Our Work

CMA Awards® Gaylord Opryland FAM Event

For more than two decades, PRA has partnered with the legendary Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center as its in-house destination management company (DMC) producing signature events that showcase the venue’s massive scale and creativity. During the CMA Awards® (Country Music Association Awards) week leading up to the awards ceremony, The Gaylord hosts a Country Music Awards FAM (familiarization trip) event highlighting this collaboration, bringing its top clients and prospects to Nashville for an immersive experience that blends hospitality, entertainment, and the spirit of Music City.

Venue

The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville

Industries

Hospitality

Services Provided

Themed Events & Decor
Content Design & Production
Experience Design

Challenge

Scaling the Grand into Intimate Elegance

The team needed to creatively transform a massive exhibit hall into an intimate gathering for a smaller group of 40 attendees, evolving from elaborate themed builds of the past (treehouses, indoor creeks) to a modern, elegant experience, complete with activities. PRA needed to balance a wow factor with simplicity while still reinforcing Gaylord’s reputation as a premier destination for largescale events.

2

Country Music Awards
Events Each Year
25+

Years partnering with
The Gaylord
50

Attendees

Solution

Local Insights, Creative Power

Drawing on decades of local insights, deep venue knowledge and creative ingenuity, the Nashville team delivered a multiday experience that overcame space challenges, elevated Gaylord’s brand and wowed attendees.

The Nashville team built a greenery-filled cocktail space as a stunning backdrop for the progressive dinner in the exhibit hall. A dramatic façade entrance created a more intimate space leading into dinner where a long communal table was framed by cabana structures, chandeliers, greenery, and custom windows.

Post dinner, local songwriters shared the stories behind their hit songs in a Nashville songwriter showcase, blending the authenticity of local songwriters with polished production design.

The team also curated activities with local artisans including a pour your own candle in a cocktail glass experience, complete with scent sampling and personalized creations, reinforcing Nashville’s creative culture. The evening closed in an after-party lounge, complete with comfort food, slippers and cozy décor.

As a final touchpoint, the team flipped a restaurant into a brunch event space with live music before guests departed Nashville.

Throughout the event, the Nashville team reinforced PRAs reputation as Gaylord’s trusted partner, capable of converting any space into an experience filled with memorable moments.