NCVB Tops 500 Member Mark
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s membership program has topped the 500 member mark! Local hot spot, The Patterson House, became the 500th member followed by Fresh Well Media and 10 others to raise the organization’s current member total to 511.

The NCVB membership program was established in 2006 following the bureau’s move to become an independent organization three years prior. For more information on the program, please visit http://www.visitmusiccity.com/members.

Site Work Begins on Music City Center
Utility and demolition work began last week on the site of the new Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Five existing buildings have been leveled and underground utility relocation has begun.

The new 1.2 million square foot Music City Center will more than double the meeting and exhibit space available in the current downtown convention center. The facility will feature a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall acoustically designed to double as a concert hall, more than 50 meeting rooms, two ballrooms and approximately 36 loading docks for the ultimate in flexibility and ease.

The Music City Center project is committed to LEED Silver Certification. During the demolition phase, crews will work to divert as much debris as possible from landfills. The certification requires that at least 50 percent of the debris be diverted, but the city is committed to doing more.

The center is scheduled for completion in early 2013. Convention planners have already booked 26 events representing more than 285,000 room nights.

2nd Annual Music City Soul Series Continues
You have two more chances to catch some of Nashville’s best R&B and jazz musicians performing at B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant. The Music City Soul Series concerts continue this Thursday with a show headlined by Shannon Sanders, and Scat Springs and Michael Fair will headline the Feb. 25th show.

The concert series is produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau in celebration of Black History Month. General admission seating is $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show. Reserved table seating is also available for $25 per seat or $100 per table. Tickets are available by calling B.B. King's at 615-256-2727. Proceeds will benefit Music City, Inc.

We Need Your Help - Order Your Music City License Plate Today
Express your love for music and the city it calls home with a new Music City specialty license plate designed by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau (NCVB) to benefit the organization’s Music City, Inc. foundation. Applications for the plate, which will feature the city’s signature branded red music note, are currently being accepted. We must sell 1,000 plates by June and we have a long way to go!

There is a $36 registration deposit required for each vehicle you wish to tag using a Music City-branded plate. Tennessee residents wishing to purchase a new Music City plate can fill out a form online at www.visitmusiccity.com/licenseplate or print the form and mail it with their $36 check to the address at the bottom. Forms are also available at Regions Bank branches throughout the city. Please order yours today!

Industry Indicators
December’s hotel occupancy rate was 50.6 percent, a decrease of 0.6 percent compared to December 2008.

The 2009 year-end occupancy rate is 57.0 percent, a decrease of 8.1 percent compared to 2008.

December hotel tax collections were $1,768,125, a decrease of 3.9 percent compared to December 2008.

The 2009 year-end tax collections are $22,026,626, a decrease of 14.0 percent compared to 2008.

Brand Champion - Abbott Self Storage
Only in Music City could a self-storage service provider find a way to incorporate music into its business model! This month’s Brand Champion, Abbott Self Storage, is not just supporting the Music City brand, its ensuring its future. The company’s unique practice of opening its storage units to local musicians for rehearsal space fosters creativity and allows performers to hone their craft. With the city’s large population of aspiring musicians Abbott’s innovative service is sure to attract many. Congratulations to Abbott Self Storage, our February Brand Champion!

Upcoming Events
Nashville Backstage Training
March 3
NCVB Boardroom
2-3:30 p.m.
A complimentary training program designed to educate NCVB members on what Music City has to offer in regards to attractions, events, tours, restaurants and nightlife.

All Access Disability Training
March 24
NCVB Boardroom
2-4 p.m.
This open training session on disability sensitivity has been presented to countless hotels, attractions, restaurants, and Metropolitan police officers and is legally mandated for every Nashville cab driver. With representatives from all partnering contributors, All Access introduces participants to People First Language, disability etiquette and seizure first aid.

Sell Nashville Meeting
March 25
NCVB Boardroom
7:45-8 a.m. Networking
8-9 a.m. Sell Nashville Meeting
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, new exhibits, renovations and more.

Conventions & Meetings Calendar