It’s been a few days since the 2022 BSM Summit wrapped up in New York City. After spending months designing the show, selling the show, creating the sessions, lining up the speakers, etc. a seventy two hour break was absolutely needed. But as I sit here writing this note, I’m both energized and optimistic about where our industry is headed, and grateful for the support of so many who took the time to join us in the big apple for the show or watched it live online.
One of my favorite parts of the Summit is how it’s evolved in recent years. All of us operate now in a multiplatform world so I believe it’s vital to include perspectives from different layers of the industry. It’s why you find Meadowlark Media, The Volume, WWE, Blue Wire, DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics included alongside ESPN, FOX Sports Radio, WFAN, 98.5 The Sports Hub and various other local radio outlets and individuals who offer expert knowledge and services. The more we can learn from one another, the better the entire business becomes. If you want to get caught up on what you missed, check out the notes from Day 1 and Day 2.
As I’ve thought about last week, what’s stuck with me most is how the Summit represented a big step forward for so many people. Conferences haven’t returned to prior levels yet. There are some still operating virtually. Every state has different rules and risks, and I know this show being held in NYC created a few questions for some. But those who came were excited to make the trip, and the handshakes, hugs, and photos taken represented a slice of normalcy, which we all desperately needed. There are no guarantees in this world. We could go to a store, game, conference or school and end up sick. But life is better when it’s enjoyed with others. I’m thankful many felt the same way, and decided to be part of last week’s experience.
Putting up on my professional cap, I hope everyone who attended took something away from the show. We covered a lot of ground with a ton of highly qualified people. All you had to do was listen and take notes. I enjoyed my conversations with Jimmy Pitaro, John Skipper, Craig Carton, Fred Toucher & Mike Felger, The Diversity Panel, The Programmer’s Master Class, The Power Panel, and the opening programming panel on navigating the pandemic. I learned something from every single one of them. Pitaro and Skipper were especially gracious and comfortable addressing key issues. Their candor was greatly appreciated.
I was also moved by Rick Radzik’s speech, the reaction to the Champion’s Award, and Traug Keller’s ‘Best Seats in the House’ address to the room. If there was a personal highlight it was seeing Mike Francesa and Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo reunited, and the look on everyone’s faces as they held court for nearly 30-minutes. I spent months trying to put it together, and wasn’t sure it was going to happen. Thankfully the Major League Baseball negotiations stalled, which made it possible to pull off the sports radio equivalent of the Catalina Wine Mixer (Step Brothers reference for those not familiar). Chris and Mike both wanted to be there, and were great to deal with. They spent extra time answering questions in the room, and taking photos with attendees. It’s easy to see why they’re the most popular tandem in local sports radio history.
In the coming days, you’ll see a ton of photos and videos begin to hit the BSM social media pages. We’ll also be uploading the sessions online so those who attended live and virtually can re-watch the show. If you didn’t attend or watch online, you’ll also be able to purchase an on-demand ticket to check out what you missed. Stay tuned for details.
So now we put a bow now on the 2022 BSM Summit, and look to take some of the tips and information we gained, and apply it to our brands to make them stronger. We’ll be moving the Summit out west in 2023. The four cities under consideration for next year are Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. Folks can vote by logging on to BSMSummit.com.
Thanks for the continued support of our brand. We appreciate every single person who reads this site, and every attendee and industry partner who helped bring the 2022 BSM Summit to life to make it a smashing success!
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.
