Nashville is home to some of the world’s best event management and event production companies. Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, a private gala, or a hybrid event, selecting the right partner is essential to delivering a seamless experience.
HTR works with many of the top event management and event production companies in Nashville to provide the latest IT and pro AV gear. With a large array of the latest IT and AV equipment and a location in the heart of the city, many Nashville event management companies turn to us for their short-term needs and same-day service.
It’s not uncommon for an event management agency to have last-minute requests. Day or night, rain or shine, we’re available 24/7 for just those instances.
If you need IT or AV support for your next event, check out our Nashville AV Equipment Rental page for details on our services and same-day delivery options.
This guide breaks down the differences between event management and event production, highlights what each service provides, and lists top Nashville companies in each category.
Top Nashville Event Management Companies
| Company | Event Management Offering / Event Planning Specialization |
| Evolution Event Solutions | Meetings, Special Events, Trade Shows, Business Events, Virtual / Hybrid Events. |
| Big Events | Virtual Events, Hybrid Events, Full service planning. |
| Well Planned Events | Destination Management, Meeting & Conference Services, Special Events. |
| Memo Agency | Event Management and Production Agency. |
| CSI Nashville | Community Event Planning & Coordination, Conference Planning & Coordination, Corporate Events, Marketing Event Planning. |
| Socialize Event Co. | Art Fest, Balloon Garland Install, Booth Design, Brand Activation, Brand Activations, Brand Identity, Branding Design. |
| PRA Nashville (formerly Destination Nashville) | Catering, Conference Planning & Coordination, Corporate and Conference, Corporate Events, Event Marketing. |
| Southern Event Management Inc | Marketing, Sales. |
| Velour Premier Events | Anniversary Party Planning, Bar & Bat Mitzvah Planning, Birthday Party Planning, Corporate and Conference. |
What Event Management Companies Provide
While event planners tend to work on the event concept, event management companies are typically responsible for the details of the execution. Most event management companies offer both the planning and management aspects.
A top full-service event management company will have relatable experience to your organization’s business and the event planning skills to cover every function of your event. On our list of top Nashville event companies that we’ve worked with, we’ve found they all share one common trait: they are passionate about creating distinctive events that tell their clients’ story while keeping budgets in check and ensuring every detail is covered.
Here are five traits we’ve found these Nashville event production companies have:
They are good listeners
You’ll find that they listen more than they speak, as they want to know as much about your organization and event as possible.
They’ll have a timeline
They’ll share with you a planning timeline and outline what is required from you and what will happen at every step leading up to and after the event.
They’ll manage the vendors
They’ll handle the vendor negotiations, which often saves you money. On top of that, they’ll help you understand any vendor jargon you may be unfamiliar with.
They’ll have a backup
Experienced event management companies know there are countless things that can go wrong at a live event and will have contingency plans in place just in case.
They’ll have recommendations
In the event that an event management company isn’t the exact fit you need, they can assist you in finding the best event production company in Nashville. These event production companies will help you come up with creative ideas for your event, manage the execution, handle set and strike, and oversee all logistics.
Picking the Right Event Management Company for Your Event
Unless you’re experienced in planning events, you’ll want to consider hiring a Nashville event professional who can handle the complex and demanding task of live event planning. There is a wide range of corporate event planners in Nashville, and finding the best fit for your specific event can be daunting.
To narrow the list, there are key factors to identify before you begin your search. Once you know what to look for, finding the right Nashville event planning company will become much easier.
Event Size
How big is the event you’ll be hosting? If you’re hosting 100 attendees or fewer, you may just need a smaller event planner. The number of guests will help determine the venue size as well as the food and beverage budget.
Event Type: Private, Corporate, or Charity
Successful events tell a story. To figure out your story, you first need to determine what type of event you’re hosting. The three main types are private, corporate, or charity events. Once you’ve identified the type, you can choose a theme — which will help in selecting the right venue.
Industry Niche
Is your organization part of a larger vertical market or does it focus on a specific target niche? Understanding this will be helpful when creating a list of event planning companies to interview.
Top Nashville Live Production Companies
| Company | Event Production Offering/Specialty |
| Orange Thread Live Events | Corporate AV, Projection Mapping, Production Management, Cameras & Streaming, Event Production, Digital Signage, Experiential Technology. |
| Affinity Entertainment | Affinity, After Dark, Life Events, Private Events. |
| Harbor Entertainment | Plan, Produce, Design & Manage. |
| Socialize Event Co. | Event Experiences & Activations. |
| Memo Agency | Event Management and Production Agency. |
| Evolution Event Solutions | Meetings, Special Events, Trade Shows, Business Events, Virtual / Hybrid Events. |
| Go Live Productions, LLC. | Production, Design, CADD, Site Management. |
| Stonebrook Media, LLC | Directing and Producing, Training and HR Videos, Keynote Speech, Writing and Editing. |
| 353 Media Group, LLC | Produce, and Deliver High-Quality Content |
What Event Production Companies Provide
There’s a difference between a live Nashville event production company and a Nashville event management company. While both will assist you with your event, they do so in different ways. Live event production companies focus on executing the event itself — from set and strike to managing all technical and logistical details. They can also help you come up with creative ideas to make your event truly stand out.
Conversely, an event management company focuses on the big picture. They take your initial concept and turn it into a comprehensive plan, overseeing every stage from planning through execution. Event management companies work with you and your budget to secure the venue, coordinate vendors, manage staff and scheduling, and develop contingency plans to ensure the event runs smoothly — even when unexpected issues arise.
So, which is best for you?
If you’re comfortable handling planning and logistics but need help with execution, a live event production company is the right fit.
Organizations typically choose event management companies when:
- They’re hosting a very large or complex event
- Their internal events team is small or overextended
- They’re new to hosting events and need professional guidance to ensure success
Key Considerations for Event Production
When selecting a production company, ask these questions to evaluate their capabilities:
- Do they have experience with your type of event (corporate, entertainment, nonprofit)?
- Can they manage technical complexity, such as hybrid streaming or multi-stage setups?
- What equipment do they own versus rent from third parties?
- How do they manage on-site staff and union labor rules in Nashville?
- Do they provide post-event services, such as recordings or analytics?
Event Venues & Matching the Right Partner
The type of venue you select will determine whether you need more management expertise, production power, or both.
Technology & Rental Support for Events
Whether you work with a production or management company—or both—you’ll likely need specialized equipment to execute your vision.
Hartford Technology Rentals offers:
- Audio-Visual Gear: Microphones, speakers, lighting, cameras, projectors.
- Computing & Registration Hardware: Laptops, tablets, badge printers.
- Hybrid Event Tech: Streaming setups, video conferencing, networking hardware.
- 24/7 Technical Support: Same-day service available in Nashville.
How to Decide Which Company You Need
Some events may require both an event management company and a production company, while others may only need one.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Who will handle planning versus execution?
- Does your event require advanced technical solutions like live streaming or custom staging?
- Do you have internal staff to manage vendors and logistics?
- What’s your budget, and where do you need the most expertise?
Get Support for Your Nashville Event
The right partner can make all the difference in creating a seamless, memorable event.
Hartford Technology Rentals works closely with both event management and event production companies in Nashville to provide cutting-edge technology rentals and expert technical support.
Call 888-520-5667 or visit our contact page to speak with our team about your upcoming Nashville event.