeton and the New York Exchange Cadillac.  The Show Dog Universal bus and the Black River Mobile Cigar Lounge are located in front of the Convention Center on Commerce St.

CRS is welcoming a record-setting number of sponsors at CRS 2012, including: ACM, Arbitron, Black River Entertainment, BMI, Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, Capitol/EMI Records, City National Bank, Compassion International, CMA, Country Aircheck, Cumulus Media Networks, Curb Records, Digital Rodeo, GAC, HRT Records, Live Nation, Lucchese Boots, MDA, New York Rock Exchange, Operation Troop Aid, Radio Ink, R&J Records, Sea Gayle Records, SESAC, Show Dog Universal, Sony Music Nashville, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Suntrust Bank, Tenacity Records, UMG Nashville, United Stations Radio Networks, Warm Blanket Orphan Care International, Warner Music Nashville and World Vision.

A detailed schedule with descriptions of all panels and events can be viewed at www.CRB.org or accessed via the CRS 2012 smartphone application, available here.  $499 walk-up registration is available, excluding admission to the sold-out New Faces of Country Music Show and Dinner.  Single-day admission passes (excluding admission to the Lady Antebellum concert and New Faces show) are available on-site for $150.  A $99 Unemployment Rate is also available.  For more information about the Unemployment Rate, contact Kristen McRary at (615) 327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org.

About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

(Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 16, 2012) The 2012 Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony, held Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the Nashville Convention Center, is now sold out.  This year’s inductees into the Country Radio Hall of Fame are: Beverlee Brannigan, Moby, Ron Rogers, Eddie Stubbs, Rusty Walker and Bill Whyte.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony unofficially kicks off Country Radio Seminar each year.  CRS 2012 is held Feb. 22-24 at the Nashville Convention Center.  Lucchese Boots is a proud sponsor of the 2012 Country Radio Hall of Fame and will be providing each inductee with a custom made pair of Lucchese Boots.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the Country format.

About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

(Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 15, 2012) Country Radio Seminar has announced $150 Single-Day Passes for CRS 2012 will be available for purchase on-site at the Nashville Convention Center Feb. 22-24.  Passes include access to more than 30 panels, speakers, luncheons and networking destinations, but do not include admission to Wednesday’s Lady Antebellum concert or Friday’s New Faces of Country Music show.

Additionally, an on-site $99 Unemployment Rate will be available for walk-up registrants.  For more information, contact Kristen McRary at (615) 327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org.  Proof of unemployment may be subject to verification.

About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

Android, Apple versions now available; Blackberry version coming soon

(Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 13, 2012) The CRS 2012 app is now available for download on the Android, Blackberry, iPad, iPhone and iTouch devices.

Developed in conjunction with Country Aircheck, the newly designed CRS 2012 app offers agenda information, custom scheduling capabilities, maps and after hours entertainment listings, news tickers, a Nashville club directory, CMT access, Country Aircheck news and the debut of CRS Radio, featuring music from current and up-and-coming stars.  Download the Android version here and Apple devices here.  The Blackberry version will be available soon.

“We are very excited to bring CRS attendees the newly redesigned CRS 2012 mobile application to assist in navigating all things Country Radio Seminar,” says Country Aircheck’s Brad Helton.  “Many of the new features will keep attendees informed in up-to-date news, expose them to new music via the CRS Radio, and guide them through all CMT offerings.  Look for mainstay features from last years mobile app, such as custom scheduling, after hours event listings, panel ratings and a Nashville club directory.”

CRS 2012 is held Feb. 22-24, 2012, at the Nashville Convention Center.  $499 Regular rate remains available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

Luncheon to be held on Friday, Feb. 24, at Nashville Convention Center

(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 30, 2012) Warner Music Nashville’s Faith Hill has been confirmed to headline a special luncheon performance at CRS 2012 on Friday, Feb. 24.

The WMN luncheon will be held inside the Performance Hall at the Nashville Convention Center from noon – 1:50 p.m.  CRS 2012 is held Feb. 22-24, 2012.

“I am privileged and humbled to have our superstar, Faith Hill, perform an intimate concert at Warner Music Nashville’s luncheon this year at CRS 2012,” commented John Esposito, President and CEO of Warner Music Nashville.  “Faith expands our imagination through exquisitely, well-crafted, heartfelt songs that only she can deliver.  There is no equal, there is only Faith.  I look forward to seeing all of you in February.”

Adds CRS President Mike Culotta, “Our CRS attendees are in for a special treat at Friday’s luncheon.  Faith Hill is one of the finest singers Country music has ever seen, and we are lucky to have this rare opportunity to see her perform in such an intimate setting.  This is going to be a truly special event!”

CRS 2012 $499 Regular Rate registration is available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.  Registration does not include a ticket to the New Faces of Country Music Show and Dinner, which is now sold out.

About Faith Hill:
With a voice as powerful as it is recognizable, Faith Hill has established herself as one of the music industry’s top vocalists.  Her 17-year career has been highlighted by the sale of more than 30 million records worldwide, during which time she has celebrated 13 No. 1 singles and 20 No. 1 videos.  Faith is a five-time Grammy Award winner and recipient of three Country Music Association Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, four American Music Awards, and four People’s Choice Awards.  Her current single, “Come Home,” was released on November 9.  A new album is due in stores in spring 2012.

About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

Faith Hill

Glen Campbell to receive CRS Career Achievement Award at Country Radio Hall of Fame event; limited tickets remaining

(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 30, 2012) The CRS 2012 New Faces show and Renaissance Nashville hotel have sold out prior to Country Radio Seminar for the second year in a row.

As a result, the CRS Board of Directors has extended the $499 seminar registration rate, but registrations will no longer include a ticket to the New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance, held Friday, Feb. 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Nashville Convention Center.  Rooms at the Renaissance Nashville hotel, which serves as the host hotel for CRS and is located adjacent to the Convention Center, have also sold out.

“For the second consecutive year, we have sold out our New Faces show,” says CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “Since we are no longer able to offer New Faces tickets with CRS 2012 registrations, we have decided to extend our $499 Regular Rate, which had previously expired on Jan. 27.  We are proud to put on such a unique and in-demand event that showcases some of the brightest new stars at our New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance.”

Additionally, tickets are limited for the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony, held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. in the Nashville Convention Center Ballroom.  The event includes presentations of the CRS President’s Award and Career Achievement Award.  The 2012 Career Achievement Award goes to legendary artist Glen Campbell.

“Glen Campbell is an entertainer in every sense of the word,” says CRS President Mike Culotta.  “His decades-long career in music, television and film has cemented his place among the icons in our format, and we are honored to recognize his pioneering efforts with the CRS Career Achievement Award.”

As previously announced, the CRS President’s Award recipient is Bob Kingsley, and the 2012 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees are Beverlee Brannigan, Moby, Ron Rogers, Eddie Stubbs, Rusty Walker and Bill Whyte.

CRS 2012 is held Feb. 22-24, 2012, at the Nashville Convention Center. Register for CRS 2012 at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

About Country Radio Seminar:
Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.