HealthTrust University (“HTU”) is only a few weeks a way. With more than 2,000 healthcare and supply chain professionals attending, this is the premier conference for networking with industry leaders, learning from your peers about new trends and best practices, and meeting with current and future business partners that are critical to running your hospital.
This year, the annual gathering is August 12 – 14, 2019 at the beautiful Gaylord Opryland Resport & Convention Center, located right in the heart of Nashville, our hometown.
We’ve compiled a list of all that you need to know for attending. While you are there, come visit us at booth #362 on the exhibitor floor.
Must-Know Nashville Tips Before Heading to HealthTrust University
Happening Around Nashville During HealthTrust University:
From concerts to sports, Nashville has it all. See below for various activities that might add some fun to your time in the city.
For a true Nashville experience, we suggest catching Vince Gill’s side band The Time Jumpers on Monday. And of course, there’s always a good time to be had wondering through the Honky Tonks on Broadway (our favorite is Robert’s Western World).
The Weekend, August 10th & 11th
Tomato Art Fest at 5 Points in East Nashville
Nashville Symphony’s 1964 A Tribute to the Beatles at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Nashville Soccer Club vs Bethlehem Steel at First Tennessee Park
Monday, August 12th
The Time Jumpers ft. Vince Gill at 3rd and Lindsley
HealthTrust Kick-off Party at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Tuesday, August 13th
Grand Ole Opry ft. Oak Ridge Boys at Grand Ole Opry House
HealthTrust Topgolf event at Topgolf Nashville
Anytime
SoundWaves Water Experience at Gaylord Opryland – with special HealthTrust University Discount
Nashville’s 12th South & Hillsboro Village neighborhoods – for dining and shopping
Getting Around Nashville:
While Nashville does have a public transport system (“WeGo”), there’s limited service (route 34) to and from Opryland Gaylord Hotel. To get around, we suggest you rent a car, take Gaylord’s paid shuttle service, or call a Lyft or Uber.
Where to Dine in Downtown Nashville:
While you probably don’t think of Nashville as a foodie town, you might be surprised at the level of culinary innovation here. No matter your taste, there’s something to enjoy. Opryland Hotel offers several food options, but nothing beats getting downtown. Here are a few of our favorites:
Martin’s BBQ: This 13,000 square-foot, 500-seat restaurant, bar, and beer garden is sure to offer a true Southern barbecue experience.
Pinewood Social: Amazing food, craft cocktails and… karaoke, bowling, swimming and bocce ball?! That’s right. It’s one of a kind. **Our Team’s Favorite**
CREMA: Our favorite coffee shop in town. Try the Cuban!
Bastion: Looking for something on the fancier, more adventurous side? This 5-course tasting menu restaurant is sure to fit the bill. It’s a hidden restaurant inside a bar, and with only 26 seats in the restaurant, be sure to get a reservation well in advance.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Heard of the Nashville Hot Chicken craze? It’s real! This is our favorite of the many hot chicken joints.
Husk: James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock brings an innovative take on Southern cuisine.
Kayne Prime: If steak is on your mind, look no further than Kayne Prime, Nashville’s premier steakhouse. Don’t skip out on the bacon appetizer with maple cotton candy.
Downtown Sporting Club: This is a new concept right on Broadway which has quickly become our favorite among the Honky Tonks. Either eat at the formal restaurant downstairs, snack on up-scale bar food on the 2nd floor, or sip on some cocktail slushies while enjoying rooftop views. And don’t skip the ax-throwing bar!
Get to Know Conference Keynote Speakers:
Jocko Willink
[From Jocko Willink’s Website] Jocko Willink is a decorated retired Navy SEAL officer, author of the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he is a leadership instructor, speaker, and executive coach. Jocko spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer. As commander of SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the “Ready First” Brigade of the US Army’s First Armored Division bring stability to the violent, war-torn city.Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. Jocko returned from Iraq to serve as Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams. There, he spearheaded the development of leadership training and personally instructed and mentored the next generation of SEAL leaders who have continued to perform with great success on the battlefield.
During his career, Jocko was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and numerous other personal and unit awards. In 2010, Jocko retired from the Navy and launched Echelon Front with Leif Babin where he teaches the leadership principles he learned on the battlefield to help others lead and win. Clients include individuals, teams, companies, and organizations across a wide-range of industries and fields.
Sekou Andrews:
[From Sekou Andrews’ Website] A schoolteacher turned actor, musician, two-time national poetry slam champion, entrepreneur, and award-winning poetic voice, any given day may now find Sekou keynoting at a leadership conference, helping a Fortune 500 company with brand messaging, or even performing pieces for Barack Obama in Oprah’s backyard. Sekou is the creator of Poetic Voice, a new, cutting-edge speaking category that seamlessly fuses inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry to make messages more moving and memorable.
Jon Dorenbos
[From Wikipedia] Jon Dorenbos is a former American football long snapper and magician. He played college football at the University of Texas at El Paso and was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Dorenbos also played for the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he played 11 seasons and played in 162 consecutive games. After getting traded to the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 preseason, it was discovered Dorenbos had an aortic aneurysm that required immediate surgery and ended his career. The trade was rescinded and the Eagles returned the pick to the Saints. The Eagles would go on to win Super Bowl LII that season, and it was announced Dorenbos would get an honorary ring.
Dorenbos has a parallel career as a professional magician. He was a finalist on season 11 of the television program America’s Got Talent, performing his magic acts. He finished in third place for the season.
Want to Save Your Hospital System Money? Let’s Meet.
Did you know we can help generate hundreds of thousands (if not millions) in annual non-clinical revenue through pouring rights for the average IDN attending the show? We’ve done it for several HealthTrust members already. While you are here, let’s chat about how we can help you, too. Visit our booth (#362) or contact us today to schedule a time to meet.
Above all, enjoy your time in Music City!
Related Resources:
Webinar: How Beverage Deals Drive Million Dollar Savings in Healthcare
Article: Why Coke and Pepsi Love Hospitals
Cover Photo by Tanner Boriack on Unsplash
