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In Episode 53, Butch Spyridon talks about how Nashville has changed over the years and shares some stories behind some of the big events. You will hear about his younger years and how he never liked following the crowd.
Butch Spyridon is the president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC). He has service the NCVC since 1991. Under his leadership, the NCVC has led the strategic development of Nashville’s hospitality industry, and Music City has evolved into a top global destination, generating over $7 billion in visitor spending annually.
During Butch’s tenure, the NCVC has been involved with development initiatives that include the Tennessee Titans, Bridgestone Arena, July 4th, New Year’s Eve, the Music City Center, Music City Walk of Fame, and the city’s branding. He also helped lead efforts to bring British Airways’ nonstop flight to London in 2018 and he led the recruitment and execution of the 2019 NFL Draft, which became the most successful event in NFL history. We talk a bit about the first Music City Grand Prix as well.
Combined with the NCVC ongoing sales and marketing initiatives, Nashville hotel demand has grown faster than any other top 30 US city since 2013 and was named a top destination in the world by multiple publications for eight consecutive years.
Spyridon serves on the Executive Committee of the U.S. Travel Association and as Chair of Destinations International.
Raised in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Spyridon graduated from Vanderbilt University. He is a graduate of the Institute of Comparative Political and Economic Systems at Georgetown University. He and his wife, Sunny, have four children and five grandchildren.
I really enjoyed hearing his journey and how his strong will to get stuff done has accomplished much. It was not easy in the beginning years, but he stay persistent and went against the norm.
Early on in Butch was very independent and did not like following the crowd. He gave up basketball in high school because they wanted him to cut his hair. That led to him taking part in a school walkout. We discussed the valuable lessons he learned in college and the relationships that would forever impact his life.
You can connect with Butch Spyridon:
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Shout out from Butch:
Favorite Local Restaurant:
Elliston Place Soda Shop, Hermitage Cafe, & Folk
Favorite Non Profit
YWCA, Thistle Farms & Second Harvest
Featured Musician:
Mike Seal
18 Credit Questions to Consider Before Buying A Home
Email – Andrew@AndrewBuckwalter.com for the ebook
Sponsors for the Podcast
Me….Andrew Buckwalter @ BuckwalterImpactGroup of Benchmark Realty for all your real estate needs
Brandon Hutcheson for all your lender needs @ Legacymutual
