7 Reasons Nashville Is A Top City for Corporate Meetings
Think of Nashville. What comes to mind? Chances are, it’s a mixture of hot chicken, country music, and honky-tonks. However, there’s so much more to Music City than those things. Think: a vibrant dining scene, an endless array of entertainment options, and plenty of history and culture to boot. To welcome an influx of visitors, the city has also been ushering in a new wave of upscale and trendy hotels that alone are worth planning a trip around.
Combined, these features have solidified Nashville as a top destination for corporate meetings and events. It’s also why 360DG opened an office in the heart of this buzz-worthy city. But in case you need a little nudge to add Tennessee’s capital to your corporate meeting bucket list, we’ve rounded up a few (very) convincing reasons. From an ever-evolving culinary scene to a thriving hospitality industry, here’s everything Nashville has to offer meeting planners.
Why Nashville Is the Perfect Place for Your Next Corporate Meeting or Event
1. A MIX OF BIG-CITY ALLURE AND SOUTHERN CHARM
With their glossy high-rises and seemingly endless activities, big cities hold an obvious appeal. Nashville offers a taste of that big-city life – perfectly balanced with some good ol’ fashioned southern hospitality. This mix makes it an alluring destination for those seeking a metropolitan-but-friendly place to visit (or live!). “We are a friendly city that makes people want to keep coming back,” says Ashley Dye, 360DG’s Local Account Executive in Nashville. “We have the same capabilities and amenities as the powerhouse destinations, but we do it with a southern flare that can’t be found anywhere else. There’s a reason we are a top growing city in the country – ideal for hosting corporate meetings and events.”
2. UPSCALE AND DIVERSE LODGINGS
An influx of visitors flocking to Nashville means more opportunities for the hospitality industry. According to Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. (NCVC), just over the last few years, the city has added 19 new stays (and 5,000 new rooms!) to its ever-evolving roster of hotels. “There’s a number of wonderful brands that have taken root in Nashville, and with that comes the reputations they are known for,” Ashley says. This includes renowned luxury hotels like the Omni Nashville Hotel, W Nashville, Hilton Nashville Downtown, JW Marriott, Four Seasons Nashville, and Conrad Hotel Nashville. It also includes high-end, trendy accommodations like the sustainably minded 1 Hotel Nashville, the members-only Soho House, and the swanky Hotel Fraye. So, if you’re looking to host your corporate meeting in Nashville, you won’t have any trouble finding a comfortable – and memorable – stay.
3. STATE-OF-THE-ART VENUES
There’s no shortage of exclusive and unforgettable venues scattered across the city – from whimsical outdoor retreats to swanky downtown destinations. Whether you’re planning a casual team meeting or a more formal affair, the city is rife with historical architecture, modern buildings, and minimalist designs that offer a unique space for every kind of event. “We have a state-of-the-art convention center and amazing venues that work perfectly for corporate meetings and events,” Ashley says. For example: Opened in 2013, the Music City Center is a 2.1 million square foot facility built to host massive conventions right in the center of the action. More low-key events, like a private whiskey-tasting experience, can take place at a number of smaller venues in the city. Take Miel, for example, an intimate French-inspired restaurant with an adjacent barn made of concrete and reclaimed wood that’s the perfect setting for a small-scale celebration.
4. A THRIVING CULINARY LANDSCAPE
Speaking of restaurants, Nashville’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years. More and more foodies are traveling here to get a taste of the innovative eateries that line the streets of downtown. According to NCVC, close to 200 new restaurants have opened up shop in the past two years. “The introduction of several local and national notable chefs has contributed to the creation of remarkable restaurants in our area,” says Ashley. “We have also seen an increase in celebrity and music personalities investing in opening businesses here.” Case in point: Pullman Standard Cocktails, which opened earlier this year in Cummins Station, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef RJ Cooper. The lounge is tucked inside of an original modern transit warehouse and features a contemporary cocktail bar and design influences straight from the roaring ‘20s.
5. A WORLD-CLASS MUSIC SCENE
One of the biggest draws to Music City is – surprise, surprise – its iconic music scene! If you’re in town for a corporate meeting or event, experiencing this sonic landscape is one of the best ways to get to know Nashville. “Live music can be found year-round in a variety of genres: jazz, blues, bluegrass, rock – and of course, country,” Ashley says. “Discover up-and-coming artists on Broadway, or hear the stories behind hit songs from songwriters at Bluebird Café.” Whether it’s catching a live band at a honky-tonk or taking in some jazz on a rooftop bar with a cocktail in hand, there’s something for every kind of music lover in Nashville.
6. EASY ACCESS TO THE REST OF THE STATE
Nashville is an incredibly accessible city when it comes to traveling throughout the rest of Tennessee. “We are located within 500 miles of 50 percent of the country, so that allows for easy travel,” Ashley says. With its central location, Nashville is a hub for several major highways, providing convenient access to other cities in the state, including Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. The city is also home to the Nashville International Airport, a major transportation hub for the southeastern U.S., making it easy for travelers to reach other destinations in Tennessee and across the country. For those planning a multi-day corporate trip, Nashville is an ideal starting point for exploring all that the state has to offer.
7. A LARGE TALENT POOL
Nashville has been growing steadily over the past few years, and its potential hasn’t gone unnoticed by tech heavyweights like Amazon. Big employers play a significant role in attracting top talent to the city, which ultimately leads to more growth opportunities, a more diverse skill set, and increased innovation. Additionally, it also solidifies Nashville’s status as a vibrant, sought-after destination for corporate meetings and events. “With large companies like Amazon coming to Nashville, I think that people see us for more than just the music industry,” says Ashley.
Ready to explore what Music City has to offer? With over 40 years of event planning and event management experience, the 360DG team is ready to dream up an unforgettable event for your next corporate meeting in Nashville.
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