In 2012, the event utilized nineteen different venues including The Ryman Auditorium, Hard Rock Cafe, and the SiriusXM theater at Bridgestone Arena.
Registrants can attend informative panel sessions that feature prominent artists and music executives from the Americana genre, the exhibit hall, free luncheons (that also feature performances), evening parties held by various sponsors, networking events, book signings, movie screenings and the occasional surprise event.
The event expanded to three days and began with a Kickoff Party featuring Gillian Welch, Chip Taylor and Paul Thorn.
[3] September 12–14 "This Week in Americana", a nationally syndicated radio show, was taped at the conference and featured Kelly Willis.
The Keynote was given by Ken Kragen, a notable manager for artists such as the Bee Gees, Kenny Rogers, Dottie West and many others.
A songwriter's workshop was moderated by Frank Liddell and featured Bruce Robison, Radney Foster and Cowboy Jack Clement.
The Kickoff Party featured the Avett Brothers followed by Elizabeth Cook, Bobby Bare, Marty Stuart, Solomon Burke and The Knitters.
A noteworthy panel was "Lonestar Legacy: Role of Texas in helping shape Americana Music" moderated by Tamara Saviano featuring recording artists Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed, Rosie Flores, Radney Foster and Bruce Robison.
[11] October 12–15 The Civil Wars with acclaimed producer, Charlie Peacock, impressed the full house in the annual Keynote Interview.
[14] A panel session, aptly named Charting New Waters, showcased presented innovative artists discussing how they navigate through the music industry.
It included Robert Ellis, Charlie Faye, John Fullbright, Lera Lynn, Paul Thorn and Anthony da Costa.
More artists participated in panel sessions throughout the conference than ever before including Allison Moorer, Matraca Berg, Matthew Perryman Jones, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Craig Krampf, Rose Cousins, Jody Stephens, Scott Bomar, Kelly Willis, Amy Black, Mark O'Shea, Victoria Shaw, Rod Picott, Susan Catteneo, Peter Cooper, Otis Gibbs, Oliver Wood and Sarah Jarosz.
Special events included several interviews located at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Marty Stuart, Ry Cooder.
Morris, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Nashville "Lower Broadway Renaissance" September 15–20 Hutton Hotel, 1808 West End Evenue