CRS 2026 Day Three: Women’s Networking Breakfast, Jelly Roll, Big Machine Luncheon, More

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Country Radio Seminar closed out its 2026 programming Friday (March 20) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from the final day of programming. CRS will return March 17-19, 2027.

Women’s Networking Breakfast

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

The final day kicked off with the Women’s Networking Breakfast. Attendees got to chat and learn from female industry leaders including Michelle Buckles, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Heather Froglear, Katie Neal, Jen Morgan, Tay Hamilton, Stephanie Wagner, Lauren “LT” Thomas, Jamice Jennings, Rakiyah Marshall, Kathleen St. Clair, Jess Tomlins, Amber Anderson, Ashley Wilson, Patti Diaz, Bryce Gravitt and Tracy Martin.

Embracing The Change

Emily Cohen Belote, Steve Knopper, Alissa Pollack and Heather Vassar. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Billboard‘s Steve Knopper, Casual Media Partners’ Heather Vassar, Amazon Music’s Emily Cohen Belote and iHeartMedia’s Alissa Pollack hosted “Embracing the Change: Country is Cross-Pollinating (and That’s Okay),” where they spoke about real-world examples of how cross-genre collaborations benefit all stakeholders in country music.

 

Jelly Roll Receives Humanitarian Award

Jelly Roll. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Jelly Roll was presented with this year’s Artist Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic efforts and the impact they have made.

 

Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Luncheon

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Friday’s lunch and performance was hosted by Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Performers during the two hour block included Mackenzie Carpenter, Cole Goodwin, Naomi Carman, Greylan James, Caroline Jones, The Band Perry, The Jack Wharff Band and Shaylen.

 

Creative Talent

Phil Becker, Greg Beharrell, Katie Neal and Woody. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Creativity took the spotlight during “Creative Talent: Why ‘Playing It Safe’ is the Death of Your Radio Career.” Hosted by Phil Becker, panelists Katie Neal, Woody of the Woody Show, and Greg Beharrell explored how original creators, bold ideas and fearless decisions will help radio hosts stand out.

 

New Faces of Country Music

Kelsey Hart, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick, Ella Langley, Josh Ross and Chase Matthew. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

CRS closed out with its annual New Faces of Country Music dinner and show, with performances from Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross.

Madison Hahnen
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