Preparations continue ahead of the Bakersfield Business Conference

The much-anticipated Bakersfield Business Conference is tomorrow, featuring high profile politicians, athletes and actors.   

And for the first time, it will feature a music stage. 23ABC got a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect this weekend.

Rick Stevens is spending his Friday getting final touches done for his special project at the Bakersfield Business Conference.

"Everybody is excited, it's a new thing this year," he said. 

For the first time, the event is featuring a stage for country music.

"The Honkey Tonk feel that the Bakersfield Sound was kind of built on," said Stevens.

Growing up in the country music scene, he is putting a lot of effort into building the stage.

 It will feature some of the biggest acts Bakersfield has to offer. But before guests can enjoy the sights and sounds held on stage, getting it set up, takes hours of planning and man power.

"We've been here 3 or 4 days getting this together, along with many, many months of planning," said Stevens, "We started planning this actually last year."

Thousands are expected to attend the event, featuring speakers like Dr. Ben Carson, Ann Romney, Magic Johnson, Dianne Keaton and even Chubby Checker.

Stevens said this Bakersfield's chance to show visitors what our town is all about.

"Bakersfield is a very vibrant place. obviously this event in itself is probably in the u.s. one of the largest events anywhere."