Convention Insider (Conventions.net)

The fabulous Gaylord Opryland Resort & C0nvention Center, in Nashville, Tennessee, might be down but it’s far from out!

This spring’s catastrophic floods might put conferences and conventions on a delayed schedule, but officials at the venue are confident that before long, the building will be ready for conferences again.  Waters ten feet above room level are no laughing matter, and several newspapers have predicted that it might be several months before this resort, and others, can reopen.

Most conferences that had reserved space at the venue are taking a “wait-and-see” attitude.  For example, the Romance Writers of America, with a conference scheduled in three months, has officially stated that “RWA is contractually obligated to hold its conference at the Gaylord Opryland over the dates stipulated in the contract.  It is up to Gaylord to notify RWA if it cannot uphold its end of the contract. . . .” Most organizations have been most understanding, and it’s also interesting to note that the Gaylord is such a fine venue, the majority of reserved conferences are taking this same “wait and see” attitude.  Good vibes.  When there is open and honest communication, things will almost always work out fine.

In a grand example of social media at its best, Gaylord officials sent an email to individuals with reservations at the venue that said, in part, that “. . . we are disappointed that we will be unable to welcome you at this time.  We will be refunding deposits and payments for all reservations scheduled for arrival over the next 90 days.  We greatly appreciate your patience and request that you allow several weeks for processing.  We are also working with the organizers of all meetings scheduled to be held at Gaylord Opryland to possibly reschedule the meeting at another of our Gaylord Hotel properties.  Please check with your meeting organizer regarding the status of your meeting. . . .”

Another message sent by Gaylord Opryland to its customers stated that “. . . We are continuing to monitor the flood situation in Nashville, and will assess any hotel damage with the appropriate teams.  When there is new information regarding the hotel’s condition, we will poast the news on our website at http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/. . . .”

The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center is not taking any incoming reservations at this time.  The hotel evacuated all of its guests to a shelter and provided them with food, drinks, and bedding.  These guests will have their luggage shipped to them by Gaylord as soon as possible.

In my opinion, this venue is handling this unfortunate situation with great skill, tact, and understanding of the frantic guests and drastically changed plans of conference planners, caterers, vendors, suppliers, and corporations.

I’ve been to Johnson City, Tennessee several times, and I can tell you first-hand that it’s a beautiful place for a gathering of any kind. Straight from the Sodexo Properties website, just look at what Tennessee’s Millennium Centre can offer your conference, convention, or trade show!

Experience Tennessee’s Premier Conference Center Five-Star excellence in meeting facilities, service and technology awaits you at the foothills of East Tennessee. Focused on convenience, service and technology, the Millennium Centre is committed to making your function a success from start to finish. It’s the ideal choice for your next event – Meet You in the Mountains!

Property Highlights

Property Type: The Millennium Centre developed at the turn of the Millennium provides exceptional services tailored to the needs of large conference events as well as small corporate executive meetings and continuing education based functions. Open to Public: Yes Conference Center Location: Located in historic Johnson City, minutes from the Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Meeting Facilities: The Millennium Centre with 23,000 square feet of meeting space features 16 conference rooms, an Executive Board Room with an adjoining private lounge, two amphitheatres and numerous break out rooms. Several of the rooms feature built-in presentation technology, and all provide ergonomic chairs for individual comfort and individual climate & lighting controls. Complete Meeting Package (CMP): No Overnight Accommodations: Connected by a walk way to the Carnegie Hotel, the regions finest hotel accommodations with a 5 star rating, providing 141 beautifully appointed guest rooms. Conference Facility Amenities: Beautiful outdoor courtyard with views of the   water features and paved outdoor areas provide the perfect location for team building. Meeting Room Technology: Specialized audio visual equipment with built-in sound amplification, and video and satellite conference capabilities. On site audio visual technicians are available, providing dedicated support. Food & Beverage Service: Serving extraordinary cuisine in upscale dining areas, The Centre’s conference planner and renowned executive chef can assist you in planning luncheons, receptions, and events for up to 600 guests.

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