How to Join the Nashville Convention Center Authority’s Tornado Relief Effort

March 6, 2020

In the wake of sudden, severe storms that caused a series of devastating tornados to slam through Nashville and greater middle Tennessee in the early hours of March 3, the City of Nashville is starting to pick up the pieces. According to news reports, the storm claimed more than two dozen lives and caused extensive destruction to homes and businesses, with the East Nashville, Germantown and Donelson neighborhoods hit particularly hard.

But despite the extensive damage, Nashville’s resilient residents, including the Convention Center Authority, are already stepping up to help their community. On March 5, the CCA made a generous donation of $50,000 to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee fund on behalf of the Music City Center staff.   

“The devastation from the tornado impacted many people and businesses in our community, including some from our team,” said Charles Starks, president and CEO of Music City Center. “On behalf of our team, we are making a donation as we stand together with our community.”

According to CCA officials in an official statement, Downtown Nashville and the city’s entertainment district were untouched and with minor exceptions, local hotels, restaurants, meeting spaces, attractions and venues are open. Shows went on as planned the evening of March 3 at the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Lower Broadway honky tonks and other live music venues, and current conventions are ongoing at the convention center. 

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“We are grateful that even with all the devastation, the music keeps playing in Music City. At times like these, we not only have to help our neighbors recover but also keep them working and the industry generating tax revenue for the city and state,” according to the statement.

Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, said that while the CVB’s focus remains on helping victims and the city of Nashville recover, it has been fielding questions about the impact on tourism, conventions and meetings, especially by groups arriving in the coming weeks.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support and concern since the devastating tornado,” Spyridon said. “We are overwhelmed by the support and donations to aid in recovery taking place in the impacted neighborhoods of East Nashville, Germantown and Donelson.”

He continued, “We are continuing to raise funds through Music City Inc., and those funds will be immediately distributed directly to families significantly impacted, with a priority on those employed in the hospitality industry.”

How to Help the Storm Recovery Effort

To provide immediate and direct support to families affected by the tornadoes, make a donation to Music City Inc., the 501c(3) charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

The Nashville Mayor’s Office also encourages donations to the following:

For updates on closings, community support and more information, go here

 

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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact