MSBC 26: The Beginning Of A New Beginning

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 11TH, 2014 –– Our headline comes from Alpha's VP/Programming, Phil Becker, who offered the line during a morning session at MSBC 26 on the future of radio: "It's not the end. It's the beginning of our new beginning,' said Becker. Consultant Tracy Johnson who was also one of this year's featured speakers conveniently created a full list of takeaways from this year's event which you can see at his blog HERE. Among his takeaways BJ Shea: "Performers love to perform. It’s not how much you get paid. It’s not about whether you’re the lead or a sidekick. And it doesn't matter the platform. Performing is what we do." Drew Horowitz, CEO Hubbard Broadcasting offers advice for talent to be successful moving forward: "Work hard. Dedicate yourself. Be authentic." Pat Paxton, VP/Programming Entercom: "Step up and stop making excuses. Take responsibility for your career and quit making excuses. Be thankful for what you do for a living. You're not operating a jackhammer in 100 degree heat by the side of the road." Jimmy DeCastro, VP/GM WGN Radio/Chicago: "You finally make it to the job you always wanted-morning, and now you show up 15 minutes before your show, and the door hits you in the (a)ss 9 minutes after. That's ridiculous. It's not a 6-10am job. Be around. That's how you're going to grow. And if you're not growing, you're standing still."Mike McVay, Cumulus Media: "If parameters (limits) are defined by what you can't do on the air, talent will stop trying to do anything."

To be honest, we've been overwhelmed and humbled deeply by the numerous comments to this year's MSBC. There's not nearly enough room here to list them, but here's a brief sample:

Personalities from different cities, formats get together and try to grab one or two things that can give them the edge. One tweak that can mean the difference. Then we eat and drink together as the friends we have become. Steve Harmon Paul and Young Ron Show Miami

Thanks Don for another great MSBC! I always come back with great ideas, new friends and more importantly I come back re energized to work in this great industry!

JC Fernandez - On-Air/ Executive Producer - Mark and Mercedes in the Morning"
KMXB- Mix 94.1- CBS Radio- Las Vegas

"MSBC 26 was AMAZING this year! It was so great to see everyone, including my future husbands, Bill Michaels and Tommy Sablan. BJ Shea's session was fantastic, and I think a lot of radio talent, regardless of how new or well-established you are, can learn from his main points. Radio professionals really ARE artists, and with the medium changing, it's becoming apparent now more than ever how important you are. Can't wait to see you all next year! Dwyer - you owe me a bottle of wine." Kristen Acevedo - WISE BROTHER MEDIA

I've been to about 18 Morning Show Boot Camps and MSBC 2014 was one of the best. The first day alone was perfect. BJ Shea set the tone with his new found words of wisdom about being NICE and not being so angry and uptight. My old boss Tracy Johnson's session was awesome and Tracy is a genius, but I won't tell him that since he consults other shows in San Diego. :) Tommy Sablan - Jeff & Jer Show

"The energy at MSBC 26 made for the best one yet! It was great to see all of the familiar faces, and it was awesome to see how many new attendees showed up. Great words of wisdom from BJ Shea telling us all to give up "never", to Valerie Geller's great tips on storytelling. We are already looking forward to next years MSBC. Steve Migliore - BJ Shea Morning Experience

" I spend hours being creative but a listener remembered I mentioned one time that drink Dr. Pepper for breakfast. Be Real. ". - Fred (Fred and Angi) " The secret of life is don't do something stupid." - Lisa Miller "Great art comes from crazy people" - BJ Shea "My advice when on TV don't give bitchy resting face, it is a condition but doesn't belong on TV" - shameless plug….from me. Takeaways from Kelly Collis - The Tommy Show - Fresh FM Wash.

"It was brilliant to have BJ Shea deliver the opening speech. It set the tone for what it means to be an air personality and what the spirit of Boot Camp is all about. The rest of the agenda of panels and presentations flowed from there. You asked BJ to set the tone and he did. Lori (Lewis) and I were fortunate to follow him." Fred Jacobs - Jacobs Media

" Thank you for another stimulating MSBC! It is so energizing to be surrounded by such passionate, like-minded people. BJ Shea reminded us all that our own success starts with our attitudes. Lori Lewis and Fred Jacobs convinced us we need to step up our Twitter game... and Valerie Geller's book has already been ordered because she showed us our story telling skills need some work. It's an exciting time to work in radio and it was great to see everyone! Next year, let's skip the tequila shots on the first night! - Amanda & Jeff Walker 98.5 KRZ Scranton, PA

"Thanks, Don. And thanks for another terrific Boot Camp. Another seamless 48 hours, packed with real-world info for Marianne and me. (Oh, and Casey, too!) It really was a great opportunity to learn, network, and get better at this crazy job. Thanks a million, and we look forward to MSBC27 - Casey Acevedo - Bob & Marianne - Warm-FM Cincinnati

