Name: Backstage Nashville
Start: 2026-10-04T15:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-10-07T12:00:00-05:00
Location: The Maddox Hotel

Question 1

Is my VRMA conference ticket included?

Accepted Answer

No. Your VRMA 26 Nashville conference ticket is purchased separately and directly through VRMA. Backstage Nashville is an independent event running alongside VRMA — we are not affiliated with or endorsed by VRMA, and we have no involvement in conference ticket sales. You can buy your VRMA tickets now at https://www.vrma.org/events/vrma-26-nashville/registration — we recommend doing this as soon as possible.

Question 2

Is there a block booking option or promo code for VRMA tickets?

Accepted Answer

VRMA have mentioned block booking options in the past, but these have been inconsistent and we can't guarantee availability. As for promo codes — VRMA have historically been very tight with these. We'll let you know if we come across anything, but we don't want to promise something we can't deliver. Please don't factor a discount into your plans. The safest approach: buy your VRMA tickets now directly at https://www.vrma.org/events/vrma-26-nashville/registration. Any promo codes or group booking details we become aware of — we'll share them with all confirmed Backstage Nashville delegates first.

Question 3

What if my application isn't accepted?

Accepted Answer

We'll tell you straight — and we'll tell you why. If the room is full we'll put you on the waitlist and contact you first if a spot opens. If it's not the right fit this year we'll say so honestly. No form rejection emails. A real response from Mark. We'd rather you know where you stand than wonder. If you miss 2026 — there will be a 2027.

Question 4

Is the hotel buyout literal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have contracted all 9 suites at The Maddox Hotel for the full duration — 4th to 7th October 2026. The Skyline Penthouse (Suite 700) is reserved for programme use — penthouse breakfasts and the mastermind session. The remaining 8 suites are available for delegate accommodation. Nobody outside our group is staying in the building. No strangers at breakfast. No awkward lift encounters. The whole building is ours.

Question 5

Can I book Suite 700 (the Skyline Penthouse) as my room?

Accepted Answer

No. Suite 700 is reserved for programme use — penthouse breakfasts, the mastermind session, and the implementation hour. Not available for individual room bookings.

Question 6

What is the refund policy if my application is rejected?

Accepted Answer

If your application is not accepted, no payment will have been taken — we only request payment after acceptance. There is nothing to refund because nothing has been charged.

Question 7

What is the sleeping arrangement — will I share with a stranger?

Accepted Answer

Bunk rooms are sold as a whole private room at $2,000. The room sleeps two — bring someone you know and split the cost at $1,000 each. We do not place strangers in the same bunk room without their prior agreement. King rooms and private ensuites are single-occupancy — your room, nobody else in it.

Question 8

Do I need to buy my own VRMA ticket?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Backstage Nashville is an independent event running alongside VRMA 26 Nashville. Your Maddox accommodation and programme are fully covered by your Backstage Nashville package — but your VRMA conference ticket is purchased separately and directly. Buy your VRMA tickets now at https://www.vrma.org/events/vrma-26-nashville/registration. We are not affiliated with VRMA and cannot purchase tickets on your behalf.

Question 9

How do I get to Nashville?

Accepted Answer

You are responsible for arranging your own travel — flights, trains, and transfers are not included. The Maddox Hotel is at 200 6th Ave N, Nashville TN 37219, approximately 12 minutes on foot from Music City Center. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is 20–30 minutes by car or rideshare. We strongly recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance before booking flights.

Question 10

Can I bring a partner or guest who isn't attending VRMA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Partners and guests who are not attending VRMA are welcome to stay at The Maddox with you — they will need their own room booking at the relevant price tier. Programme sessions are for registered Backstage Nashville attendees only. Your guest is welcome to enjoy Nashville independently during programme hours and join you for social evenings.

Question 11

Can I add an extra bed to my room?

Accepted Answer

No. Each suite is booked to its exact allocated capacity. Airbeds, rollaway beds, or any additional sleeping arrangements are not permitted under any circumstances. No exceptions. If you need additional space, apply for a second room and we'll do our best to place you in the same suite.

Question 12

What is the maximum number of guests per room?

Accepted Answer

Your booking covers the number of people in your confirmed room tier. No additional guests beyond your confirmed allocation are permitted at any time — day or overnight.

Question 13

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

All bookings are non-refundable once confirmed and payment received. We strongly recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance before travelling. This is entirely your responsibility to arrange. Contact us as early as possible if circumstances change and we'll do everything we can to help.

Question 14

Can I transfer my room to someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under strict conditions. Contact Mark directly before arranging anything with a third party. The incoming person must submit a full application and be approved personally by Mark — every person in this building belongs here. Transfers are not guaranteed and are at Mark's discretion. Once approved, we'll update booking and payment details with the incoming attendee.

Question 15

Is my VRMA ticket included?

Accepted Answer

No. Your package ($2,000 per bunk room / $1,495 king / $1,995 ensuite) covers accommodation, the full 4-day programme, daily penthouse breakfasts, welcome party dinner, and vendor party access with Mark. VRMA ticket purchased separately — buy your VRMA tickets now at https://www.vrma.org/events/vrma-26-nashville/registration.

Question 16

What facilities does The Maddox have?

Accepted Answer

More than a standard hotel.

Fitness centre — available to all guests throughout your stay.

Suite game rooms — every suite has its own setup: pool tables, air hockey, shuffleboard, or a full bar depending on your suite.

Full kitchens — every suite is fully equipped. The Skyline Penthouse has a chef's kitchen that seats 18.

High-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs with streaming throughout.

The Hitchcock cocktail lounge — one of Nashville's finest cocktail bars on the ground floor of the building. Open to the public and on your doorstep all week. We have private access for Sunday evening, Tuesday evening, and Wednesday evening.

