For decades, there has been one place where radio didn’t just talk about change—it worked through it. One place where programmers, air talent, executives, and future leaders could sit in the same room, challenge each other, learn from each other, and walk away sharper than they came in. That place has been The Conclave, and as it approaches its next gathering in Minneapolis, the weight of its history is impossible to ignore.
This isn’t just another industry conference.
This is one of radio’s longest-running institutions, built on nearly 50 years of education, collaboration, and forward-thinking conversation. From its earliest days, The Conclave carved out a unique lane—not driven by corporate agenda, but by a mission to strengthen the craft of radio itself. Over time, it became a proving ground where ideas were tested, talent was discovered, and careers were quietly—but meaningfully—shaped.
And if you’ve ever been, you already know something else.
The magic didn’t just happen on stage.
It happened in the hallways, in the side conversations, in the late-night debates about music, formatics, ratings, and the future of audio. It happened when a young programmer found themselves sitting next to someone they had only heard about, and suddenly, the gap between “learning” and “doing” disappeared.
That’s what The Conclave built.
And along the way, it celebrated the people who built radio.
Through its long history, The Conclave has honored some of the most influential voices and minds in the industry through its awards and recognitions. The Rockwell Award has long stood as one of its highest honors, recognizing lifetime achievement and leadership in radio—an award that has gone to some of the most respected names in broadcasting. The Legends Luncheon became a staple of the event, bringing together iconic personalities and decision-makers to share stories, lessons, and perspective from inside the business at its highest levels.
There have also been awards spotlighting emerging talent and programming excellence, reinforcing what The Conclave has always believed—that the future of radio is just as important as its past. These moments weren’t just ceremonial. They were connective. They reminded everyone in the room that this industry is built on people, not just platforms.
Year after year, milestone after milestone, The Conclave evolved with the business.
It adapted as radio moved from analog to digital, from local dominance to multi-platform competition, from linear listening to on-demand consumption. Panels shifted. Topics changed. Technology advanced. But the core purpose never moved—to create a space where radio professionals could come together and figure it out.
That’s why this next gathering carries a different kind of energy.
On The Dial President/Publisher Steven Mills caught up with Conclave Board Chair Bob Goff and he said, “This isn’t just going to be ‘The Last Conclave!’ We are going to celebrate all things of the Upper Midwest Communications Conclave!
This is going to be the place for everyone in radio from management and programming, full and part-time air staff, street team members and promotion directors to get together and trade ideas, successes and yes even failures.
If you’re been RIF’d, downsized, replaced or just got out of the business, we invite you to attend too!
Faculty lined up so far includes Sean Ross, Robby Bridges, Fred and Paul Jacobs and it would not be a Conclave without a session from Paige Nienaber! More staff announcements are coming soon!
Join us at the Crowne Plaza AIRE in Bloomington September 15th to the 17th for Conclave 45: The Last Conclave!
Go to thelastconclave com to register now!”
The Last Conclave, set for Minneapolis, represents not just another chapter—but what is being positioned as the final one. After nearly five decades of serving the industry, this event is being framed as “The Last Conclave,” bringing together generations of broadcasters for one more opportunity to connect, reflect, and look ahead.
And it will look ahead.
Because the sessions will once again focus on what matters right now—programming strategy, technology, audience behavior, digital integration, and where radio fits in an increasingly crowded audio landscape. This isn’t a nostalgia tour. It’s still about the future.
But there’s no denying the moment.
Because when something like this reaches its final run, it becomes more than a conference.
It becomes a gathering of the people who lived it.
And here’s the part that should get everyone’s attention.
Right now, registration is open at an early-bird rate of just $99. That’s not just affordable—it’s intentional. It’s an open invitation to anyone serious about radio to be part of something that has shaped the industry for nearly half a century.
There’s a generation that built their careers inside rooms like this.
There’s another generation that needs to experience it.
And for one more time, The Conclave is bringing them together in Minneapolis.
Because radio has always been about connection.
And for nearly 50 years, The Conclave has been one of the places where that connection came to life.
REGISTER TODAY TO GET THE DISCOUNTED RATE HERE!
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.