Flagship industry conference to feature live music performances, acclaimed keynote speakers and an exclusive Nashville industry panel

TYSONS, Va. & NASHVILLE, Tenn. — June 16, 2026 — Cvent, in partnership with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, unveiled a star-studded lineup of musical performances and unique Nashville speakers and experiences for its flagship customer and industry conference, Cvent CONNECT. 

Highlights include a high-energy entertainment lineup including performances from country stars Chris Janson and Carly Pearce and an “only in Nashville” industry panel that will bring together leaders from the Country Music Association (CMA), Jack Daniels, and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The multi-day conference will take place July 13-16 in Nashville, Tennessee, with both in-person and virtual experiences. 

“We are proud to welcome Cvent CONNECT to Nashville and partner in creating an experience that gives attendees an authentic taste of Music City,” said Deana Ivey, President & CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “This event brings together some of the most influential professionals in the meetings and hospitality industries and provides an opportunity to showcase the people, places and experiences that continue to make Nashville a leading destination for meetings and conventions.”

Live From Music City: Headliners and Curated Performances

Leaning into Nashville’s position as a global hub for songwriting, recording and live performance, Cvent CONNECT will feature exclusive evening performances by multi-Platinum country artist Chris Janson and GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Carly Pearce. 

On Tuesday evening, attendees will take over Lower Broadway for a street concert spanning some of Nashville's top venues — including Luke's 32 Bridge, Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, and Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa — with 10 live acts and Chris Janson headlining. Wednesday night, hosted at Luke Combs' Category 10, a grand finale performance from Carly Pearce will give attendees a proper Music City send-off.

The performances will give attendees a uniquely Nashville experience while highlighting the role local culture and entertainment can play in creating memorable meetings and events.

Industry Panel

Few industries understand the craft of live experience and the power of brand-building better than CMA Fest, Jack Daniels and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. In an exclusive panel, senior leaders from the Country Music Association (CMA), Jack Daniels, and the Nashville CVC will pull back the curtain on how they design world-class experiences that drive audience growth and deepen brand loyalty long after the lights go down. Industry voices include:

• Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
• Ryan Nelson, Senior Director, Event Operations and Production, CMA
• Greg Luehrs, Director Partnerships, Jack Daniels

"The best version of an event of this size and caliber is always built in partnership with the city itself," said Rachel Andrews, Global Director of Events at Cvent. "Wherever we take Cvent CONNECT, we work closely with local CVBs, and the Nashville team has been an incredible partner every step of the way, helping us build an experience that's genuinely rooted in what makes this city extraordinary. They opened doors and brought this vision to life in ways we couldn't have done alone. That's the power of a true destination partnership, and it creates the kind of authentic energy that great events are built on."

Registration 

To explore the full Cvent CONNECT 2026 agenda and register for the conference, visit the website here.