Industry Tours

Join us for an immersive, 3-hour tour through downtown Nashville designed specifically for educators looking to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce.

This isn’t just a sightseeing trip—it’s a deep dive into how Nashville’s thriving businesses are partnering with local schools to create authentic, real-world learning opportunities.

What to Expect

Step outside the conference center and see Nashville through a new lens. You will visit a curated selection of local businesses and hear directly from industry leaders who are actively shaping the future workforce.

• Discover Innovative Partnerships: Learn how organizations are engaging students through internships, mentorships, classroom visits and project-based collaborations.
• Gain Actionable Strategies: Walk away with concrete ideas and models for building or strengthening your own community partnerships back home.
• Witness Real-World Impact: See firsthand how authentic industry engagement sparks student interest and expands career awareness.

Experience Nashville Your Way

We know you’re here to learn, but we also want you to enjoy the city! The tour includes transportation from the conference hotel to all locations.

At the conclusion of the tour, you have two options:

• Return to the Hotel: Take the provided transportation directly back to the conference venue.
• Stay and Play: Once you have finished the tour, you will have the option to stay downtown so you can enjoy dinner, live music and the vibrant culture of Music City at your own pace. (Note: Return transportation is not provided if you choose to stay downtown.)

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, July 15
• Time: 2:30-5:30
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Cost: $60 (Includes transportation during the tour), plus the cost of conference registration
• ** Participating Businesses:** See the full tour details below.

Tours

In 2026, we are offering two different tour options for you to choose from. 

Tour A

Experience arts, culture and hospitality through an education lens.

This tour includes the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hilton and the Frist.

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum collects, preserves and interprets the evolving history and traditions of country music. Through exhibits, publications and educational programs, the museum teaches its wide range of audiences about the enduring beauty and cultural importance of country music. Conference participants will engage with a member of the museum’s education team to explore arts-integrated, standards-aligned programs, along with lesson plans, primary sources and classroom materials designed to meet in-person and virtual classroom needs through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
• Hilton Nashville Downtown: Step into the heart of the hospitality sector to learn about Hilton’s “Early Talent” initiatives. Discover how this global leader uses 10-week summer internships and management development programs to transition students from the classroom into high-level hotel operations and corporate leadership roles.
• The Frist Art Museum: The Frist Art Museum is pleased to support Metro Nashville Public Schools in a variety of ways. These include all of the following: 
  • Offering engaging field trip opportunities to schools upon request 
  • Designing curriculum-connected tours for the MNPS STEAM Expeditions program
  • Partnering with the MNPS Visual and Performing Arts Department on a range of initiatives, including grant-funded professional development opportunities for teachers
  • Hosting the Mayor’s Art Show featuring MNPS students
  • Lending community art exhibitions and providing specialized programming for our close partner, Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary School
  • Attending the annual Career Exploration Fair
  • Serving on advisory boards for several Academies of Nashville.

Tour B

This tour highlights Nashville’s innovation, heritage and hospitality and shows how global brands and cultural institutions are creating on-campus learning labs and direct hiring pipelines for Nashville students.

It includes Omni, Bridgestone Firestone and the National Museum of African American Music.

• Bridgestone Firestone Automotive Training Center: Bridgestone and Firestone are involved with MNPS by supporting the Maplewood High School Automotive training center. This training center provides students a mix of state-mandated technical automotive training as well as many of the same business skills required in our Firestone Complete Auto Care locations. Students have the opportunity to learn from our skilled technicians and training specialists, as well as our vendors. The automotive training center has been in operation for 10 years and more than 40 students have been hired into our Firestone stores, some directly out of high school.
• Omni Nashville Hotel: Omni Nashville Hotel’s extends beyond hospitality. While the organization is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, they are equally dedicated to developing people, strengthening our workforce and investing in the communities. At Omni, hospitality is not just about service, it’s about opportunity. Through intentional leadership development, mentorship and community engagement, the Omni team aims to create pathways for individuals to build meaningful and sustainable careers.
• National Museum of African American Music: The National Museum of African American Music is dedicated to educating, preserving and celebrating the central role African Americans play in shaping the American soundtrack. Through immersive exhibitions and innovative education programming, we connect history, culture and creativity to inspire the next generation. Partnerships are rooted in access and opportunity. Through initiatives such as MNPS STEAM Expeditions and our Soundtrack for All program, NMAAM ensures all students have access to culturally responsive, hands-on learning experiences. These partnerships bridge music, history and technology while connecting classroom learning to real-world creative industries.

Add to Your Registration Today

Spaces are limited for this off-site experience. Secure your spot when you register for the conference to ensure you don’t miss this unique opportunity to see how Nashville connects classrooms to careers.

Register for the 2026 Conference