Cvent will bring its flagship user conference, Cvent Connect, to Nashville from July 13-16.
Rachel Andrews, senior director of conferences and events at Cvent, said the discussion on bringing Cvent Connect to Nashville began in IMEX Las Vegas. “Its conference center, walking and entertainment provided an excellent experience for attendees. Another big thing is that it was great to air transport to the city.”
The city has long been the performance of Cvent’s list of top conference destinations in North America, often surpassing the larger cities. It ranked third last year, behind Orlando and Las Vegas.
“We have been working hard to be the top destination to play with the A-list,” said Deana Ivey, president and CEO of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation (NCVC).
Before Music City debut, Cvent Connect 2025 returns to the Henry Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio from June 9-12. The event held at the same venue last year attracted about 4,000 in-person attendees and 6,000 virtual participants.
Visiting San Antonio estimates that the 2024 conference has an economic impact of $6.3 million and is expected to increase to $6.8 million this year.
Navigate geopolitical uncertainty
Although global uncertainty has affected the conference industry, Cvent Connect 2025 registration remains strong.
“We are having a flexible, open stuff, especially in the government association space. I know it’s a tough time for nonprofits and education sectors. All of these industries are hit,” Andrews said. “When we talk to our clients, we stress that there’s no more time to meet in person so that we can talk about these challenges together.”
While there were less than 100 participants in Canada last year, Andrews did not expect a significant impact on the US-Canada dispute.
“Exhibitors from Canada are still coming. My idea is that we all want to discuss together how to navigate. We drive a lot of changes in the industry, so the best way to navigate it is together,” Andrews said.
Price increases due to tariffs are also under surveillance by Andrews. “I expect some kind of impact to have a 5-10% impact,” Andrews said. “Visiting San Antonio is committed to making sure we are not dug out; they will work with us.”
