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.

North Carolina will soon have an awesome convention center!

The Star News Online gives us this information about the almost-completed Wilmington Convention Center:

For decades, the prospect of a convention center in Wilmington has loomed on the horizon, just out of reach.

J.M. Thompson Co. is the main contractor. SMG is managing the center, and the Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau is assisting in marketing it to meeting planners and potential conventioneers. Supporters envision the convention center as a way to attract thousands of visitors to the city each year, who will spend money at area businesses and might return later with families or friends. They also say it will create jobs for local residents and spark further economic development downtown. . . .