The Audio Engineering Society (AES) celebrated an AES Show Nashville 2026, held Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Bringing together audio professionals, students, educators, manufacturers and industry leaders from around the world, the three-day event delivered a combination of technical education, professional development, new technologies and Music City experiences.
With nearly 3,000 registrations representing 37 countries, AES Show Nashville 2026 marked a significant year of growth, with attendance increasing 108% over 2025 and exhibitor participation rising 250%. The exhibition floor featured 98 exhibitor brands, complemented by a 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. Together, the diverse programming, hands-on experiences and opportunities for connection showcased the innovation, expertise and collaborative spirit that continue to drive the professional audio industry forward.
Among the Show’s highlights were featured 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/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. The city’s musical history, creative community and recording facilities provided a fitting backdrop for the international gathering.
“The AES Show has found its new home in Nashville, drawing top-tier studio and live production attendees. We are already looking forward to next year’s event,” stated Ross Gilbert, Head of Marketing, Solid State Logic.
Brad Lunde, founder of TransAudio Group, echoed Gilbert’s remarks: “I attended AES Nashville and was so blown away with the show and all the events surrounding it that I renewed my membership in AES for five years on the spot! This show was like AES of old in both quantity and quality of recording-oriented attendees, and it was amazing! There was more business at this show than any other show I’ve attended in many years. Nashville was the right place at the right time. I was so impressed I signed up for multiple exhibit spaces for AES Nashville 2027 and 2028. I’m so happy AES is back!”
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.
For additional information, visit AESShow.com.
For more information, visit aes.org.
