Sound Bites 2026

The annual learning, meeting, and mingling event of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 

Renaissance Framingham (formerly Sheraton)

1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Seminars – 2PM

About the Workshop:

Learn how to do more than having just a sales vehicle; learn how to fire up your sales engine and drive sales to new levels. Discover the high-energy power of enhancing perceptions and mastering sales activities like contacting and follow-up.

Attendees will discover the sales strategies and techniques necessary to open new opportunities, stay motivated, and impact their clients at higher levels during these unprecedented times. With an emphasis on understanding the sales engine that powers their sales vehicles, sales leaders will learn new ways to enhance their performance while achieving greater results. Today’s sales leaders will unleash their unlimited potential!

  • Learn strategies to enhance your mindset
  • Understand how to identify and gather important data
  • Discover new ways to build deeper relationships
  • Create the structure necessary for gold-medal results

About our speaker:

Erik Therwanger is a dynamic international speaker, accomplished author of eight books, and passionate trainer. With over 30 years of experience, Erik has inspired thousands of professionals within organizations of all sizes, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies – across nearly every industry – to unlock their full potential.

Drawing on his background as a United States Marine, caregiver, and executive business leader, Erik’s interactive style, practical tools, and relatable storytelling empower audiences around the world to take bold action and create lasting enhancements in their organizations.

With a reputation for delivering highly impactful and engaging presentations, Erik specializes in leadership development, strategic planning, and sales excellence. As the founder of Think GREAT, a veteran-owned company, Erik is committed to transforming lives and magnifying results through keynote speeches, customized training programs, and corporate coaching.

Erik is known for his high energy, relatability, and ability to connect with diverse audiences.


 

About the Workshop:

Over The Air (OTA) may be the origination of content but the destinations are many for the end point of today’s entertainment, information, and community connection. Radio, Podcasting, Streaming, Social Media, Smart Speakers, and Apps are all reception points that are the common thread in programming distribution to attract today’s listener. The strength of audio has never been greater and utilized more to build brands, create images, attract an audience, and sell advertisers wares, products, and services. This session will share examples of successful multiplatform distribution that magnifies audiences by being everywhere and being heard/seen everywhere. Content Creators, Program Directors, Talent, and Production/Producers will all benefit from this session.

About our speaker:

Mike McVay is President of McVay Media Consulting. Working globally as a full-service consultant in the areas of Content Creation, Program Consultation, Syndication, Digital Delivery, Production & Imaging, Podcasting and Talent Coaching. Prior to returning to consulting, he was most recently the Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One.

McVay is a 40-year programmer with national and local management, ownership, sales, major market programming, and major market on-air experience. Mike has owned and operated radio stations in multiple markets. He is a partner in Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Network with experience in curating Podcasts for Westwood One, NatGeo and Disney+. He has also developed and launched several highly successful nationally syndicated radio programs including Delilah, The John Tesh Show, and NBA Hall of Famer John Salley.

Mike coaches’ talent as significant as ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and HBO’s Soledad O’Brien, as well as National and Local talent globally.

McVay is a 2025 Inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame, a recipient of the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio Award, a 2024 Giants of Broadcasting recipient from the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, and he received the 2024 Leadership Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America. He recently received the 2026 MIW (Mentoring and Inspiring Women) Legacy Award during the 2026 NAB Conference.

He serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Women in Media, The Country Radio Broadcasters, The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, and is a voting member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. He is also a member of the National Association of Broadcasters Long Term Steering Committee, as well as an advisor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital media committee.

Networking Cocktail Reception – 5PM

MBA Annual Meeting – 6PM

Guests and Speakers

    • Jordan Walton – Executive Director, Massachusetts Broadcasters Association
    • April Carty-Sipp – Executive Vice President, Industry Affairs and Innovation, National Association of Broadcasters

2026 Sound Bites Awards

Broadcaster of the Year 

Thank you to our sponsors!

Sponsors

Thanks to our Sound Bites sponsors!