Tune In & Turn Up the Volume

Carrie Steinbeck
Oct 13, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Mar 4, 2025

Accelerate 2023 takes on music city

Accelerate 2023 was more than just another conference; it was a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of a dedicated team. Looking back, I couldn't have asked for a better group of professionals to plan and execute this event. From our dynamic marketing team to our meticulous travel directors and reliable vendors, everyone pulled together to deliver an exceptional experience.

Record-Breaking Success

This year's event set new benchmarks. We achieved record numbers in sponsorship sales and hosted 650 customer attendees along with 50 prospects - a 13% Increase from the 2022 event. The enthusiasm and engagement from all participants were palpable, making the months of hard work worthwhile. However, the journey to this success was not without its hurdles.

Navigating Uncertainty

In the spring, just as our planning was in full swing, NCR announced its decision to split into separate companies. This news sent waves of uncertainty among our customer base. Registration numbers initially dipped as customers hesitated, uncertain about the future. The unknown can be intimidating, and we found ourselves needing to address concerns and reassure our audience without having all the answers ourselves.

We had to be prepared for any scenario. Our team developed multiple plans, each tailored to different potential announcement timelines and outcomes. This level of preparedness ensured that, no matter what happened with the larger business decisions, we could still deliver a top-tier event.

A Spectacular Show in Nashville

Hosting Accelerate 2023 in Nashville was particularly special for me. This city, which I called home after college, provided the perfect backdrop for a conference designed to inspire and innovate. We knew we had to exceed the success of the 2022 event, and Nashville’s vibrant energy helped us do just that.

Our content lineup featured industry experts and some big names, including the renowned entrepreneur Daymond John. His keynote was a highlight, offering valuable insights and inspiring stories that resonated deeply with our audience.

We created a theme, experiences and events to go along with hosting in Music City. Bright colors, bold graphics and music throughout brought the vision to life. We knew everyone expected us to host our big staple event downtown, so we decided to flip the switch on everyone and bring downtown to the farm. A night at Diamond Creek Farms made the perfect backdrop for vibrant colors, disco balls, a Dolly Parton impersonator, and our dream team even made my craziest Idea a reality with dueling pianos on the farm's field. The evening was topped off by surprise fireworks just to send everyone home with a bang.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The seamless execution of Accelerate 2023 was a direct result of the hard work and collaboration of our entire team. From brainstorming sessions to late-night meetings, every team member brought their A-game. The marketing strategies were spot-on, travel logistics were flawless, and our vendors went above and beyond to meet our needs.

The true success of Accelerate 2023 lies in the details – in the meticulous planning, the quick adaptability to changing circumstances, and the unwavering commitment to delivering an extraordinary experience. Despite the challenges posed by the corporate restructuring, our team’s dedication ensured that the event was nothing short of spectacular.

The experience has reaffirmed the belief that with the right team, innovative thinking, and a bit of Nashville magic, we can overcome any challenge and create unforgettable experiences for our attendees.