Industry Executives Mike McVay and Tracy Johnson to Guide Pre-Show Seminar for CRS 2026
(Nashville, Tennessee — February 3, 2026) — Mike McVay, who was recently announced as the Senior Strategic Advisor for the Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA), and Tracy Johnson, President of Tracy Johnson Media Group, will serve as moderators for "The Radio Station of the Future: CRS Pre-Show Seminar," the RVA's first-ever seminar event. The seminar will take place on Tuesday, March 17, from 1:45–5:00 p.m. (with breaks) in Nashville, immediately preceding the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026.
This groundbreaking seminar will explore critical topics shaping the future of radio broadcasting, including emerging technologies, audience engagement strategies, and innovative approaches to content delivery including the role of AI across multiple platforms. Industry professionals, station owners, programmers, and decision-makers will gain valuable insights to help position their stations for long-term success.
"Radio's future is bright, but it requires adaptation, innovation, and a commitment to serving listeners wherever and however they consume content," says McVay. "I'm honored to work with the Radio Vendor Alliance and to help facilitate meaningful conversations about where our industry is headed. The ‘CRS Pre-Show Seminar’ will be an opportunity to bring together forward-thinking professionals who are ready to embrace the radio station of the future."
1. “Real Talk About Radio in 2026: Problems, Challenges, The Future”
Moderator: Mike McVay (President, McVay Media)
Panelists: Tracy Johnson (President, Tracy Johnson Media Group)
Steve Stewart (Country Programming Format Captain, Cox Media)
• Local Local Local: How important is it to connect with your community?
• The evolution of personalities in the age of AI and automation
• Programming for the audience or for Nielsen? There’s a difference. Is it killing your brands?
2. “On Being Digital: Driving Listener Interactions and New Revenue”
Moderator: Mike McVay (President, McVay Media)
Panelists: John Wanzung (CEO, RadioFX)
Jackie Parks (President, Envisionwise)
Tom Dobrez (President, Cool Radio Streaming)
• Mobile Apps: Learn to connect with your audience by boosting listener interactions and generating more revenue with your app
• Websites/Text/Skills: Enhance your digital presence and engagement
• Streaming - Audio/Video: Dive into the world of multi-platform content delivery
• Selling Digital Products: Unlock new revenue streams in the digital landscape
3. “It's All About the Money”
Moderator: Tracy Johnson (President, Tracy Johnson Media Group)
Panelists: Scott Murray (President, Big Deals Media)
Dennis Green (COO, Sun & Fun Media)
Todd Roberts (Senior Business Development Manager, AdCellerant)
• Navigate high-value partnerships: smart e-commerce solutions to monetize trade
• Keep it Organized: Streamline your operations for financial efficiency
• Pay Your Bills: Discover innovative revenue generation strategies through trade
CRS, celebrating its 57th year, is the premier event for country music and radio professionals, drawing thousands of attendees from across the industry.
General registration for CRS 2026, taking place March 18–20, is $698 per person and is available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. Limited single-day passes are also available for $349 (maximum of two per person) and include access to panels, speakers, luncheons, and networking events for the selected day, excluding Friday’s New Faces of Country Music® Showcase. New Faces of Country Music® tickets are sold separately for $110 and are limited; early purchase is strongly encouraged.
For more information about the Radio Vendor Alliance, visit www.RadioVendorAlliance.com. Details about "The Radio Station of the Future: CRS Pre-Show Seminar" will be available at www.RadioVendorAlliance.com and www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
About Radio Vendor Alliance: The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) brings together industry-approved, state-of-the-art vendors to help radio stations make confident decisions for their locally focused operations. RVA members provide premium services including streaming, mobile apps, station websites, digital marketing, content curation, and more—all with affordable pricing and exceptional customer service. Through educational initiatives like Lunch and Learn sessions and industry seminars, RVA is committed to supporting the success of local radio stations across America.
About Mike McVay: Mike McVay is President of McVay Media, a full-service consulting firm specializing in broadcast and digital strategy, network programming, podcast development, and talent coaching. Founded in 1984, McVay Media has advised clients across the broadcast, podcasting, streaming, and entertainment industries for more than 40 years. McVay's work has shaped radio programming and talent development worldwide, and he continues to be a leading voice in the evolution of audio content delivery. For more information, visit www.McVayMedia.com.
About Tracy Johnson: Tracy Johnson is President of Tracy Johnson Media Group. Founded in 2011, Tracy Johnson Media Group currently offers programming, marketing, and talent coaching services for broadcasters, podcasters, and digital content creators. With his unique blend of expertise in crafting content, implementing successful creative strategies, managing digital initiatives, generating new revenue sources, and building dynamic teams, Johnson continues to innovate and redefine success in today's ever-changing media landscape. For more information, visit www.tjohnsonmediagroup.com.
About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is an annual event that brings together country music and radio professionals for education, networking, and celebration of the genre. Taking place March 18-20, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, CRS offers industry-leading programming, showcases emerging talent, and provides unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and connection. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.