Nashville, TN (October 19, 2026)—The annual AES Convention’s Nashville debut is only 10 days away, and while audio pros are gearing up to see gear, catch panels and more, the Audio Engineering Society is announcing some of the top-billing speakers at the show. Set to take place October 30—November 1 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the AES Show’s keynote interviews featuring Jack White, John McBride and Vince Gill will anchor a program of conversations, panel discussions and workshops exploring the artistry and technology behind audio.
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The keynote program will offer attendees an up-close look at the careers and creative perspectives of 12-time Grammy-winning musician, producer and entrepreneur Jack White; Blackbird Studio owner and The Blackbird Academy Institutional Director John McBride; and Vince Gill, the legendary artist, songwriter, and virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, who has earned 22 Grammy Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards, and 19 Country Music Association Awards.
Vince Gill’s keynote interview will include long-time collaborator Justin Niebank (producer/engineer) and be moderated by Chuck Ainlay, focusing on the 50 Years From Home project.
• Vince Gill Live: Get That Analog Mentality
Additional highlights include a special session honoring Dolly Parton, hosted by producer and engineer Val Garay, who produced Parton’s album The Great Pretender and whose career encompasses five Grammy Awards, more than 100 gold and platinum records, an Emmy nomination and more than 125 million worldwide record sales.
The program will also feature an interview with legendary artist Ronnie Milsap and a 3D Masterclass with acclaimed engineer and producer George Massenburg.
Grammy-nominated producer/engineer and Produce Like A Pro founder and host Warren Huart will lead several sessions, including an interview with Neumann CEO Yasmine Riechers and a Nashville engineers panel featuring Piper Payne, Gena Johnson and Reid Shippen.
Huart will also lead a tribute to the late Grammy Award-winning producer Jack Douglas; joining Huart will be Grammy-winning engineer Steve Marcantonio.
Elsewhere, a METAlliance session will explore artificial intelligence, while “From Stage to Stream: Delivering Live Entertainment in Dolby Atmos” will examine new opportunities to capture concerts and other live events and bring immersive listening experiences to audiences at home.
Visit AESShow.com for the latest Show updates, registration information, housing details and the full program.
