January 17, 2017, Issue 532
CRS: Why Wait?
Choosing the most impactful annual event in the broader country music industry could be quite a debate. When it comes to individual professional development, however, Country Radio Seminar has no equal (unless said individual is up for, say, Entertainer of the Year or similar). For anyone still debating attending CRS 2017 (Feb. 2224), here are just a few of the reasons to register right now. “The main thing has always been the content,” says CRS Exec. Dir. Bill Mayne. “The magic of CRS is that an entire industry comes together – it’s not just a radio thing – and they come truly ready to engage. That’s what separates this from an awards show week or music festival where conversations may strike up. Here, everyone comes with that mindset – networking, learning, having a great time and getting a preview of the music coming for the rest of the year.” Mayne urges prospective attendees not to overlook the music aspect of the gathering. “In the old days the complaint was it was all about entertainment – just pushing acts on everyone. Bill Mayne It can be that, but for people who have to make decisions about music, seeing and hearing the talent is a big deal. You can effectively and efficiently get more business done in three days than you could in two years running all over the country.” If inspiration is sought, the keynote by Olympian Scott Hamilton should provide plenty. As a world class athlete who has faced multiple health challenges, Hamilton will share his story of overcoming adversity in a session moderated by CRB Board President Charlie Morgan. Alexa, Register For CRS: “We’ll have our share of surprises,” Mayne continues, pointing to Friday’s featured speaker as an opportunity for attendees to learn more (continued on page
Angel Band: Darius Rucker (l) receives the Randy Owen Angels Among Us award from Owen and ALSAC’s Rick Shadyac (r) during the St. Jude Country Cares Seminar in Memphis Saturday (1/14).
Country Cares: Again. Still.
Alabama’s Randy Owen kicked off Country Cares in 1989 and, as is customary, he closed the most recent St. Jude Country Cares Seminar in Memphis with “Angels Among Us” Saturday night (1/14), backed by Songwriters’ Dinner cohorts Darius Rucker, John Oates and Charles Kelley. In between, more than $700 million has been raised to aid St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission, one this year’s attendees were able to see up close. “The hope is station attendees take their own ‘St. Jude story’ back to their market,” explains Scott ALSAC [St. Jude’s fundraising arm] Assoc. Dir./ Hinshelwood Radio Development Scott Hinshelwood.
© 2 0 1 7 Co u n t r y A i rc h e c k ™ — A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d . S i g n u p f re e a t w w w. c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m . S e n d n e w s t o n e w s @ c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m