Getting the Most Out of Your Trip to CRS 2025

With the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025just a week away, taking place from February 19 to 21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly to maximize the benefits of this premier event. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your CRS 2025 experience.

Schedule of Events

CRS 2025 offers a dynamic agenda filled with educational sessions, networking opportunities, and live performances. Here’s an overview of key events:

Tuesday, February 18, 2025:

• 4:00 PM 6:00 PM: Express Badge Pick Up Only

Wednesday, February 19, 2025:

• 7:30 AM 5:00 PM: CRS Registration Open
• 8:00 8:50 AM: Yall Means All: Diversity Breakfast
• 9:00 9:50 AM: Streaming 101: Everything You Want to Know / DMS
• 9:00 9:50 AM: Know All the Sales Angles as a PD
• 10:00 10:50 AM: Stop Trying So Hard: Become a Better Content Creator
• 10:00 10:50 AM: Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork: Capitalizing on the Country Moment in Streaming / DMS
• 11:00 11:50 AM: Cycle of a Song: Ella Langley You Look Like You Love Me/DMS
• 11:45 AM 12:00 PM: Pre-Lunch Performance Featuring Remy Garrison
• 12:00 1:50 PM: Lunch and Performance Sponsored by Warner Music Nashville
• 2:00 2:50 PM: CRS Honors
• 3:00 3:50 PM: Why Cant We Be Friends: The Label, Radio, and Streaming Relationship / DMS
• 3:00 3:50 PM: Are You AI Curious?
• 4:00 5:00 PM: Programming Networking Happy Hour
• 6:00 8:30 PM: Amazon Music Presents Country Heat at CRS 2025

Thursday, February 20, 2025

• 8:00 AM 4:30 PM: CRS Registration Open
• 8:30 9:20 AM: Sound Off: What Is Mainstream Country?
• 8:30 9:20 AM: Showcase Your Assets
• 9:30 10:30 AM: CRS Research Presentation
• 10:30 11:30 AM: Honky Tonk to TikTok: Country Musics Wild Five-Year Ride by the Numbers
• 11:30 AM 1:50 PM: Team UMG at the Ryman
• 2:30 3:20 PM: Cycle of a Song: Tucker Wetmore Wind Up Missin You/DMS
• 3:30 4:00 PM: Sustaining Momentum: How to Turn Moments Into a Career / DMS
• 4:00 4:50 PM: Artist Interview: Old Dominion
• 7:00 9:00 PM: Bob Kingsleys Acoustic Alley Featuring Sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz, Skyview Networks, and First Horizon Bank, with Bar Sponsored by ASCAP
• 9:00 PM 11:00 PM: BBR Music Group Decades Party: Hits of the 70s, 80s, 90s & Beyond

Friday, February 21, 2025

• 8:00 AM 5:00 PM: CRS Registration Open
• 7:30 8:45 AM: Womens Networking Breakfast Sponsored by Nu VooDoo Media
• 8:00 9:00 AM / 9:00 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM 12:00 PM: Workshop Alley: Skills That Kill/ Be an Extraterrestrial/AI
• 8:50 9:40 AM: Culture: The C Word You Should Say
• 8:50 9:40 AM: All Shook Up: AIs Legal Impact on the Country Music Industry
• 10:00 11:00 AM: Weve Got Some Help: How to Embrace Crossover Artists and the New Audience
• 10:00 11:00 AM: Artist Development: The Sparks Behind the Streams
• 11:10 11:40 AM: Evolving Your Playlist: F*#@ the Format
• 11:10 11:40 AM: 30 Sales Ideas in 30 Minutes
• 11:10 11:40 AM: Everyday Im (Side) Hustling: Give Yourself a Raise
• 11:45 AM 12:00 PM: Pre-Lunch Performance Featuring Robby Johnson
• 12:00 1:50 PM: Lunch and Performance Sponsored by BMLG
• 2:00 2:50 PM: Cycle of a Song: Dasha Austin/DMS
• 3:00 3:50 PM: The Conversation: Eric Church and JellyRoll Get the Last Word at CRS 25
• 5:15 6:30 PM: New Faces Cocktail Reception
• 6:30 10:00 PM: New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance Sponsored by ACM and Charity Partner St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital

For a detailed agenda and updates, visit the CRS Website.

Tips to Maximize Your Visit

1. Schedule Appointments in Advance: Reach out to industry peers, mentors, and potential collaborators before the seminar to set up meetings. This proactive approach ensures you make valuable connections without the last-minute rush.
2. Plan Your Seminar Schedule: Review the agenda and select sessions that align with your interests and professional goals. Having a structured plan allows you to manage your time effectively and gain the most relevant insights.
3. Network Actively: CRS is a prime opportunity to expand your professional network. Engage in conversations during breaks, attend networking breakfasts, and participate in evening events to meet industry leaders and peers.
4. Bring Business Cards:Despite the digital age, business cards remain a tangible way to exchange contact information and leave a lasting impression. Ensure you have plenty on hand.
5. Download the CRS 2025 App: Stay updated with real-time information, personalized schedules, and interactive maps by downloading the official CRS 2025 app. It’s an invaluable tool to navigate the seminar efficiently. Available now for iPhone and Android.

For Job Seekers and Employers

If you’re attending CRS 2025 with the aim of finding a job or hiring talent, consider the following:

• Job Seekers:
  • Updated Rsums: Bring multiple copies of your rsum, ensuring it highlights your most recent experience and relevant skills.
  • Portfolio: If applicable, have a digital or physical portfolio showcasing your work.
  • Professional Attire: Dress appropriately to make a positive first impression.
  • Elevator Pitch: Prepare a concise introduction that summarizes your background and what you’re seeking.
• Employers:
  • Job Descriptions: Have clear and detailed descriptions of the positions you’re looking to fill.
  • Company Information: Provide information and benefits that give potential candidates insight into your company culture and values.
  • Interview Slots: Allocate specific times during the seminar for on-the-spot interviews or informal chats.

Post-Seminar Follow-Up

After CRS 2025 concludes, it’s crucial to maintain the connections you’ve made:

• Send Thank-You Notes:A brief message expressing gratitude can reinforce a positive impression.
• Connect on Professional Networks: Platforms like LinkedIn and Media Jobs Report are excellent for staying in touch and nurturing professional relationships.
• Review and Reflect: Assess the sessions you attended and the insights gained. Consider how you can apply this knowledge to your current role or job search.

Demonstrating Value to Your Organization

If your company is sponsoring your trip, it’s important to showcase the value of your attendance:

• Compile Key Takeaways: Summarize the insights and knowledge gained from sessions and workshops.
• Identify Applicable Strategies:Highlight ideas and strategies that can be implemented to benefit your station, staff, and overall operations.
• Share Networking Benefits:Detail the new contacts made and potential partnerships that could enhance your organization’s growth.

By preparing thoroughly and engaging proactively, you can ensure that your CRS 2025 experience is both enjoyable and professionally rewarding. We look forward to seeing you at CRS 2025!