2026 Schedule
Session descriptions are being added as we receive them. Click on each session to learn more.
Friday, November 20
8:30 AM
Check In Opens
Location: Johnson Center 4th Floor Lounge
Check in remains open all day. Coffee, tea, and water available all day.
Opening Remarks
Location: Hackathon Room, 5th Floor Jack C. Massey Center
9-9:15 AM
9:15-10:15 AM
KEYNOTE
Jamie Floyd
in conversation with Madi Diaz
Location: Hackathon Room, 5th Floor Jack C. Massey Center
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Participants:
Carly Marlys Anderson, Women’s National Book Association
Tracey Barrett, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators
Dr. Kemi Elufiede, Carnegie Writers
Ashley Sargeant Hagan, The Dangerous Pen Society
Marianne Manzler, The Porch
Jaden Terrell, Sisters In Crime & Mystery Writers of America
Alana White, Historical Novel Society
Jessica Siddharth, Hermitage Writers Hangout Group
Alee Anderson, Hey! Young Writer
Adriel Warren, The Rabbit Room
Sarah Talbert, RedBud Writer’s Guild
Location TBA
10:15-10:45 AM
Location: Johnson Center 4th Floor Lounge
11-11:45 AM
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Speakers: Ken Abdo, Andrei Garthoff, Mary Lauren Teague
Join entertainment lawyer Ken Abdo, artist Andrei Garthoff, and Belmont music business professor and lawyer Mary Lauren Teague for a conversation on the essentials of the music business, including music publishing, songwriting, artist development, and the legal and business considerations that shape a successful career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your career, gain practical insights into navigating the music industry and building a sustainable future in music.
Johnson Center Rm 422
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Speakers: Shannon Miller, Mytecia Myles, Zachary Wagman
Description coming soon…
Johnson Center Rm 423
12 PM-12:45 PM
12:45-1:45 PM
Lunch with Networking
Harrington Place Dining Hall, Johnson Center 2nd Floor
2-2:45 PM
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Speakers: Brandon Janous, Angela Engle, Literary Agent TBA
Description coming soon…
Johnson Center Rm 423
3-3:45 PM
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Speakers: Jodi Marr, Thomm Jutz, Drew Ramsey
Bring your lyrics or bring that melody, or bring them both—let the experts give you feedback on the spot!
Johnson Center Rm 491
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Speakers: Carly Anderson, Elona Washington, Karen Jackson, Jason Jones
Description coming soon…
Johnson Center Rm 423
4-4:45 PM
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Sign ups will be in person during the day. We will update the website with more info about the affinity groups soon.
Saturday, November 21
8:30 AM
Check In Opens
Location: Johnson Center Lobby
Check in remains open all day. Coffee, tea, and water available all day.
9-9:30 AM
Coffee with Agents
Location: Johnson Center Lobby
Mix and mingle with local agents to ask your burning questions! While this is not a time for pitching, it is an opportunity to meet and network with these agents and fellow attendees and speakers.
9:45-10:30 AM
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Speakers: Alyssa Rosenheck & Ami McConnell
Join Alyssa Rosenheck for the origin story of White. Blonde. Jew. and how a photographer known for capturing beauty turned her lens toward a story that would change the course of her life. In conversation with her literary agent, Ami McConnell, Alyssa will explore what it takes to speak the truth when others would rather you remain silent, the challenges Jewish authors face in publishing today, and the courage required to tell stories that are increasingly sidelined. Audiences will gain an inside look at an author’s journey across genres and leave inspired to find the courage to keep telling their own stories, even when doing so comes at a cost.
Johnson Center Large Theater
10:45-11:45 AM
FILM Keynote
(Announcement coming soon!)
Introduced by Rick Rekedal
Location: Johnson Center Large Theater
12-12:45 PM
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Speakers: Melissa Collings & Literary Agent TBA
Come learn what really happens to a manuscript on its way to becoming a book, from the editorial letter through line edits, copyedits, and proofs, and what to expect at each stage. Audience members will walk away with a clearer understanding of how the editorial process works, along with practical tips for approaching each round of edits with confidence.
Johnson Center Large Theater
12:45-1:45 PM
Lunch with Networking
Harrington Place Dining Hall, Johnson Center 2nd Floor
2-2:45 PM
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Speakers: Renee King Sonnen & Alice Sullivan
Everyone has a story worth telling, but how do you transform personal experience into a compelling narrative that reaches beyond your familiar circles? Join Renee King-Sonnen as she shares her journey from lived experience to memoir and documentary, exploring the courage, authenticity, and creative process of storytelling—and how you can begin shaping your own story to share with the world.
Johnson Center Rm 119
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Speakers: Freehand Nashville (Justin Luis & Calen Pos) & John Behrens
Description coming soon…
Johnson Center Large Theater
3-3:45 PM
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Speakers: Lauren Nossett, Zachary Wagman
Sometimes to thrill your darlings, you have to kill them. Come learn how strategic plotting and ruthless cuts can turn a sluggish manuscript into a page-turning thrill-ride. Audience members will walk away with practical advice about the thriller writing and editing process from an author/editor team that published three books together.
Johnson Center Large Theater
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Session Hosts: Erin Mae Miller, Tameron Hedge, Andy Van Roon
Every creator needs a great elevator pitch, but it may be challenging to step outside of your familiarity with your writing to assess what makes it marketable. Learn from experts in film and book what makes a great pitch for your writing, and then we'll split into small groups with professionals from all areas so you can practice your pitching and get ready to show your project to the publisher, agent, or production company of your dreams.
Johnson Center Rm 119
4-4:45 PM
4:45-5 PM
Closing Remarks
Location: Johnson Center Large Theater