Hotel & Travel
Global Travelers
About Nashville
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and home to Vanderbilt University. Legendary country music venues include the Grand Ole Opry House, home of the famous “Grand Ole Opry” stage and radio show. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and historic Ryman Auditorium are Downtown, as is the District, featuring honky-tonks with live music and the Johnny Cash Museum, celebrating the singer’s life.
Event Basics
Here are a few details you may want to know prior to registering for the conference or before traveling to Nashville, Tennessee.
Venue
We highly recommend booking your stay at Omni Nashville to enjoy a special discounted rate exclusively for ICIS 2025 attendees. See “Hotel” tab for details.
Language
English is the primary language spoken in Nashville, Tennessee.
Time
During the conference, Nashville, TN will be in the Central Standard Time Zone – CST (UTC -6).
Emergencies
Dial 911 from most phones for police, fire, and ambulance services. Some hotel phones may require an additional number. Please see the phone or hotel for specific instructions.
Phone
The United States’ country code: +1
U.S. telephone numbers have 10 digits total, which includes the area code and a seven-digit phone number (e.g., (XXX) XXX-XXXX).
The area code for Nashville is 615 or 629 when dialing domestically.
Electricity
The United States uses 120V, 60 Hz AC power.
Internet Access
Attendees staying at Omni Nashville who have reserved a room using the ICIS 2025 housing link will enjoy complimentary wireless internet access in their guest room.
Weather
In mid-December, Nashville typically experiences cool to cold weather, with daytime highs around the mid-40s to low 50s °F (7–11 °C) and nighttime lows near freezing. It’s often cloudy or partly sunny, with occasional rain and rare light snow.
Please be sure to check the weather prior to traveling. Click here for average temperatures. Please be sure to check the weather prior to traveling.
Currency
The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.
Currency Exchange: Major banks and currency exchange services are available throughout the city for international travelers needing to exchange foreign currency.
Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are commonly accepted at most businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Cultural Nuances
Understanding local customs and etiquette can make your visit more enjoyable. Nashville, Tennessee is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Attire
Attire at AIS conferences is business casual. Since meeting room temperatures and personal comfort ranges may vary, a light sweater or jacket is recommended.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in the United States. For dining out, a tip of 15-20% is standard. Tips are also customary for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and other service providers.
Etiquette
Americans value personal space and typically greet with a handshake. In more casual settings, a smile or nod can suffice. Eye contact is important and signifies attentiveness and honesty.
When addressing someone, first names are commonly used, though titles and last names may be appropriate in formal or professional settings.
Visas
To help you with your travel arrangements, below are links to important information regarding visa invitation letters, visas, and other resources.
Visa Invitation Letters
Once the conference registration form opens you may complete your conference registration, and then complete the Invitation Letter Request Form. After completing both, please email the completed request form to the AIS Registrar at registrar@aisnet.org.
Please Note: Prior to receiving a letter of invitation you will need to complete and pay for your conference registration. As Visa requests can take several weeks, registrants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Letter of Invitation no later than two months prior to the conference.
On Arrival at US Immigration and Customs
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of 38 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
In order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding an approved U.S. bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) automated web-based system to determine eligibility to travel without a visa to the United States for tourism or business. VWP travels must also have the correct type of passport.
To obtain a complete list of exempt countries and learn more, visit the Visa Waiver Program website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html.