Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center Offers a One-of-a-Kind Experience in Nashville

The 2026 ICC Annual Conference and Expo (Oct. 18–21) is coming to Nashville, Tennessee this fall, providing building safety professionals with an opportunity to network, learn and advance their knowledge.  

This can’t-miss event will feature a keynote by Mike Massimino, Ph.D., a former NASA astronaut and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University, as well as a special performance by Grand Ole Opry inductee Scotty McCreery. 

It all takes place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, a one-of-a-kind venue with more than a dozen on-site restaurants and plenty of entertainment options for all ages.  

“Through decades of thoughtful expansion, including the addition of our signature glass atriums, the resort has become known for lush indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls and immersive guest experiences,” said Tom Petrillo, Area General Manager, Gaylord Opryland. 

Initially constructed to serve Nashville visitors as tourism soared, Gaylord Opryland has grown exponentially since it opened in 1977. At that time, there were 580 guest rooms; today, there are 2,888 and more than 758,000 square feet of meeting and event space.  

This has helped Gaylord Opryland maintain its position as the largest non-casino resort in the United States. The resort has been further propelled by a multi-phase transformation, including a $131 million expansion of its meeting spaces. 

A World-Class Resort  

Gaylord Opryland has received many accolades as it continues to attract people from all over the world. As a family-friendly resort, guests can indulge in everything from the Relâche Spa (which offers therapeutic massages, an aromatic steam room, rain showers, a relaxation lounge and more) to an indoor riverboat ride.  

“Our Delta Riverboat Co. ride offers a relaxing journey through the Delta Atrium, featuring lush gardens, waterfalls and winding waterways,” said Petrillo. “Along the way, guides share facts about Gaylord Opryland’s history and highlight the atrium’s unique features, plant life and resort experiences.” 

Gaylord Opryland is the home of SoundWaves, an indoor/outdoor waterpark ranked as one of the nation’s best by Travel + Leisure. SoundWaves also received a USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Wave Pool.” 

In November and December, Gaylord Opryland turns into a winter wonderland featuring more than two million pounds of carved ice. The end result is a combination of incredible ice sculptures (this year’s theme is inspired by the movie Home Alone), including slides made entirely of ice. In addition, Gaylord Opryland installs more than five million Christmas lights to create a truly memorable visual experience. One peek at the extravaganza and it’s easy to see why Gaylord Opryland was named among Business Insider’s “Top 20 Resorts in the Country with the Best Christmas Decorations.” 

Gaylord Opryland is also bringing back POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance (Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, 2026), which Petrillo referred to as a “spectacular Broadway-meets-cirque production.”  

“It would take a guest more than 17 hours to experience the festive activities and entertainment back-to-back,” said Petrillo.    

The 17,000-square-foot ice sculpture experience (known as “ice!”) requires year-round preparations and a state-of-the-art cooling system that keeps the sculptures at nine degrees Fahrenheit. Artisans travel from Harbin, China to bring the ice to life, but their job is not done once the carvings are complete. They work hard to maintain and preserve the carvings every single day. 

“Their craftsmanship and attention to detail help ensure every guest enjoys the highest-quality experience,” Petrillo boasted.

Outstanding Dining Opportunities 

Gaylord Opryland is packed with dining options, including the newly opened Foundry Fieldhouse Sports Bar & Taproom, complete with indoor and outdoor seating. Guests can also dine at Ravello, featuring house-made pastas and wood-fired specialties, as well as Old Hickory, a premium steakhouse. These are just a few of the many on-site restaurants. 

“At Gaylord Opryland, we strive to create an experience that leaves a lasting impression from the moment guests arrive,” said Petrillo. “Our nine acres of indoor gardens, winding waterways, waterfalls, and signature architecture provide an unparalleled setting. Whether visiting for a convention, special event or leisure getaway, guests quickly discover an environment that combines the warmth of Southern hospitality with the energy and spirit of Nashville.” 

Petrillo added that beyond the resort, visitors can enjoy the Grand Ole Opry next door, as well as the nearby Gaylord Springs Golf Links and General Jackson Showboat. The latter has several events coming up, including a fall foliage cruise on Oct. 27 and a Halloween-themed cruise on Oct. 29. 

The 2026 ICC Annual Conference and Expo kicks off on Oct.18 and runs through Oct. 21. Learn more by heading over to our conference page and don’t forget to check out all of the exciting building tours scheduled for the event!