Message from NCVB President Butch Spyridon
We began 2011 like we finished 2010 – on a roll.

A team of more than 30 Hall of Fame industry partners and NCVB staff just returned from a successful Road Show in Washington D.C. And, let me tell you, last week's snow storm couldn't keep this group from selling Music City. The team called on more than 100 prospects and clients in six inches of snow, and Capitol Recording Artist Dierks Bentley delivered a great performance, selling Nashville to more than 150 clients on a wintry Thursday evening. The team returned home with four leads in hand, representing over 4,000 room nights.

The team participated in the American Bus Association's (ABA) annual convention earlier in the month. They called on more than 100 clients and prospects and generated 87 leads during the event. Music City also hosted the ABA Board of Directors dinner, which included a special performance by Nashville Recording Artist Phil Vassar. More than 80 people, including the ABA Board, ABA staff and NCVB member co-sponsors, enjoyed the evening.

Staff also attended the Professional Convention Management Association's annual meeting and hosted a popular late-night breakfast reception featuring entertainment by Phil Vassar. More than 160 attended.

At the half way point in our fiscal year, our sales numbers look very good. We are at 110 percent of our definite room night goal year-to-date, and are on pace for leads and bookings.

I want to thank everyone who participated in our coordinated sales efforts last month. It's just the beginning.

Register Now for NCVB Sales Training Seminar
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau (NCVB) will host a sales training seminar titled "Selling for 2011 and Beyond….Shifting Dynamics & Improving Economy," on Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel.

Led by veteran sales and marketing executive John Boyens, the seminar will focus on profiling best clients, outsmarting competitors and negotiating with clients in the current economy. Tennessee Titans' Executive Vice President Don MacLachlan will be the luncheon speaker.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. Lunch will follow at 11:45 a.m. Reservations may be made by visiting www.visitmusiccity.com/salestraining.html before the Tuesday morning deadline. Registration is $25 for the session and $20 for the luncheon with an NCVB member discount, or $59 for all others.

Third Annual Soul Series Celebrates Black History Month
The third annual Music City Soul Series kicked off last night with local artist Darnell Levine lighting up the stage at B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant.

The concert series runs every Thursday night in February with performances by some of Nashville's best R&B and jazz musicians, including:

• The Jimmy Church Band – Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

• Joe Johnson and Kevin Whalum – Thursday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.

• Damien Horne – Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.

General admission seating is $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show. NCVB members may purchase tickets at the special member price of $5. Just identify yourself as a member when you purchase your ticket. Tickets are available by calling B.B. King's at 615-256-2727. Proceeds will benefit Music City, Inc.

For more information please visit www.visitmusiccity.com/soulseries.

Industry Indicators
December's hotel occupancy rate was 52.7 percent, an increase of 5.5 percent compared to December 2009.

The 2010 occupancy was 59.5 percent, an increase of 5.3 percent compared to 2009.

November hotel tax collections were $1,652,091, a decrease of 9.5 percent compared to November 2009.

The 2010 year-to-date tax collections as of November 30 were $19,068,661, a decrease of 5.9 percent compared to 2009.

Brand Champion - Margaritaville
Margaritaville has always championed great music, offering live music to its patrons and incorporating it into its marketing efforts. But, when the company arrived in Nashville, it made sure Music City was well represented in its décor, in its offerings and in its marketing. Margaritaville is the perfect addition to the city where music lives, and we are proud to call them our February Brand Champion!

Upcoming Events
New Member Orientation
Tuesday, February 8
NCVB Boardroom
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Learn how you can make the most of your NCVB membership and maximize your benefits at this meeting.

Creating Applause Customer Service Training
Tuesday, February 15
NCVB Boardroom
2-4 p.m.
Learn how to create applause-worthy service so that the guest experience will not only be one to remember, but to talk about with others.

Tourism Connection Meeting
Thursday, February 17
The Arts Company
3:30 p.m.
Get updates on leisure marketing and tourism-specific sales, and participate in an open forum for discussion and collaboration on citywide tourism efforts. This bi-monthly meeting is for hotels, attractions, restaurants and tour companies interested in increasing leisure visitor numbers.

Sell Nashville Meeting
Thursday, February 24
NCVB Boardroom
7:45-8 a.m. Noteworthy 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, exhibits, renovations, etc.

Nashville Backstage Training - History & Culture
Tuesday, March 8
NCVB Boardroom
2-4 p.m.
This is a newly developed Nashville Backstage training focused on the city's history and culture. Hear about Nashville's many art galleries, the Tennessee Exposition, Nashville's role in the Civil War and more.

For more information or to sign up for these events, please contact Jessica Cieler at jessicac@visitmusiccity.com.

Conventions & Meetings Calendar