Tracy Gilliam

Written by Jennifer Isenberg on June 10, 2025. Posted in Speakers.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

Tracy Gilliam is a founding executive at Futuri and a media-tech leader focused on using artificial intelligence to solve critical challenges in broadcasting and public safety.

With a background in journalism and more than 16 years at the forefront of media technology innovation, Tracy has helped shape how news and emergency information are delivered in a rapidly evolving landscape.

She began her career as a broadcast journalist at KMOX in St. Louis and went on to hold senior leadership roles at Clear Channel and CBS Radio, overseeing major markets and driving revenue growth.

In 2010, she founded TopLine Matters, a research and sales intelligence platform for broadcasters, which was acquired by Futuri in 2015 and continues to scale as one of the company’s leading AI-powered tools.

Today, she serves on Futuri’s executive leadership team, leading strategic initiatives that bridge AI, content intelligence, and real-time communication.

Tracy was also instrumental in the development of BEACON—Futuri’s AI-powered emergency alerting platform designed to help broadcasters and public safety officials deliver timely, accurate information during crises.

Her work on BEACON reflects a deep commitment to harnessing technology for life-saving impact, empowering media organizations to better serve their communities when it matters most.

Catch this speaker at the following:

The Changing Forecast for EAS

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John Reynolds

Written by Jennifer Isenberg on June 10, 2025. Posted in Speakers.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

John H. Reynolds is a television producer and director.

His television work includes the stand-up comedy television series Chad Prather’s Comedy Shootout, the 1-hour stand-up comedy special Let the Laughter Roll on CMT, and the television game show Whatta Ya Think.

John has directed multiple music videos that include Sam Riggs “When The Lights Go Out” that reached #1 on CMT.

For over 10 years John produced and directed The Live at Billy Bob’s Texas music series which includes concert films for Charlie Robison, Tracy Byrd, and The Toadies.

John is a member of the Academy of Country Music and is an accomplished documentary filmmaker and continues to tell stories through his companies Middlin’ Creative and South Bend Locals.

He’s also the host of Radio Update’s Video Tips & Tricks Series.

Catch this speaker at the following:

Extending Your Brand Online

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John Butler

Written by Jennifer Isenberg on June 9, 2025. Posted in Speakers.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

John Butler is the President of Butler7media, with studios in Dallas, Mineola, and Canton. KMOO-FM and KWJB-AM-FM are celebrating 60 years of serving East Texas.

Starting at the age of 15, he worked in a television and radio newsroom and also served as a popular DJ where he tested his creative flair by producing two prime-time documentaries and hosting a weekly radio interview show.

John knows something about radio promotion.

As a DJ at the legendary KLIF in Dallas, John took part in what was billed by Gordon McLendon as the “largest radio promotion ever in radio.” John was the DJ from KLIF in a bicycle race across Texas with the #1 DJs from Houston and San Antonio. They started at the Alamo, raced to downtown Dallas, then on to Herman Park in Houston. Fans followed the race as it was covered on the three stations.

John graduated from the University of Texas with honors and holds a Master’s Degree from SMU.

He is on the Texas Association of Broadcasters Board and is the past president of the Golden Mic Club.

John has a new book scheduled for release later this year, based on a road trip he took in search of America. (Spoiler alert: he found it.)

Catch this speaker at the following:

Big Time Content on a Small Time Budget

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Race Ricketts

Written by Jennifer Isenberg on June 6, 2025. Posted in Speakers.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

Quick with a smile, a story, and an Allsup’s burrito in hand, Texas Music artist Race Ricketts is the mouth piece of the North Texas 940 area code he proudly calls home.

A quite literal “Hillbilly Shakespeare,” Race is an alumni of the University of Oklahoma where he studied acting, bringing his effortless stage presence and affinity for storytelling to the forefront of his live performances.

His songwriting influences include: James McMurtry, Robert Earl Keen, Jason Isbell, Chris Knight, and the Drive-By Truckers, with flavors of them all throughout his 2024 debut album “940”and recent singles from his upcoming 2025 fall record “New Settlers Reunion.”

