On behalf of SouthComm, the Nashville Scene, and our sister publications, I'd like to extend an official invitation to you for the 2014 Association of Alternative Newsmedia Annual Convention. It's been nearly 20 years since the Scene has hosted the AAN Convention, and if you haven’t been to our fair city since then, well, a lot has changed.

You may have heard about our "It City" status (thanks, New York Times), or the popular television show that bears our city's name, or the explosion of the local culinary scene over the past several years. Perhaps you're a little suspicious of the sheer amount of effervescent/effusing praise that's been heaped upon Music City, but let me be the first to tell you: It's all true.

However, as the best journalists in the country, you know not to take anything at face value, so we encourage you to come to the convention and see for yourself. Of course, AAN will offer exceptional programming, including panels to tackle the various issues we're all facing in our respective markets, from SEO to editorial standards. But in between these sessions, we'll show you the best our city has to offer, whether you're looking to shop like Dolly Parton or do, well, anything like Jack White. We'd love to show you that there's a lot to experience in Nashville between all of the sparkle and twang.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Nashville.

Mike Smith
Publisher - Nashville Scene
Sponsorship and Brand Engagement specialist