Schedule of Events

9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

International Buyer Airport Service

Nashville International Airport

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Get Toasty with Tennessee

Exhibit Hall B, Level 3

Enjoy a warm welcome with a hot cocoa, tea, and coffee bar with specialty toppings.

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Hotel Welcome Desk

Westin Nashville hotel and Omni Nashville hotel

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Buyer Registration Desk Open

Exhibit Hall B, Level 3

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Kentucky Bourbon Reception

HCA Lobby at Country Music Hall of Fame

Invitation Only
Hosted by Kentucky Tourism

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Honors Night Celebration

Country Music Hall of Fame

Invitation Only
Presented in Collaboration with Miles Partnership
Singer/Songwriter Jam in the Round Sponsored by Tennessee Dept. of Tourism

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

International Showcase Registration / Information Desk

1. City Information
2. International Showcase Concierge

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Tennessee’s Cup of Ambition Breakfast Briefing (Operator Only)

205, Level 2 – Music City Center

Presented by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Tumble out of bed and stumble into Music City Center

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Nashville City Tour Options for Tour Operators/RTO’s/Media

Nashville

#1 Mother Church to the Opry Stage
#2 Music City Icons
#3 Nashville Rhythm
#4 Nashville Culinary Adventure
#5 Whiskey, BBQ & Music City Legends
#6 Nashville Refined
#7 Songs & Sounds of Nashville
#8 Many Colors of Music City
#9 Soul of Music City
#10 Tennessee Whiskey Trail

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Turning Data into Decisions

202, Level 2 – Music City Center

Esra Calvert Consulting, Tourism Economics, and the Global Network
Gain valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping international travel to the American South. This session will explore evolving global traveler behavior, market dynamics, and strategies for destinations and industry partners seeking to strengthen their international presence and maximize growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

9:50 AM – 11:20 AM

Around the Globe in 90 mins

202, Level 2 – Music City Center

Presented by the Travel South Global Network
Take a fast-paced journey around the world as Travel South USA’s international representatives share market intelligence, consumer trends, and emerging opportunities from key global markets. Attendees will gain practical insights into what is driving travel demand, how visitor expectations are evolving, and where future growth opportunities exist across the international landscape.

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Get Toasty with Tennessee

Exhibit Hall B, Level 3

Enjoy a warm welcome with a hot cocoa, tea, and coffee bar with specialty toppings.

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Winning the High-Value Traveler in a Brutal Market

202, Level 2 – Music City Center

Adam Schwab – Luxury Escapes
Competition for travelers has never been greater. Join Adam Schwab, Co-Founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, for an engaging discussion on how destinations and tourism businesses can stand out in a crowded marketplace. Learn how innovation, customer experience, technology, and strategic marketing can create meaningful competitive advantages and drive long-term success.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Champion Destinations Global Leadership Lunch

205, Level 2 – Music City Center

Front Porch Chat with Mark Ezell & Adam Schwab
Champion City CEOs Only
Powered by Brand USA

Hosted by Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and featuring Guest Speaker, Adam Schwab, President & CEO, Luxury Escapes, the Champion Destinations Leadership Forum brings together CEOs and executive leaders alongside State Tourism Officer for an exclusive exchange of ideas on the future of international tourism in the American South.

This invitation-only luncheon provides a unique opportunity for senior leaders to discuss emerging global travel trends, destination competitiveness, international market opportunities, public policy, air service, and collaborative strategies that strengthen the South’s position in the global marketplace.

Designed to foster candid conversation and meaningful collaboration, the Leadership Forum creates a venue where state and city tourism leaders can share perspectives, build stronger partnerships, and identify opportunities to grow international visitation, visitor spending, and the economic impact of tourism across the region.

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Marketplace Booth set-up

Exhibit Hall B, Level 3 – Music City Center

Supplier and Travel Service Provider

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

TSUSA Board of Directors Meeting

Board Room A, Level 1M – Music City Center

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Raise ’em Up! Opening Night Celebration

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Hosted by Nashville CVC
Shuttles depart at 6:45 PM
Join us at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, one of Nashville’s most celebrated whiskey makers. Enjoy a true taste of Tennessee with premium whiskey, live entertainment from The Magi, live band karaoke, and interactive photo moments throughout the evening. Blending three of Nashville’s signature experiences – exceptional music, unforgettable flavors, and world-class whiskey – the opening reception is the perfect place to unwind, reconnect, and start International Showcase on a high note.

