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 — $667/night equivalent ($2,000 total for the complete 3-night stay). The room sleeps two — bring someone you know and split the cost at approximately $333/person/night ($1,000 each for the stay). 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 two people share a bed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All king and queen beds are designed for two people, so a couple, partners, friends or colleagues may share the same bed where they are both comfortable doing so. The room price is for the room, not per person — a King Room or Private Ensuite sleeps up to two at no additional Backstage accommodation charge unless otherwise confirmed during booking. Both guests must be included on the approved guest list before arrival.

Question 11

Can my partner or guest come if they are not attending VRMA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A partner, spouse, friend or travel companion is welcome to stay with you without attending the VRMA conference — a VRMA ticket is only required for anyone entering the official VRMA conference. They may take part in the Backstage Nashville accommodation and social experience, subject to your room's sleeping capacity, their name being added to the approved guest list, and any confirmed rules for meals, parties or private activities that have separate capacity or sponsor restrictions. Programme sessions themselves are for registered Backstage delegates only.

Question 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

Is my VRMA ticket included?

Accepted Answer

No. Your package (King $498/night · Ensuite $665/night · Bunk $667/night for the whole room — equivalents based on the complete 3-night stay of $1,495 / $1,995 / $2,000) 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 17

How does Backstage pricing compare with the official VRMA hotels?

Accepted Answer

The published VRMA group rates currently range from $309 to $359 per night before taxes. Using known Nashville lodging taxes (16.25%) and the $2.50 nightly occupancy fee, the estimated hotel totals are approximately $362 to $420 per night, before any hotel-specific destination, facility, resort or parking fees. A Backstage King Room is equivalent to approximately $498 per night based on the complete three-night price of $1,495. Backstage is not positioned as the cheapest room. The difference is the wider experience — shared breakfasts, the Famous Icebreaker Party, Monday Funday, private briefings, introductions, group walks to VRMA and access to the curated community staying inside The Maddox. VRMA conference registration is purchased separately.

Question 18

Can I book just one night?

Accepted Answer

No. Backstage Nashville accommodation is reserved and charged as one complete three-night stay. Nightly prices are shown for easy comparison against the VRMA hotels — individual nights cannot be purchased separately.

Question 19

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, Monday evening (The Surprise), 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 20

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. Email Mark for suite buyout pricing.

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 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

When will I find out if my application is approved?

Accepted Answer

Every application is read personally by Mark within 72 hours. Successful applicants are contacted directly with confirmation and payment details.

Question 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

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.

What You Receive	Official VRMA Hotel Booking	Backstage Nashville
Accommodation	Included	Included
Near Music City Center	Included	Approximately 12 minutes on foot
Published nightly base rate	$309 to $359	From $498 for a King Room
Estimated nightly rate incl. known taxes	Approx. $362 to $420	From $498 (all-inclusive Backstage rate)
Estimated three-night accommodation total	Approx. $1,085 to $1,260	From $1,495
Curated delegate community	Not part of the room booking	70 curated STR operators
Personal introductions	Not part of the room booking	Facilitated by Mark
Shared penthouse breakfasts	Not part of the room booking	Included Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Walk to VRMA with the group	Not organised by the hotel booking	Included
Famous Icebreaker Party	Not part of the room booking	Included
Monday Funday	Not part of the room booking	Included · sponsored by Trellis
Surprise entertainment	Not part of the room booking	Included as part of Monday Funday · sponsored by Trellis
Private evening experiences	Not part of the room booking	Included where confirmed
Morning conference briefing	Not part of the room booking	Included
Guidance on who to meet	Not part of the room booking	Included
Guidance on sessions and events	Not part of the room booking	Included
Shared living and kitchen areas	Depends on room and hotel	Included within The Maddox suites
Games and communal spaces	Depends on hotel	Included
Hitchcock Tavern in the building	No	Yes
Stay with the same group	Not curated	Central to the experience
Access to influential STR operators and founders	Possible during VRMA	Built into the curated environment
Room sharing	Subject to the hotel room and booking rules	King and queen rooms sleep up to two approved guests
Non-conference partner staying	Subject to hotel booking rules	Welcome, subject to approved guest registration and room capacity
Shared King Room per-person equivalent	Depends on the selected hotel and room	Approximately $249 per person per night
Shared Private Ensuite per-person equivalent	Depends on the selected hotel and room	Approximately $333 per person per night
Backstage social access for companion	Not included in a VRMA hotel booking	Available to approved Backstage guests
VRMA ticket for companion	Required only if entering VRMA	Purchased separately only if entering VRMA
VRMA conference ticket	Purchased separately	Purchased separately

You have until 25th August 2026 to get your application in to stay

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.

Monday Funday

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 Room Inside The Maddox

Room by Room — What's Available

Pick A Suite. See How It Lays Out.

A Hotel Room Or The Full Backstage Experience?

Official VRMA Hotel Estimates

Marriott Tri-Brands

Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown

Westin Nashville

Omni Nashville

Hilton Nashville Downtown

Backstage Nashville Rooms

King Room

Private Ensuite

Shared Bunk Room

What You Receive

What The Difference Buys You

Compare The Experience, Not Just The Room Rate

Be In The Building Where The Relationships Happen

Do You Want A Room Or A Ready-Made Network?

Real Rooms. Real Results.

And The Maddox Speaks For Itself.

Who's In The Building

Got Questions?

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