New York, NY (November 6, 2026)— The Audio Engineering Society’s AES Show Nashville 2026 marked a significant year of growth, with attendance increasing 108% over 2025 and exhibitor participation rising 250%.
AES Show Nashville 2026, held Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, attracted nearly 3,000 registrations representing 37 countries. The bustling exhibition floor featured 98 exhibitor brands, complemented by a robust technical program offering 164 sessions, including 14 studio events and 19 immersive audio sessions. With students accounting for 16% of attendees, the show also demonstrated strong engagement from the next generation of audio professionals.
READ MORE: Seen on the Scene: AES Nashville 2026, Part I, by Clive Young.
Among the Show’s highlights were keynote conversations with music and recording icons Jack White, Vince Gill and Justin Niebank, and John McBride, offering unique perspectives on creativity, production, technology and the evolving music industry.
Additional special events further underscored the depth and diversity of this year’s program, including a tribute to Dolly Parton’s recording legacy moderated by Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Val Garay; the Grammy SoundTables event “Songs That Changed My Life” with panelists Jeff Balding (moderator), Jordan Hamlin, Alison Brown and Chuck Ainlay; The Forum presented by the Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing; and the Richard C. Heyser Memorial Lecture featuring Marina Bosi.
Nashville itself played a starring role in the experience. Beyond the sessions, exhibits and immersive demonstration rooms at Gaylord Opryland, attendees had opportunities to explore Music City’s rich recording heritage through special studio tours and activities extending to Nashville’s famed Music Row, Berry Hill and beyond.
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The show also emphasized the next generation of audio professionals through student-focused programming, educational opportunities, competitions and networking events, reinforcing AES’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and advancing the art and science of audio.
AES extends its sincere appreciation to AES Show Nashville 2026 Convention Chairs Graham Kirk, Brian (Bt) Gibbs and Russ Long, whose leadership and dedication helped shape this year’s event, along with the presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, media partners, organizers, volunteers and attendees who contributed to its success.
The AES invites the global audio community to return to Music City for AES Show Nashville 2027, taking place Oct. 28–30 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
