The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is gearing up for CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, set to take place next week despite recent winter weather challenges.

NCBA Senior Executive Director of Meetings and Events Kristin Torres confirmed that downtown Nashville is recovering well from the ice storm that still has thousands of residents without power. “It does look like it’s going to be chillier than we’d maybe like, but for sure the facilities are all up and running,” said Torres. “Downtown Nashville’s coming back from the storm, most of the bars and restaurants, and all the hotels are open.”

A major highlight this year is the shift to an all-inclusive registration model. Whether attending the full convention or a single day, registrants gain access to everything—Cattleman’s College (previously a separate ticket), general sessions, receptions, the expansive trade show, and more.

Torres says the trade show is completely sold out and expanded to nearly eight acres. It goes beyond traditional exhibits with daily receptions, provided lunches, and on-floor education. Attendees can watch live cattle handling demonstrations in the arena, join sessions in the Learning Lounge and Cattle Chats areas, or catch programs on the new Marquee Stage.

The speaker lineup promises high energy and industry insights. Dale Earnhardt Jr. headlines the opening general session, followed by leadership expert John Acuff, market updates from CattleFax, and a fun closing session with Grammy-winning Jimmy Urie on storytelling through song. Nashville flair shines through special events: Boots on Broadway, an exclusive night at Luke Combs’ Category 10 honky-tonk on Wednesday, and a memorable Grand Ole Opry finale featuring Don Schlitz, The Castellows (cattle-farming trio), The SteelDrivers, and headliner Vince Gill.

With over 8,000 already registered—a record high—Torres urges early online signup at convention.ncba.org, though on-site registration remains available. CattleCon welcomes all in the beef industry, regardless of operation size, offering networking, education, and a voice in the future of beef production.

Here’s where you can find registration here.