The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing is coming to New York City, June 30-July 2, 2026. The show takes place at the SVA Theatre on West 23rd Street. Ticket prices are lower this year to make it easier for industry folks to attend. A one-day pass is $199.99, a two-day pass is $324.99, and a three-day pass is $399.99. You can buy tickets on the Summit page up top on the website.
We are reformatting this year’s show to unite creators, programmers, executives and business professionals across all formats. News Talk is our focus on Tuesday June 30th. Sports media is our area of examination on Wednesday July 1st. Music radio takes us home on Thursday July 2nd. Each day’s show runs 9a-5p with a lunch break in the middle of the day. After parties follow each day’s show from 5:30p-7p.
Before I reveal our first group of speakers, here are some details regarding our hotel. Hotel Hayden is our partner for this year’s event. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the venue. Rooms are available for $288 per night. Our room block will fill up fast. If you plan to fly in and need lodging, book your room today. Once rooms are full, we can’t add more. Click here to secure your discounted hotel room. You can also get the link for discounted rooms on the Summit page.
Hotel demand in New York City is high this summer due to the World Cup. There are other hotels in the area if you prefer to stay elsewhere. Some like to stay near Times Square or MSG and take a train or taxi to the show. Whatever works best for you, go for it. Just know that most hotels in the city will cost more.
The First 22 Speakers
Since announcing the date, location and venue for this event, speaker interest has been insane. Nearly 400 people have inquired about participating, and more will likely reach out after this announcement. I know a lot of sharp broadcasters want to share their expertise and opinions, but we can’t accommodate all requests. Delivering the most informative and balanced show for attendees is our key focus. Doing so requires being extra picky about the conference agenda.
Joining us this year from the on-air talent side are the following: Paul Finebaum of ESPN, Premiere Networks hosts Buck Sexton and Angela Yee, 77 WABC morning host Sid Rosenberg, 710 WOR midday host Mark Simone, and SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio morning host Damon Amendolara. Other high-profile personalities will be announced in the near future.
Next, we are excited to welcome to the room a number of key executives guiding the way for some of the audio industry’s top brands. It’s an honor to welcome iHeartmedia President of Programming Operations and Digital Music Jon Zellner, Connoisseur Media’s Senior Vice President of Programming Keith Dakin, Audacy Chief Programming Officer Jeff Sottolano, Hubbard Radio EVP of Programming Greg Strassell, Fox Sports Radio’s Senior Vice President of Programming Scott Shapiro, and the Executive Director of Westwood One Sports 24/7 Programming Armen Williams.
Moving to our next group, we are thrilled to welcome Z100 Program Director and iHeartmedia VP of CHR Programming Mark Adams, iHeartmedia VP of News/Talk and Sports Programming Chris Berry, and KOA Denver Program Director Dave Tepper. Also joining the mix are Vice President and Brand Manager of 104.3 The Score in Chicago and VP of BetMGM Network Mitch Rosen, Audacy News/Talk Format VP and KRLD Brand Manager Drew Anderssen, and 95.5 WSB Director of Branding and Content Ken Charles.
Our first announcement concludes with a few broadcasting gurus and business professionals joining the lineup. We are honored to welcome back McVay Media President Mike McVay, and Jacobs Media President and Founder Fred Jacobs. Longtime music radio programmer turned consultant and Barrett Media columnist Jim Ryan, and Xperi Senior Director of Broadcast Strategy and Business Development Juan Galdamez will make their Summit debuts. Barrett Media News Editor Garrett Searight and Sports Editor John Mamola will also guide discussions at this year’s show. I will serve as event host.
Still to Come
We are planning to make another big announcement for the show this Wednesday. With 10 sessions and the Premiere Networks awards ceremony planned each day, it’s vital that we tackle the right issues with the right speakers. We will take our time building the show to make sure attendees gain maximum value from being in the room. This event is designed to serve executives, managers, programmers, talent, sales/advertising professionals, and anyone who has an interest in better understanding the audio business. Our only requirement, you must work in the media industry to attend. This is not a public event.
I will be in San Francisco February 2-4 taping episodes of the upcoming Jason Barrett Podcast, promoting our Sports Top 20 series, and talking to a few folks about participating in the conference. I’m also traveling to Nashville in March for CRS and the RAB meetings where I’m sure a few other conversations will take place. In addition, I hope to schedule an upcoming zoom call with a few leaders to gather feedback to make sure we’re hitting all the right notes in NYC.
Summit and Top 20 Sponsorships
We are grateful for the support for the Barrett Media Audio Summit from Point to Point Marketing, Premiere Networks, Core Image Studio, Steve Stone Voiceovers, and MRN Radio. Additional groups will come on board in advance of the event too. For rate information and details on available opportunities, contact Stephanie Eads at 415-312-5553 or Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
Additionally, the Top 20 Sports Television Shows, TV Talent, and Top 20 Sports Digital Shows of 2025 get revealed January 28-30. The Top 20 of 2025 in Sports Radio (Feb 2-6 and 9) comes next. After that, we unveil the Top 20 of 2025 in News/Talk Radio and News Television (February 10-13 and 16-20). The Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio (February 23-27 and March 2-4) wraps things up. Companies interested in sponsorship of the biggest online projects of our year should email Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com asap.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
