Contact
Your Franklin Playbook

Stage&Page

Welcome to Franklin. Here's how to make the most of your time while you're here.

November 8 – 10, 2026 Franklin, TN Hampton Strategies & Acuff Ideas Office
Start Here

The Schedule

Doors open with coffee, sessions start sharp, and we host a group dinner after the Stage day. Show up a little early, stay curious, and don't skip the surprise.

Nov
8
Pre-Event Session

Setting the Stage

Sunday
  • 3:30 – 4:45p CT
    Setting the Stage with JonBe ThereJon shares one of his talks and takes you behind the scenes on how it comes together. This is where it all starts, so plan to be here from the top. Plenty of time to meet the room, too.
  • 4:45p CT
    Walk over to the "Franklin Experience"
  • 5:00 – 7:00p CT
    The "Franklin Experience"SurpriseTrust us on this one. No spoilers. This one is just for Stage & Page registrants.
  • Evening
    Dinner on your own Scroll down for our Sunday-night picks.
Nov
9
Day 1

Stage

Monday · The Speaker's Intensive
  • 8:00 – 8:15a CT
    Arrive at the office Coffee & tea provided. Come caffeinated or get caffeinated.
  • 8:30a CT
    We start promptly Sharp. Set your watch to it.
  • 8:30 – 10:00a CT
    Session 1: Dream the Content
  • 10:00 – 10:15a CT
    Break
  • 10:15 – 11:45a CT
    Session 2: Plan the Sale
  • 11:45 – 12:15p CT
    Speakers Bureau Rep
  • 12:15 – 1:30p CT
    Lunch on your own See the lunch lineup below.
  • 1:30 – 3:00p CT
    Session 3: Do the Speech
  • 3:00 – 3:15p CT
    Break
  • 3:15 – 4:45p CT
    Session 4: Review the Business
  • 5:00 – 6:00p CT
    Free time Breathe. Stretch. Text home.
  • 6:00p CT
    Group Dinner at Etch in The Factory of Franklin Hosted230 Franklin Rd, Suite 1300 · On us, come hungry.
Nov
10
Day 2

Page

Tuesday · The Writer's Intensive
  • 8:00 – 8:15a CT
    Arrive at the office Coffee & tea provided.
  • 8:30a CT
    We start promptly
  • 8:30 – 10:00a CT
    Session 1: Dream the Book
  • 10:00 – 10:15a CT
    Break
  • 10:15 – 11:45a CT
    Session 2: Plan the Deal
  • 11:45 – 12:15p CT
    Publishing Rep
  • 12:15 – 1:30p CT
    Lunch on your own
  • 1:30 – 3:00p CT
    Session 3: Do the Writing
  • 3:00 – 3:15p CT
    Break
  • 3:15 – 4:45p CT
    Session 4: Review the Business
  • 4:45p CT
    That's a wrap Two days of work, and a plan to take home with you.
  • Evening
    Optional pizza downtown, or dinner on your ownPizza's On BillThere's no formal dinner tonight, but if you want one more night with the room, a group of us will walk downtown and grab pizza and Bill is picking up the tab. Nothing to RSVP for, just come along. If you'd rather have your own table or a quiet night, that works too. Our Tuesday picks are below.
The Essentials

Need-To-Knows

Where To Go

The Office

428 Main Street, Unit B
Franklin, TN 37064
Look for Hampton Strategies, Acuff Ideas & The Soundtracks Lab on the door, right next to Taziki's. Head upstairs.

When To Arrive

8:00–8:15 AM

Both session days. Coffee and tea are on us, and we start promptly at 8:30. Early birds get the good seats.

Food Allergies?

We've Got You

Dietary restrictions or allergies? Give Tanya Thompson a heads-up before the event:
[email protected]

Wheels First

Where To Park

Park Once, Walk Everywhere

Fourth Avenue Parking Garage

123 4th Ave S
Franklin, TN 37064

Open in Maps →
A short stroll to the office and all of downtown.

Downtown Franklin parking map
Downtown parking map · tap to enlarge
Between Sessions

Things To Do

Downtown Franklin is made for wandering: brick sidewalks, indie shops, and history on every corner. During your free time and lunches, go explore.