With a hunger for the highway and a smell of something to prove, Race and his boys in the band only want two simple things: playing the best live show they can muster and to write songs that live longer than they do.

Simple as that!

Some Odds and Ends about Race:
– 2022 winner of Larry Joe Taylor’s songwriter showcase
– Collaborated with Robert Earl Keen on an unreleased song ““Rodeo o’ Rodeo” that aired on Sirius XM Outlaw Country
– Owns a 2009 Toyota Camry
– Live taping Texas Hill Country Provisions listening lounge (YouTube)
– Rural Route Revival docuseries taping

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Awards Gala

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RJ Ochoa

Written by Jennifer Isenberg on June 4, 2025. Posted in Speakers.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

RJ Ochoa is the Manager and Editor-in-Chief of SB Nation’s Dallas Cowboys website.

He has covered the team for a decade through a variety of outlets including online print, radio, podcasting and in emerging ways across new media.

He lives in south Texas with his wife, son and two dogs.

Catch this speaker at the following:

Extending Your Brand Online

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Jim Sherwood

Written by Jennifer Isenberg on June 4, 2025. Posted in Speakers.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

Starting in 1988 at a tiny hometown station in rural Mississippi, Jim quickly became the guy who could do it all—on-air shifts, music logs, wacky remotes, you name it. That “Swiss-Army-knife” mindset followed him through stints at iHeartMedia, CBS Radio, Cumulus Broadcasting, a handful of independents, and even a memorable stretch hosting a daily morning show from an aircraft carrier during his Navy service.

Fast-forward to today: Jim is the founder and chief strategist of Skyrocket Radio, where he turns old-school broadcasters into digital heavyweights. He partners with station owners, managers, and content creators to craft hosted websites and mobile apps that keep listeners glued and advertisers grinning.

He also hosts the “Better Radio Websites” podcast—because sharing the playbook is more fun than keeping secrets. Each episode dishes out no-fluff best practices that help stations capture more clicks, build loyal audiences, and convert that traffic into serious revenue.

Jim’s north star is simple: make sure every station has the tools to thrive online. When he’s not geeking out over the latest AI content wizardry, you’ll find him digging into radio history or curating the perfect playlist.

Catch this speaker at the following:

Extending Your Brand Online

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Terrance Burzynski

Written by Jennifer Isenberg on June 4, 2025. Posted in Speakers.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

Terrance Burzynski is a seasoned media executive and marketing strategist with a strong track record in growth acceleration and brand development.

As Vice President of Media Partnerships at Elevate Marketing Research, he leverages local consumer research to drive impactful multi-platform marketing campaigns that enhance brand performance and advertiser retention.

Known for his analytical mindset and creative problem-solving, Terrance specializes in translating complex market data into actionable strategies that boost return on ad spend and deepen customer loyalty.

His leadership style blends data fluency with a collaborative approach, making him a trusted partner in navigating today’s dynamic media landscape. Terrance has consistently delivered results by aligning brand objectives with data-driven marketing solutions.

His commitment to excellence and continuous learning positions him as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.

Catch this speaker at the following:

Insights To Impact: Power Your Ad Strategy With The 2025 Texas Media Study

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Robert Wendt

Written by Jennifer Isenberg on June 4, 2025. Posted in Speakers.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

Robert Wendt is a nationally recognized consumer and market intelligence leader with over 20 years of experience helping businesses, media companies, and advertisers transform research into actionable strategies for growth.

Serving as Sr. Director of Research Strategy and Insights at SmithGeiger Group and Head of Research for Elevate, Robert has led more than 250 impactful research studies, including the landmark Texas Association of Broadcasters media landscape study.

His expertise spans consumer behavior, media trends, and advertising effectiveness across diverse industries such as healthcare, finance, legal services, tourism, and retail.

Known for translating complex data into clear, practical insights, Robert empowers businesses to make smarter, audience-focused decisions.

Catch this speaker at the following:

Insights To Impact: Power Your Ad Strategy With The 2025 Texas Media Study

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