As one of the fastest growing population cities in America (according to a analysis by explosive topics), Nashville continues to expand and improve its event offerings, and the city presents a dynamic landscape for trade show producers.
Whether hosting massive conventions in the new stadium, leveraging its musical heritage, or tapping into international markets, Nashville offers a dynamic and diverse scene for unforgettable events. With opportunities as endless as the air filled with music, Nashville remains a city that promises and delivers excitement.
Recently, we sat down with Deana Ivey, President and CEO of Visit the city of musicNashville Convention & Visitors Corp., at IMEX America 2024 to discuss what’s new and trending in Nashville.
Here are six key takeaways from our conversation. Watch or listen to the full interview here.
1. Nashville Growth and Infrastructure
Nashville continues its growth trajectory with exciting new developments. One of the most anticipated projects is the Nashville shipyardsscheduled to open in 2025. The sprawling complex will include a multi-purpose concert hall, attractive shopping options, an array of new restaurants and numerous new hotels. Notably, a new domed indoor stadium under construction nearby is expected to open in spring 2027, promising to add unprecedented opportunities for larger conventions and events to downtown.
Deeper Dive: THE New Nissan Stadium will be built on the east side of the current stadium campus along the east bank of the Cumberland River in Nashville. Features of the building include: a translucent circular roof; outdoor porches with panoramic views of Nashville; improved sightlines for all spectators through a range of diverse seating experiences; and 12,000 square feet of community space available for year-round use.
2. Music: The Heartbeat of Nashville Events
Music is intrinsic to the Nashville experience, and Ivy highlighted how the city seamlessly integrates live music into conventions and events. From songwriter performances during keynote speeches to interactive team-building activities like group songwriting, music offers event producers unique opportunities to engage and inspire their attendees and exhibitors.
An example: During the 2024 American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace, Visit Music City worked with the organizer to recruit local songwriters for performance at the event, held January 13-16 at Music City Center. (See main image, photo: Visit Music City)
3. A diversified hotel package
With a range of lodging options surrounding downtown Music City Center and extending to areas like Midtown and the Gaylord Opryland Resort district, event planners will find plenty of choices. Notable additions include luxury hotels like The Four Seasons, The 1 Hotel and exciting new projects like the upcoming St. Regis. These developments provide event attendees with varied experiences that can contribute to record attendance.
Related: Notable in Nashville: 8 Cool Things We Saw at Hilton Hotels
Recent opening of the hotel: In 2022, 1 Hotels, the sustainable luxury hotel brand founded by Barry Sternlicht, has opened 1 Hotel Nashville, the eighth hotel in the brand’s global fleet. Nestled in the heart of downtown Nashville, directly across from the Music City Center and steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the property offers 215 guest rooms, including 37 suites, with breathtaking views of the city and skyline. A leafy, ivy-covered facade and native landscaping evoke nearby natural attractions, from the bustling Cumberland River to the Smoky Mountains and Natchez Trace, according to a press release.
4. International connections and future reservations
Nashville is expanding its international reach, highlighted by new nonstop services to Iceland and Ireland. The city will also host FIFA World Cup club matches in 2025, highlighting its growing importance as a global events destination. Ivy expressed its commitment to further increasing international tourism through strategic marketing and partnerships around Rhythms of the South initiatives.
Looking to the future: In September, FIFA announced 11 cities that will host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament that will begin on June 15, 2025 and conclude with a final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In addition to Nashville, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches will also take place in Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cincinnati; Los Angeles; Miami and Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Seattle; and Washington, D.C. Football games will be held at GEODIS Park in Nashville.
5. The allure and challenges of Nashville
Although Nashville’s appeal is evident in record event attendance, maintaining its appeal poses a significant challenge. Ivy cited ensuring safety, cleanliness and attractiveness as priority strategies in collaboration with local authorities. This dedication ensures that Nashville remains a premier destination for event planners.
In figures: A trade show that broke attendance records in the city in 2024 was the Asphalt world And AGG1 Aggregates Academy and Exhibitionwhich was held from March 25 to 27. The show set new records in terms of attendance and area. More than 15,800 industry professionals attended the three-day event held in the City of Music. This is a 38% increase in attendance, beating the previous record of 11,400 set in 2022, according to a report. press release from the show’s producer, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
6. Leverage local talent
A unique aspect of Nashville is its rich access to talent and celebrities. Ivy encouraged event producers to use city resources to book live bands, local talent and international celebrities through Visit Music City, adding memorable entertainment elements to their events.
For example: To promote future events in Nashville, the ABA is hosting the “Songwriter Sunday” Operator’s Breakfast, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, during its 2025 edition in Philadelphia. Attendees can join Tennessee partners from across the state to showcase the talents of three songwriters, all of whom have won Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase events and performed at the Bluebird Café. Attendees will learn the stories behind the music and talent featured across the state, according to the view website.
Need to know
Key Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) statistics and information for event planners, according to data from Visit Music City.
– Nashville MSA population 2022: 2.04 million
– 129,300 leisure and hospitality jobs in the Nashville MSA
– Nashville has 39,972 hotel rooms in Davidson County and 58,138 rooms in the Nashville MSA.
– Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is one of the largest non-gaming hotel properties in the United States, with 2,888 guest rooms and more than 700,000 square feet of meeting space, including 263,772 of contiguous exhibit space.
– THE Downtown Musicthe downtown Nashville convention center opened in May 2013. The 2.1 million square foot Music City Center includes more than 375,000 square feet of exhibit space, 128,000 square feet of meeting space, two ballrooms, a business center and a 2,500-seat theater. .
