Nashville Launches Innovative New Wayfinding Program
Mayor Karl Dean and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau (NCVB) have launched a new Wayfinding sign and traffic guidance program to provide improved directional signage and maps for visitors in Downtown Nashville, North Nashville and West End.

The Wayfinding program integrates pedestrian maps and signage, with local street and interstate traffic guidance signs. Local attraction and hospitality industry leaders were engaged and actively involved in planning and developing the program, which is being implemented in three phases: The first, being installed now, is pedestrian map signage located in the city's most traveled tourist areas. The second phase, which will be installed in the fall of 2011, integrates local roadway signs directing visitors to destinations. The third phase, planned next year, adds interstate signage directing visitors to areas of town.

The 155 Wayfinding pedestrian signs feature a three-dimensional map illustration oriented to the precise viewing position at that location. The signs also direct visitors to the NCVB's mobile website, www.visitmusiccity.mobi, for more detailed Music City visitor information. Maps detailing the locations of the 155 pedestrian signs being installed during Phase I are available here.

Industry Honors Deits as First Music City Hitmaker
Beth Deits of Pancake Pantry was honored for her extraordinary customer service as Nashville's first Music City Hitmaker.

The Music City Hitmakers program recognizes and honors individuals who go above and beyond to provide noteworthy service and ensure an authentic visitor experience. Visitors to Nashville are encouraged to nominate individuals. More than 30 nominations were accepted during the first month of the program.

A Music City Hitmaker will be recognized each month for their outstanding service, and will receive a $100 restaurant gift card, a lapel pin that distinguishes them as a Hitmaker, admission for two to area attractions, a certificate of recognition, and a video highlight feature on www.visitmusiccity.com/hitmakers.

The industry will present an annual award to one of the monthly winners that has received the greatest accolades throughout the year during National Travel & Tourism Week in May.

Support the Hitmakers program. Information and details can be found here.

Music City to Host John Merritt Classic Sept. 1-4
Music City will be bustling with activities surrounding the 12th Annual John Merritt Classic, Sept. 1-4. The game pitting Nashville's own Tennessee State University against Southern University, promises some great football action.

The John Merritt Classic, first played in 1999, honors John A. Merritt, the legendary TSU football coach who led the Tigers from 1963 -1983. It's one of only two football classics solely hosted by a single NCAA FCS institution, and is intended to allow Tennessee State to raise funds for scholarships and other related needs for TSU students.

Music City Festival & BBQ Championship Set for Aug. 26-27
The 3rd Annual Music City Festival & BBQ Championship will roll into downtown Nashville's Riverfront Park August 26-27. This year's events include: Tennessee State Championship BBQ competition, live music on five stages located throughout the venue, the Music City Car Show, Kids Zone, Smokin Hot Arena, a Corporate Challenge and more. The Marshall Tucker Band will perform on Friday night and Ronnie Milsap headlines Saturday evening's show. For more information, click here.

National Folk Festival Fills Labor Day Weekend in Music City
The 73rd National Folk Festival will take place at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on Labor Day weekend 2011. The three-day event is free and open to the public.

The traveling National Folk Festival is the oldest and longest-running celebration of traditional arts in the nation. Created by the National Council for the Traditional Arts in 1934, it celebrates American culture through traditional music, dance, craft, storytelling and food.

The festival will feature over 250 of the nation's finest traditional performers and craftspeople, with simultaneous performances on six stages throughout the park. Attendees can dance, engage with master crafts people, shop the festival marketplace and enjoy regional and ethnic food.

Industry Indicators
The June 2011 hotel occupancy rate was 74.1 percent, an increase of 8.3 percent compared to June 2010.

The 2011 year-to-date occupancy rate is 62.7 percent, an increase of 5.2 percent compared to 2010.

May 2011 hotel tax collections were $2,230,440, an increase of 24.2 percent compared to May 2010.

The 2011 year-to-date tax collections were $10,034,445, a increase of 11.6 percent compared to the same period in 2010.

Brand Champion - Nashville Originals
Our August Brand Champion distinguishes itself from the crowd by showcasing its connection to Music City. The Nashville Originals, forty-four of Nashville's great locally-owned restaurants, has incorporated the city's signature brand into their marketing and advertising materials. For promoting the brand and delivering an authentic Music City experience we congratulate our newest Brand Champion, Nashville Originals!

Upcoming Events
New Member Orientation
August 17
NCVB Office
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Learn how you can make the most of your membership and maximize your benefits.
RSVP your attendance to Andrea Pinkard.

Sell Nashville
August 25
NCVB Boardroom
7:45 a.m.
Sell Nashville is a bi-monthly meeting that provides insight into current Nashville CVB sales and marketing efforts. This is also an opportunity to share information on upcoming events, exhibits, renovations, etc.

For more information or to sign up for these events, please contact Caroline Smith at caroline@visitmusiccity.com.

Conventions & Meetings Calendar