The "Franklin Experience"
Nov 8 · 5:00–7:00 PM · Stage & Page registrants only

A special something we've planned for your first evening, and yes, Bill and Jon will be right there with you. We're not spoiling the rest. Just show up and bring your curiosity. Keep an eye on your inbox, an RSVP is on the way.

Heads up: the "Franklin Experience" is only for people registered for Stage & Page.

Explore Downtown
On your own time

Historic Main Street shopping, local boutiques, and Civil War history are all steps away. The Franklin Visitor Guide has the full rundown.

Fuel Up

Places To Eat

Franklin punches way above its weight on food. Here's where to go, morning to night.

Coffee & Breakfast
For the ~7:00 AM early starters

Coffee and tea are on us at the office, but breakfast is on you, and we start promptly at 8:30. Grab a bite before you head up so you're fueled for the day.

Quick Coffee & Pastries
Grab-and-go
Need caffeine before 7:00 AM?

Starbucks on Main Street opens at 5:00 AM, the earliest option nearby.

Lunch
Great for a quick midday break · many offer online ordering for pickup
Easiest Pick · Right Downstairs
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe
Fresh, scratch-made Mediterranean, literally downstairs from the office. Order ahead online and grab it on your way out. No line, no wait.
Order Taziki's →
  • Puckett's Restaurant Southern favorites, sandwiches, salads, daily specials
  • Mellow Mushroom Pizza, salads, sandwiches, shareables
  • Culaccino Italian Pasta, pizza, salads, sandwiches to-go
  • McCreary's Irish Pub Burgers, wraps, salads, Irish favorites
  • GRAYS on Main Select lunch items for online ordering
  • 55 South Southern comfort, salads, po'boys
  • Salsa Taco Truck Tacos & Mexican street food (behind Stable Reserve)
  • Juice Bar Fresh-pressed juices, smoothies & açaí bowls
  • T.OP Poke bowls, rolled ice cream & bubble tea
  • Mercantile Deli Classic deli sandwiches & provisions
Dinner On Your Own
Sunday, November 8 · open after 7:00 PM (your pre-event night)
  • Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar Open until 9 PM · House-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, craft cocktails. Relaxed but upscale.
  • Culamar Seafood + Rooftop Bar Open until 9 PM · Mediterranean seafood, oysters, tapas, rooftop dining.
  • GRAYS on Main Kitchen until 9 PM · Southern classics downtown, often with live music.
  • 55 South Open until 9 PM · Southern comfort with New Orleans flair. Local favorite.
  • Edley's Bar-B-Que Open until 9 PM · Tennessee BBQ, smoked meats, Southern sides. Casual.
  • O' Be Joyful Open late · Historic Main Street tavern famous for the best hometown burger, plus cocktails & whiskey.
Your Last Night
Tuesday, November 10 · free from 4:45 PM, so you have your pick of the town
Optional · Pizza's On Bill
Come Grab Pizza With Us
Once we wrap at 4:45, anyone who wants one more night together is walking downtown for pizza, and Bill is buying. It's casual and there's nothing to RSVP for, so just come find us if you're in. We'll sort out exactly where during the day on Tuesday.

Rather have your own table? Franklin has plenty of good ones. Make a reservation and go enjoy the town.

  • Red Pony Kitchen until 9 PM · Upscale Southern fine dining on Main Street. Worth the reservation.
  • Saffire In The Factory · Wood-fired grill and globally inspired comfort food.
  • Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar Open until 10 PM · House-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, craft cocktails, lively atmosphere.
  • Culamar Seafood + Rooftop Bar Open until 10 PM · Mediterranean seafood, fresh oysters, tapas, rooftop dining.
  • GRAYS on Main Kitchen until 9 PM · Southern classics downtown, often with live music.
  • 55 South Open until 9 PM · Southern comfort with New Orleans flair. Local favorite.
  • Puckett's Restaurant Open until 9 PM · A Franklin favorite for Southern classics and live music.
  • Mellow Mushroom Open until 10 PM · Gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, salads. Great for groups.
  • O' Be Joyful Open late · Historic Main Street tavern famous for the best hometown burger, plus cocktails & whiskey.

Want The Full Guide?

We pulled the highlights, but there's more where that came from. The full downtown dining guide has maps, hours, and happy hours. The visitor guide covers everything else.

Dining Guide (PDF) Franklin Visitor Guide

Questions about anything? Email [email protected]

crossmenu