Nashville, Tenn. — March 4, 2026) — Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced that Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina will take center stage for a keynote session, “The Conversation,” on Thursday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m. The intimate, peer-to-peer exchange will feature the two artists sharing their respective journeys to success.
Now in its third year, “The Conversation” has become a signature CRS series, pairing artists from different career stages for a candid, unscripted dialogue. Previous installments have featured Trisha Yearwood with Lainey Wilson and Eric Church with Jelly Roll, establishing the session as a standout moment of the seminar. The session is sponsored by SPARC Media Hub.
Known for her authenticity and sharp songwriting, Langley’s rapid career ascent has been marked by major milestones, including four CMA Awards, five ACM Awards, and becoming the first female artist in history to simultaneously top the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts.
Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Messina has become a North Star in the music world, carving a path for artists and inspiring the younger generation from Langley and Lainey Wilson to Cole Swindell’s ode to “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” and Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane’s cover of “Lesson in Leavin,’” she’s not just a country icon — her influence spreads across multiple generations and genres.
Designed as a true one-to-one conversation, the session will feature Langley and Messina posing questions to one another, offering attendees a rare, fly-on-the-wall experience and candid insights from artists who have shaped, and are shaping, the next chapter of country music.
CRS 2026 will take place March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel and will feature three days of educational programming, networking opportunities, and marquee events, including the New Faces of Country Music® Show, CRS Honors, label luncheons, the Digital Music Summit (DMS), and more.
Online registration for CRS 2026 has closed. On-site registration will be available in Nashville at the current rate of $799 through the start of the event. A limited number of New Faces of Country Music® tickets remain available for $110 and are sold separately. Special rates will also continue to be offered, including a $199 student rate for currently enrolled students and $349 day passes (limit two per person), which provide full access to all programming, sessions, panels, speakers, networking events, and luncheons for a single day. Members of WMBA, IBA, and SOLID may also take advantage of a dedicated $450 industry organization rate.
Attendees are encouraged to download the official CRS app for the most up-to-date schedule, event details, and on-site notifications.
For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com and follow CRS on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also call 615-327-4487 for additional information.
About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is an annual convention meticulously designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster the exchange of business practices within the country music industry. With a specific focus on matters relevant to country radio, CRS serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to thrive and contribute. The dates for CRS 2026 are March 18–20.
About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: Established in 1969, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc ® is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization that serves as a unifying force, connecting radio broadcasters worldwide with the dynamic country music industry. Our mission is to ensure its vitality and foster growth within the industry.
CRB/CRS CONTACT:
Christy Walker-Watkins – AristoPR – 615-269-7071– christy@aristomedia.com
Liza Anderson – AristoPR – 615-269-7071 – liza@aristomedia.com