Self check-in throughout.

The Maddox is not a hotel room. It is a full apartment building. Think of it as your Nashville home for four days.

Question 17

Can a company or team book multiple rooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we actively encourage it. There are three ways to bring a team to Backstage Nashville:

1. All bunk rooms buyout. There are bunk rooms across Suites 200, 300, 400, 500, 501 and 600 — Suite 200 has 2 bunk rooms, the others have 1 each. A company can buy out every bunk room at a bulk rate, placing their team throughout the hotel. Your people are integrated with other delegates in each suite rather than isolated in one room — which is a much better experience. Email Mark for bulk pricing.

2. Full suite buyout. Take over one of the named Maddox suites entirely for your team. You get all the bedrooms, the full living space, and the kitchen. Your team's private base. Priced from $7,980 — standard room rates apply.

3. Mixed room booking. Some of your team in king rooms, some in bunks. We'll work out the best configuration.

All group bookings are handled directly by Mark. Email mark@boostly.co.uk with your company name, headcount, and preferred room types.

Question 18

Can we buy out all the bunk rooms for our team?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is one of our most interesting group options. There are bunk rooms across Suites 200 (×2), 300, 400, 500, 501 and 600. A company can buy them all out at a bulk rate.

What your team gets: every bunk room across the building, spread across multiple named suites, integrated with other delegates in each suite rather than isolated in one wing of the building, with full access to each suite's living areas, kitchen, and common spaces.

Standard bunk price: $2,000 per room (sleeps 2). Bulk rate: contact Mark.

This works especially well for companies wanting their team distributed through the event community — meeting different operators in each suite — rather than all sitting together in one room. Email mark@boostly.co.uk with 'Group Bunk Buyout' in the subject line.

Question 19

Can we take over a whole suite for our company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Suite buyouts are available for companies wanting a private team base inside the hotel. You take the entire named suite — all bedrooms, the full kitchen and living space, all bathrooms.

How it works: choose your suite from the suite viewer at backstagenashville2026.com/suites, tell Mark how many people you're bringing, we confirm availability and room configuration, and standard room rates apply per person.

Good suites for team buyouts: Suites 301, 401, 501 are all-ensuite — every bedroom has its own private bathroom. Ideal for senior teams or where privacy matters. Suites 200–600 are larger and have shared bathrooms and a bunk room — better for bigger groups where budget matters.

Email mark@boostly.co.uk to discuss your group. All suite buyouts are confirmed directly with Mark.

Question 20

What meals are included — and what do I pay for myself?

Accepted Answer

Included every day: a hot breakfast at the Skyline Penthouse (coffee, tea, juices, fresh fruit, pastries) eaten together before the conference day, plus a fully stocked fridge in your suite with drinks and snacks throughout your stay. Not included: lunch and dinner on VRMA conference days. We do not provide, cater, or cover any lunch or dinner during VRMA — you arrange and pay for both yourself (lunch at Music City Center, dinner anywhere in Nashville). The only meals outside breakfast that are included are two specific group evenings: the welcome party dinner catered by our private chefs, and the vendor party evening with Mark. That's it — no other lunches or dinners are provided.

Question 21

What dietary requirements do you cater for?

Accepted Answer

The application form includes a dietary requirements field. Please complete it accurately — we brief our chefs on all requirements for every meal. If anything changes after you apply, contact us as early as possible.

Question 22

When will I find out if my application is approved?

Accepted Answer

Applications close 30th June 2026. Every application is read personally by Mark. Successful applicants contacted in July with confirmation and payment details.

Question 23

Can sponsors attend as guests too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All sponsors have the option to stay onsite at The Maddox alongside attendees at standard room rates. This is where the real access happens — breakfasts, evenings, late nights. We strongly encourage it.

Question 24

Do you offer bespoke sponsor packages?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We want as many people involved as possible and we're happy to build something that works for your brand and your budget. Submit the form and tell us what you're thinking — we'll come back to you with options.

Question 25

Who facilitates the mastermind sessions?

Accepted Answer

Small facilitated groups of 6–8 people. Structured hot seat format — one person presents their biggest challenge, the group asks questions, then offers perspective and ideas. Mark facilitates the overall session. Every attendee gets time in the chair. Peer advisory, not coaching or consulting. What's said in the room stays in the room.

Question 26

What's the AI workshop about?

Accepted Answer

Practical, hands-on AI tools and automations for STR operators and property managers. Bring a laptop. You'll build real workflows during the session. Full programme shared with confirmed attendees before October. Content is tailored to the specific challenges of the people in the room.

Question 27

Is this affiliated with VRMA?

Accepted Answer

No. Backstage Nashville is an independent gathering running alongside VRMA 26 Nashville. We are not officially affiliated with or endorsed by VRMA. We simply believe the best conversations at any conference happen outside of it — and we've built the best possible space for those conversations to happen.

Walk Into VRMA International With 70 Friends

VRMA 26 Is The Biggest STR Rodeo Of The Year. That's Also The Problem.

You ride in alone

The best conversations aren't on the agenda

You fly home inspired but unchanged

Backstage Nashville Is Built For This.

Is This You?

Imagine Riding Into Music City With 70 Friends.

The Four Days At A Glance.

Mark Simpson. In the building all three nights.

We've Taken Over An Entire Hotel.

Everything else you need is already in the building.

One of the most extraordinary bars in Nashville.It is downstairs.

Backstage Nashville Is Invite Only.

Choose Your Bunk, Partner.

Same Money. Completely Different Week.

Real Rooms. Real Results.

And The Maddox Speaks For Itself.

Who's In The Building

Want To Sleep Down The Hall From Your Best Prospects?

Got Questions?

Don't Be The One Who Watched From The Outside.