It feels like just yesterday that I was standing on a stage at the Grammy Museum hosting the 2019 BSM Summit in Los Angeles. It was a blast to see so many radio companies present for the event, and everyone interacting, sharing ideas, and discussing solutions to improve the radio business. From programmers to market managers to advertising agencies, on-air talent, producers, imagers, and voice guys, the mix was excellent. It’s one of my most proud accomplishments since starting BSM four years.
Prior to that event, I had no idea if we’d fill half the room or have every seat accounted for. Many of my industry friends kept telling me it was a lock that the conference would be a success. I wish I could say I shared their optimism but when you invest a ton of your own money to create an educational event for people and have a lot at stake, it’s impossible to feel comfortable. Fortunately everything worked out great, and after 4 months of reflection and a much needed mental break, I’m ready to dive back in.
That brings us to today’s announcement, and I am thrilled to share that the 2020 BSM Summit will take place on February 26th and 27th in New York City at the Ailey Citigroup Theater on W. 55th Street at 9th Avenue. This is the first time we will host the event on the East Coast.
You would think that a guy from Brooklyn, NY who now lives and operates his business 1-hour away from NYC would’ve made the big apple his first stop when starting this event. After all, the commute is much easier. But truth be told, I wanted to test myself in places that I had less connections in first. I also wasn’t sure if my industry friends would travel to the big apple over other destinations especially since the show occurs in February.
But then an interesting thing happened after the L.A. conference. I asked attendees and industry folks for feedback on where our 2020 Summit should take place. Seven cities were under consideration and I expected the majority of people to choose a warm weather climate with gorgeous beaches, bars and casinos. To my surprise, they voted for the concrete jungle.
Throughout the process I kept thinking the results would change but they never did. I saw that as a sign that people were actually interested in being part of a great event and learning and networking with their peers rather than using the conference as an excuse for a 2-3 day mini-vacation.
After processing the feedback and evaluating the pros and cons, I took five different trips into New York City to scout locations. I looked at fifteen different venues in all different parts of the city and narrowed it down to a final three. It became pretty clear that The Ailey Citigroup Theater was the right fit for us. Not only is the theater layout excellent, but we have private rooms for our speakers and off-stage filming, and it’s a little bigger than last year’s location. That will allow us to comfortably fit 235-260 people in the room. That said, the demand to attend this year will also likely be higher.
I also took time to scout the surrounding area, and found a bunch of restaurants within walking distance of the theater. Hotels were also only 2-3 blocks away. On that note, I’m happy to share that we’ve partnered with The Watson Hotel to make sure those traveling in can secure a room at a great price. Details will be made available soon.
When you think about the sports world and the top brands and talent in our industry, many of them operate out of New York. There’s ESPN, FOX Sports 1, WFAN, 98.7 ESPN NY, SiriusXM, Westwood One, NFL Network, NBC Sports, DAZN, CBS Sports Network, Barstool Sports, Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, The Player’s Tribune, YES Network, MSG, SNY, the NY Times, NY Post, NY Daily News and more. I haven’t even mentioned yet the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and WWE or the ad agencies, media agents, and social networks who occupy real estate in the big apple.
For attendees seeking adventure after the conference, there’s plenty to see and do. Times Square and Madison Square Garden are a short Uber/Cab or train ride away. So too are Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios/The Jimmy Fallon Show, The Stephen Colbert show, Comedy Central, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, The Museum of Natural History, the 9/11 Memorial, and a host of others.
Given the amount of talent and popular brands in New York City, putting together a star studded cast of speakers shouldn’t be difficult. The challenge though will be creating a schedule that covers a variety of issues even if it means not being able to include a few folks I like. The process to build an action packed show starts immediately.
One thing we will continue is the award ceremonies. I’m looking forward to assembling a list of candidates and determining who will receive the 2nd annual Jeff Smulyan and Tony Bruno awards. We will also introduce two new awards at this year’s show. Details to be announced at a later time.
For those wishing to attend the 2020 BSM Summit, tickets will go on-sale on Monday June 24th. We will have a special introductory price to those who purchase their tickets early. Prices will increase on October 1st and again on February 1st so it pays to take advantage of the early bird special.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention sponsorship opportunities being available too. If you represent a company or business and wish to be part of our two-day event, please email JBarrett@hvy.tcp.mybluehost.me.
For everything else, keep an eye on our social media accounts and stay tuned to BSMSummit.com and BarrettSportsMedia.com. It’s going to be an exciting event and I look forward to seeing you next February in the city that never sleeps!
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
