Make Music City Center your anchor in SoBro: arrive with time for registration, badge pickup, and the convention’s scheduled events, since the program will determine your exact start. The convention is listed for New Year’s Day, when staffing and nearby services may differ from a normal weekday, so confirm the event schedule and building access directly before setting out. If there’s a gap, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is nearby—allow about two hours, with admission typically around $30–$35, but check its January 1 hours before you go.
For an easy, flexible lunch, head to Assembly Food Hall downtown; its mix of food stalls makes it simple for a group to choose different things, and budget roughly $15–$30 per person. Then walk to the Johnny Cash Museum for exhibits on the Man in Black (about 1–1½ hours; admission typically $25–$30). It’s a compact visit, but holiday hours can vary, so check before leaving the convention area. These stops are close enough to connect on foot; allow extra time for crowds and winter weather.
Finish with an unhurried walk along Broadway, passing the honky-tonks and live-music rooms. New Year’s Day can bring crowds and changing venue hours, so treat this as a look-around rather than counting on a particular stage or set time. Keep the evening flexible, and check venue policies and cover charges before going inside.
No packing list attached yet.