March 19, 2024
Nashville, often hailed as the "Music City," is not just a haven for country music singer/songwriters and enthusiasts; it's also a fantastic destination for meetings and events. With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse venues, and rich cultural offerings, Nashville provides a unique backdrop for gatherings of all kinds.
Its strategic location and robust transportation infrastructure make it easily accessible for event attendees. The Nashville International Airport (BNA) provides direct flights to major cities, and the city's central location makes it a convenient hub for travelers. Once in Nashville, an extensive network of public buses, rideshares, and taxis ensures seamless navigation around the city.
Venues that hit the high notes
- The Ryman Auditorium: Host in the Ryman Auditorium, where some of the biggest names have graced its stage, bringing a sense of music and eventful history to your next event. The venue can accommodate up to 2,300 attendees and caters to large-scale corporate meetings, right through to concerts and on-stage dinners, giving your attendees an experience they will never forget.
Music City Center: Nashville's premier convention center, the Music City Center, is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of downtown. Boasting over 2 million square feet of meeting space (the equivalent of more than 30 football fields), it's equipped to handle events of any size, from intimate meetings to large conferences.- The Bell Tower: For a touch of historic elegance, The Bell Tower offers a unique setting. This former church turned event space features stunning architecture and modern amenities, making it an ideal venue for corporate events.
- OZ Arts Nashville: A contemporary arts center, OZ Arts provides a dynamic and creative atmosphere for meetings and events. With its flexible spaces and commitment to the arts, it's perfect for gatherings that aim to inspire and innovate.
- Nashville Zoo: It might not have been the first host venue you would think about, but this venue helps your event stand out from the crowd and create noise amongst attendees. Nashville Zoo has 12 themed event spaces, both indoors and outdoors, with a capacity for 20 to 2,000 attendees. The outdoor Jungle Terrace can accommodate up to 350 attendees and offers exceptional dining experiences.
Virgin Hotels Nashville: A boutique hotel offering a speakeasy vibe for meetings and events, very well suited for receptions but can cater for any occasion in its ultra-stylish large spaces and intimate nooks.- Embassy Suites by Hilton: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, next to Music City Center and the Bridgestone Arena, this all-suite boutique hotel is perfectly located for exploring. Its ballrooms, meeting rooms, pre-function areas, and rooftop settings offer plenty of possibilities for your business and social events. It was also named the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) Development of the Year and boasts indoor and outdoor pools and a health suite, so sure to be a hit with your attendees.
The hottest tickets in town
- The Grand Ole Opry: No visit to Nashville is complete without experiencing the iconic Grand Ole Opry. Known as the world's longest-running radio show, it has showcased legendary country music performances since 1925.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Pay your respects to some of the world-renowned musicians that started their musical career in Nashville, by hosting your next event at the Musicians Hall of Fame. The venue itself has 13,000 square feet of event space - they also host wonderful dinners for off-site groups - and you can even organize private tours, where your attendees can find themselves transporting back in time as they peruse through various iconic memorabilia.
Broadway: In the 1930s, Jimmy Rodgers kickstarted his singing career in the honky tonks along Lower Broadway. The area, known as Honky Tonk Highway, became a hub for aspiring musicians. Despite a downturn when the Grand Ole Opry moved in the 1970s, its reopening revitalized the district. Today, historic buildings house country-themed shops, restaurants, and honky tonks. Enjoy live music from early afternoon to evening, often featuring both aspiring artists and legends in impromptu jam sessions.
- Live music crawl: Explore Nashville's vibrant music scene with a live music crawl along Broadway, where honky-tonks and music venues showcase the city's diverse musical talent. A little out of the center, visit the famous Bluebird Café, home to career-defining moments of renowned artists such as Garth Brooks, Faith Hill and Taylor Swift, and featured info the hit drama “Nashville”.
Hot chicken: Nashville is the birthplace of hot chicken, a fiery and flavorful culinary creation. Groups can embark on a spicy food tour, sampling this local delicacy at various restaurants and food trucks throughout the city.- Riverfront Park: Take advantage of Nashville's picturesque Riverfront Park for outdoor team-building activities or a relaxing break. The park offers green spaces, walking trails, and beautiful views of the Cumberland River.
- Distillery tours: Delight your group with a tour of one of Nashville's renowned distilleries. Learn about the art of whiskey-making and savor tastings of locally crafted spirits.
Nashville, with its blend of southern charm, musical heritage, and versatile event spaces, is an exceptional choice for meetings and events. From world-class venues to iconic sites and engaging group activities, the city provides a unique backdrop for creating lasting memories. Consider Nashville for your next gathering, and let the Music City set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Image credits:
Banner image: Photo by Nick Agee on Unsplash
Honky Tonk - Photo by mana5280 on Unsplash
Other images: Adobe Stock