Mindy Powell-Hardy

Around the office, you’re known for: In my career here in Nashville I have met several celebrities.  I am the go to for fun, famous stories.  My personal favorite is about the day I spent wtih Robin Williams.  Yes…Mindy met Mork.

Meeting or event experience you’ll never forget: In 2005 Nashville was host city to the ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo. Nashville has always been a city of amazing hospitality and we truly shine during citywide events. This event was no different.  I was working with Landry’s Restaurants and served as a volunteer for the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation for this event.  On the final night of the conference the city hosted the attendees at beautiful Centennial Park for a party and Donna Summers concert on the expansive lawn in front of the Parthenon building. There was no forcast for rain so an outdoor concert was perfect. Two hours before the event as we were setting up, a tornado warning sounded and we had to quickly pull tablecloths, collapse chairs and secure all loose items. We all ran to The Parthenon Nashville and took shelter in the lower level until the threat was gone. Once we got the all clear, we scrambled to dry everything and reset before the motor coaches arrived.  In the nick of time we had everything in place and began greeting the attendees. The event was a huge success and we all joined the party on the massive dance floor as Donna Summers played Last Dance as the final song for the evening. It was a win for all and a fantastic memory.

The one Nashville secret I’m willing to share… Nashville is known globally for Country Music, but we are a city of all genres of music.  The moniker “Music City” started in 1871 with the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The troup is credited with saving Fisk University from financial ruin because of the profits made while touring.  The choral group traveled the world performing, often in front of famous audiences.  

Queen Victoria was so impressed with the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the story goes, that she said they must be from a ‘city of music.’ It wasn’t until about 50 years later, in the 1920s, as WSM’s Grand Ole Opry started to gain popularity, that the nickname began to take hold.

Today we tell the stories all of the iconic musicians that have ties to Nashville and one of my new favorite hidden gem/secrets is the Gibson Garage Vault.  Gibson Guitar, which is headquartered here in Nashville, recently opened Gibson Garage in downtown Nashville.  This is now a must see for music lovers who visit our city.  It’s a full Gibson guitar store and an upscale and intimate live music venue.  If you are lucky enough to get invited behind the velvet ropes to the back room, you can step inside the vault. Once inside you can see vintage Les Paul guitars, Carlos Santana’s and Keith Richards first Mesa/Bookie amps, original guitar molds and plans, and so much more.  The vibe is electric and the decor and atmosphere scream Rock’n Roll.

Mindy began her career in hospitality in 1999 and has served in a number of capacities in the industry, from tourism publication, to themed restaurants, to attractions. In every role she has been an ambassador to the city and has always had her finger on the pulse of the city and it’s growth.  Building relationships is second nature to Mindy and she truly loves the creativity and constant motion of the events industry.

Mindy is a wife and the mother of 4.  Her kids range in age from 14-27, with two in college and one in high school.  She loves spending time with her family, reading, decorating, and traveling.  Her next big trip is to Ireland.