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

International Showcase Registration / Information Desk Open

1. Rhythms of the South Recharge Station
2. City Information
3. International Showcase Concierge

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

A Mississippi Music Masterclass with Charlie Worsham

Karl Dean Ballroom, Level 4 – Music City Center

Opening Breakfast Hosted by Visit Mississippi

Start your day by grabbing a front-row seat as Charlie Worsham and his band host a morning masterclass on Mississippi music. Worsham, a Grenada, Mississippi, native and 2024 CMA Musician of the Year among other prestigious awards, has shared stages and studios with everyone from Eric Church and Luke Combs to Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, and Lainey Wilson. When he’s not playing, he’s talking — as host of “Mississippi on the Map,” a Visit Mississippi podcast that digs into how the state’s people, places, and sounds seeded American music, with guests like Marty Stuart, Mac McAnally, and Chris Stapleton along for the ride. He arrives fresh off the August 2026 release of his first independent album, “Once Upon a Second Time Around,” with reflections on home, family, and where he comes from. Come enjoy breakfast and a backstage pass to Mississippi itself.

10:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Marketplace Session #1

Exhibit Hall B, Level 3 – Music City Center

12:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Rhythms of the South Luncheon (feat. Niko Moon)

Karl Dean Ballroom, Level 4 – Music City Center

Hosted by Rhythms of the South: Atlanta, Nashville & New Orleans
Experience the rhythm connecting three of the South’s most distinctive and soulful cities: Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans. From Atlanta’s influential music scene to Nashville’s legendary songwriting and the soulful traditions of New Orleans, each city brings its own unmistakable sound, flavor and creative spirit. The luncheon comes to life with a special performance by country singer-songwriter Niko Moon, known for his feel-good, genre-blending sound and triple-platinum hit “GOOD TIME.” Enjoy Southern food, live music and a taste of three cities that have helped shape American music and culture.

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Marketplace Session #2

Exhibit Hall B, Level 3 – Music City Center

Sponsored afternoon break by Discover South Carolina

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Taste of Nashville

Nashville

Open evening to explore Nashville
Click title for the Nashville dining guide.

Join us at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, one of Nashville’s most celebrated whiskey makers. Enjoy a true taste of Tennessee with premium whiskey, live entertainment from The Magi, live band karaoke, and interactive photo moments throughout the evening. Blending three of Nashville’s signature experiences – exceptional music, unforgettable flavors, and world-class whiskey – the opening reception is the perfect place to unwind, reconnect, and start International Showcase on a high note.

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

International Showcase Registration / Information Desk

1. Rhythms of the South Recharge Station
2. International Showcase Concierge

8:15 AM – 9:15 AM

A Taste of Virginia Breakfast

Karl Dean Ballroom, Level 4 – Music City Center

Hosted by Virginia Tourism & Partners

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia is for lovers of history, music, food, nature, and so much more. The Virginia Tourism Corporation is pleased to sponsor this year’s breakfast event, and we look forward to welcoming you to Virginia for the 2027 International Showcase in Norfolk. Unless you want to visit sooner! ❤️

9:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Marketplace Session #3

Exhibit Hall B, Level 3 – Music City Center

12:30 PM – 1:45 PM

The Flavor of Alabama Luncheon

Karl Dean Ballroom, Level 4 – Music City Center

Hosted by Sweet Home Alabama

We invite you to have lunch with Sweet Home Alabama. Each course is a blend of stories and flavors. The main course is the music and melodies that cause you to fall in love with Sweet Home Alabama. Tantalizing, beckoning, soulful tunes that tell a story of iconic hit records and music history. Alabama will serve up a side dish of southern hospitality. Hear the musicians from Muscle Shoals who have recorded with great artists, such as Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Little Richard, Neil Young, and more. The iconic music of Alabama is on display in the South!

1:45 PM – 5:00 PM

Exclusive Journalist Tour

Nashville Area

Journalists Only

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Marketplace Session #4

Exhibit Hall B, Level 3 – Music City Center

Sponsored afternoon break by Explore Louisiana

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Tennessee Made. Legendary Always. Honky Tonk All Night. – Final Night Party

Category 10

Final Night Reception Hosted by – Tennessee Dept of Tourist Development
Shuttles depart at 6:45 PM
Channel your favorite Tennessee Legend and dress the part for an iconic honky-tonk party at Category 10!

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

TSUSA Super FAM Departures