"Great sessions, great panels, but what touches me every year are the friendships that I've developed. I love seeing my radio pals year after year. Sharing stories, and sharing ideas. Alcohol doesn't hurt the process." Paul Castronovo; Paul and Young Ron Show MSBC veteran

MSBC was once again off the charts! Connecting with friends and making new ones really is what it's all about. The panels once again inspired thought and the bar inspired loud thought... MY two picks for MSBC LEADING MAN is BJ Shea. His opening remarks are what I'm taking with me most into the hallways of 947 Fresh FM tomorrow and many mornings to come. He's a true icon and if you watch him between sessions he's more social than the most eager first time attendee who wants soak up as much as possible. He's a master, and constant student of our 'performance.' Love that guy. MSBC LEADING LADY was Michelle McKormick. She always tells it like it is, makes us think and remark "Easy Cheetah" stole the show and got the Lady Panel back in order. She's been around and has such a wildly organic and honest about the state of our business and talent. Where do we sign up for next year :) Tommy McFly - The Tommy Show - Fresh FM Wash.

"MSBC is always the best conference for me to interview talent, meet producers and learn from others. It is also an opportunity to bring together our team. Cumulus had 50+ programmers and talent at MSBC this year." Mike McVay - Senior Vice-President
Corporate/Programming

"Honestly the best one yet. Relevant and timely...and with all the media changes ahead, I'm excited about radio's future! And also excited that Rich Berra, from Johnjay and Rich, bought most of my drinks..." "I caught up with old friends, made lots of new ones, listened as the biggest names in our business discussed our industry's future, and, according to Paul Castronovo from Paul and Young Ron, apparently furnished Art Vuolo with a new screensaver...I'd call this a BIG win!" "I met more people this year who payed their own way because they know there is nothing better than to invest in your own future. And MSBC is a proven tool...which leads me to another proven tool, Zack Jackson of WXLK Roanoke...Bazinga!" Rick Rumble - WNOR Norfolk

"Digital & social media strategist, Lori Lewis was ON FIRE at MSBC 26 with crucial tips for thriving in the digital age! She made me realize that while social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat may not attract the daily usage Facebook does - or even offer the volume of ego-stroking 'likes' you'll attract on FB - it is important to utilize these 'secondary platforms.' They skew younger than FB...and connecting with the young end of your audience helps you stay relevant to the next generation of listeners! - Jeff Thomas - Star 95.7 Cincinnati

"I thought BJ Shea's opening address was wonderful and really set the tone for MSBC! Of course, who could forget the excitement that was the Women's Forum!! - Mercedes - Mix/Las Vegas

"I was so excited when BJ asked how many people were at Boot Camp for the first time & a sea of hands went into the air. I was very proud. Let's keep MSBC going for another 30 yrs. Fitz - Fitz In The Morning Seattle

"Hey Don...another great year of MSBC. I was thinking how I wished I had started coming to these years ago instead of waiting until the last three years. That said, there's no better time than the present to start a good habit. I think MSBC is one of the best uses of two days of vacation (especially if someone else is buying the drinks!). I'd never heard the terms Generator and Reactor. But as soon as I did I immediately began to understand so many of my peers. Where else can I get great pieces of advice from programmers like Drew Horowitz, Pat Paxton and Phil Becker. On the stage and afterwards I could go up and ask them questions. I loved the quote, "Social media is the 'listener party that goes 24/7!" So I need to keep the interaction, and it has to be good interaction, up all day on all platforms. My PD told me 15 years ago, "Jim, if you want to think like a morning guy you need to immerse yourself in what they do." There's no better place to immerse yourself with morning talent/hosts/performers than MSBC. The morning show vibe is everywhere and you can't help but get covered by it's good. Jim Carey - Cash and Carey K95.5 Tulsa, KWEN

"Boot Camp is always filled with information and camaraderie. This year, BJ Shea's inspiring keynote set the perfect tone for the two days. And just one of the specific tidbits I walked away with was Dennis Clark's concept for character development of 'every episode characteristics' vs. 'aha characteristics.' Thanks again, Don!" Angela Parelli - Talent Coach

'MSBC is a must attend for anyone interested in staying ahead of the industry. The access to talent, programmers and management is unparalleled. ‎There was much to learn.' Heather Cohen - The Weiss Agency - NYC

Morgan Ryan Mix 96.9 Windsor

I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for putting on a terrific Boot Camp. I TRULY hope we meet again in some capacity! Really, it was on my 'radio bucket list' and I'm still getting goosbumps knowing I was a part of it.
I got so MUCH out of it, so thank you and all that were involved