As one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities in terms of population (according to an analysis by Exploding Topics), Nashville continues to develop and enhance its event offerings, and the city presents a dynamic landscape for trade show producers.

Whether it's hosting massive conventions in the new stadium, leveraging its musical heritage, or tapping into international markets, Nashville offers a vibrant and diverse stage for unforgettable events. With opportunities as endless as the music-filled air, Nashville remains a city that promises and delivers excitement.

Recently, we caught up with Deana Ivey, president and CEO of Visit Music City, the Nashville 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’s Growth and Infrastructure

Nashville continues its growth trajectory with exciting new developments. One of the most anticipated projects is the Nashville Yards, slated to open in 2025. This expansive complex will feature a multi-use music venue, enticing shopping options, an array of new restaurants, and plenty of new hotels. Notably, a new indoor dome stadium being built nearby is expected to open in spring 2027, promising to add unprecedented opportunities for larger conventions and events downtown.

Deeper dive: The New Nissan Stadium will be built on the east side of the current stadium campus, along Nashville's east bank of the Cumberland River. Features of the building include: a circular translucent roof; exterior porches with panoramic views of Nashville; improved sightlines for all spectators through a range of diverse seating experiences; and a 12,000-square-foot community space available for use year-round.

2. Music: The Heartbeat of Nashville Events

Music is intrinsic to the Nashville experience, and Ivy emphasized how the city seamlessly incorporates live music into conventions and events. From songwriter shows during keynote speeches to interactive team-building activities like group songwriting, music presents unique opportunities for event producers to engage and inspire their attendees and exhibitors.

3. A Diverse Hotel Package

With an array of accommodation options surrounding the Music City Center downtown and extending to areas like Midtown and the Gaylord Opryland Resort area, event organizers will find plenty of choices. Noteworthy additions include luxurious hotels like The Four Seasons, The 1 Hotel, and exciting new projects like the upcoming St. Regis. These developments offer event participants varied experiences that can contribute to record-breaking attendance.

Related: Notable in Nashville: 8 Cool Things We Saw at Hilton Hotels 

Recent hotel opening: In 2022, 1 Hotels, the sustainable luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by Barry Sternlicht, 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 within walking distance of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the property offers 215 rooms, including 37 suites, with expansive city and skyline views. A verdant ivy-covered façade and native landscaping evoke nearby natural attractions, from the bustle of the Cumberland River to the Smoky Mountains and the Natchez Trace, according to a press release.

4. International Connections and Future Bookings

Nashville is expanding its international reach, highlighted by new nonstop services to Iceland and Ireland. The city will also host FIFA World Cup Club games in 2025, underscoring its growing importance as a global event destination. Ivy expressed her commitment to further increasing international tourism through strategic marketing and partnerships around the Rhythms of the South initiatives.

Looking ahead: In September, FIFA announced 11 cities that will host the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, a tournament that begins June 15, 2025, and culminates with a final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In addition to Nashville, FIFA Club World Cup 2025 games will also be held in Atlanta; Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati; Los Angeles; Miami and Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia, Seattle; and Washington, D.C. The soccer matches will be held at GEODIS Park in Nashville.

5. Nashville's Appeal and Challenges

While Nashville's desirability is evident in record-breaking event attendance, maintaining its appeal is a significant challenge. Ivy cited ensuring safety, cleanliness, and attractiveness as priority strategies in collaboration with local authorities. This dedication ensures Nashville remains a top-notch destination for event organizers.

By the numbers: One trade show that broke attendance records in the city in 2024 was the World of Asphalt and AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo, held March 25-27. The show set new records in both attendance and square footage. More than 15,800 industry professionals attended the three-day event in the Music City. This is a 38% increase in attendance, shattering the previous record of 11,400 set in 2022, according to a press release by the show producer, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

6. Leveraging Local Talent

A unique aspect of Nashville is its rich access to talent and celebrities. Ivy encouraged event producers to utilize the city's resources for booking live bands, local talent, and international celebrities through the Visit Music City, adding memorable entertainment elements to their events.

For example: To promote future events in Nashville, the ABA is hosting "Songwriter Sunday" Operator Breakfast, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, at its 2025 in Philadelphia. Attendees can join Tennessee partners from all corners of the state as they showcase the talents of three songwriters, all who have won showcase rounds of Tennessee Songwriters Week and have performed at The Bluebird Café. Attendees will learn the stories behind the music and the talent that is showcased statewide, according to the show website.

Need to know

Key stats and info about the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for event organizers, according to data from Visit Music City.

- 2022 Nashville MSA Population: 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 U.S., with 2,888 rooms and more than 700,000 square feet of meeting space, including 263,772 of contiguous exhibit space.

- The Music City Center, Nashville’s downtown convention facility opened in May 2013. The 2.1 million-square-foot Music City Center features 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.