What was once a small city nestled between bluegrass and the Smokies, Nashville is now the hottest destination for meeting planners.

Why meet in Nashville? Music City has been a hit with meeting planners and delegates for decades, but expanded offerings and worldwide attention over the last few years have propelled Nashville to superstar status. With menus centered around unique Southern cuisine, honkytonks open every night of the week, expansive meeting space and several new hotel properties coming onboard in 2019, it’s no wonder that Nashville is topping the charts for meetings and events.

Delegates and business associates are eager to sample the many unique sights and sounds that set Music City apart. Find out what makes Nashville so special with a few highlights below from Destination Nashville, an AlliedPRA company:

The Grand Ole Opry House

If your company or organization is hosting a meeting or conference, the Grand Old Opry offers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that can’t be missed. Immerse guests in the rich history of music that is Nashville itself. The venue is conveniently located next to the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, the largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the US with over 600,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 150-plus meeting and breakout rooms.

Celebrity Bars

Celebrities have staked their claim on the boulevard of honky-tonks on Lower Broadway, and guests will get their fair share of music at any of the multi-level properties, nestled in the middle of downtown Nashville. After a day of meetings, let guests unwind by checking out Blake Shelton’s bar, Ole Red, for one of the largest rooftops in the city. And, if your meeting attendees are looking for a refreshment after a long, productive day, stop by Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row for a Dierks’ Marg to cool off.

Culinary Scene

While Nashville has long been known for its expansive music scene, the talent and creativity of its culinary scene have recently put Nashville on the map. Dine around options for meeting attendees have never been better from Southern fare to haute cuisine and literally everything in between. Our top recommendations include:

• Etch -With its varied menu and upscale feel, Etch has a flavor for every palate and every event.
• Martin’s BBQ – If you’re looking for a downtown staple with a truly authentic Nashville flavor, look no further than the finger-lickin’, whole pig roastin’ goodness of Martin’s BBQ Joint.
• The Southern – The Southern takes the energy of a traditional steakhouse and adds the refinement of upscale dining in one of the most popular restaurants in the up-and-coming South of Broadway (“SoBro”) district of Nashville.
• Merchants-Three floors; endless possibilities. Merchants offers bistro food with a definite Southern kick to keep you intrigued with every bite.
• Silo– For many, the term “farm-to-table” is a buzzword; for Silo, it’s a way of life. Check out this Germantown staple to get a true feel for what a seasonal menu can taste like.
• 5th & Taylor- There’s no space quite like 5th and Taylor. Lush greenery softens the industrial design, and it’s the perfect canvas for any program you have in mind.

Top “Must See” Sights in the City

Country Music Hall of Fame

The world’s largest research center dedicated to a single form of American music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum boasts 350,000 square feet of dynamic state-of-the-art galleries, archival storage, education classrooms, retail stores, and special event spaces. Here guests can get an in-depth look at the people, places and instruments that have contributed to the development of country music.

Historic RCA Studio B

One of the world’s most important and successful recording studios. More than 35,000 songs were brought to life by the Studio B magic, including more than 1,000 American hits, 40 million-selling singles, and over 200 Elvis Presley recordings (by far more than any other studio). For an exciting teambuilding tour, have guests step into the house of the hit-makers and discover the legend of this Music Row landmark.

Wildhorse Saloon

Home to hot music and dancing, the Wildhorse Saloon is rooted deep in country music traditions and continues to capture the interest of Nashville visitors. Wildhorse Saloon turned a three-level historic warehouse into a 66,000 square foot live music and dance destination. It’s simultaneously a restaurant, bar, concert site, and television studio where more than 1.5 million music fans stampede annually to have a great meal, catch the hottest concerts and learn the newest dance steps.

Authentic, accessible, accommodating, affordable – a Music City meeting always hits just the right notes. Nashville’s glowing reputation as an entertainment and business destination offers many reasons why it’s the city that planners choose again and again for successful events. With 16 new hotels opening this year, there is space for any group size. So let’s get started! Contact Destination Nashville, an AlliedPRA company, today to learn more.