Past eventHeld October 1–2, 2026
Story Nashville 2026
STORY is a global gathering of creators, leaders and change-makers working in a variety of industries to shift narratives and shape the future by telling stories that matter.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
- Held
- October 1–2, 2026
- Venue
- Schermerhorn Symphony Center
TL;DR
- Story Nashville 2026 took place October 1–2 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN.
- Admission was billed as covering the two-day in-person experience, 6 General Sessions, 16+ Breakout Sessions, the Half-ter Party Networking Event, and a printed souvenir program and workbook.
- The program was billed as a combination of innovative talks and unique performances in a two-day conference-style format.
About
Story Nashville 2026 was a local edition of STORY, a worldwide meeting of creators and leaders from many fields who use storytelling to shift narratives, and Istoria is the organizer. Over two days, the program was scheduled to include talks, performances and workshops, and the ticket was billed as covering six general sessions, at least 16 breakout sessions and a networking party. The theme centered on the "Imagination Age". It was meant for storytellers, artists, entrepreneurs and creative leaders, whether employed by an organization or working solo.
Who was in the room
Purpose-fueled creators and creative leaders
Purpose-fueled creators, storytellers, creative leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Featured speakers
10 listedJodi Benson
Disney Legend, Tony Award winner
David Reynolds
Oscar-nominated screenwriter
Sian Leo Proctor
Dr.
Kafi Pierre
Associate Artistic Director · Cirque du Soleil
Michael and Matthew Gardiner
Five-time World Champion Irish dancers and content creators · Gardiner Brothers
Paul Anleitner
President & CEO · Goodmakers
Brad Montague
New York Times bestselling author and illustrator
Shane McKenzie
Founder of Relevant Leadership · Relevant Leadership / Istoria
Harris III
Founder · Istoria
Kate Harris
CCO and Head of Istoria Studio · Istoria
What attendees say
“STORY is worth every penny. My team left empowered and with new found purpose and direction.”
“The STORY community has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me, and this conference has changed my life.”
“It is the best conference I have ever attended by a million.”
Venue & travel
Venue
Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TNQuestions people ask
5 answeredStory Nashville 2026 took place October 1–2, 2026.
It was held at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN.
The published audience included purpose-fueled creators, storytellers, creative leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs.
It was most useful for creative leaders, brand storytellers and marketers looking for inspiration and cross-industry ideas, since the program was billed as having 6 general sessions and 16 or more breakouts, and speakers were billed as ranging from Disney's Jodi Benson to screenwriter David Reynolds and Cirque du Soleil's Kafi Pierre. At $997 for balcony seating it was a significant spend, and those wanting technical training or sector-specific deal flow would have gotten less from a talk and performance driven format at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Creative conferences in Nashville usually draw smart casual to creative-casual dress, with stylish jackets, dresses or dark denim, and comfortable shoes for two days of sessions. The symphony hall setting and a networking party made a slightly dressier look at home.
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