Ken Groneck, Director of Special Events & Entertainment
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

"Entertainment is a chance for us to leave the everyday stresses and pressures behind, even if it’s for no longer than a few hours. It allows us to enter the world of make-believe and return to the carefree days of our childhood. As the person responsible for finding and producing world-class entertainment for this property, I accept this challenge and hope that I can help people achieve this escape from reality and the everyday world in which they live."

Music City is home to world-famous events and entertainment, and at the heart of it all is Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center. This landmark property hosts hundreds of opportunities for fun every year, and it is all due to the hard work, dedication and imagination of the special events and entertainment team headed by Ken Groneck, director of special events and entertainment.

From celebrity chef events and barbecue festivals to Nashville’s best singers and one of the largest Christmas celebrations in the country, Groneck ensures that each guest at the property has plenty of events from which to choose. His five-member team creates opportunities for guests to relax, unwind and let their inner child play—even if only for a brief moment. It is Groneck’s extensive background in entertainment that allows him to see a need for an event and find a way to make it happen. He looks forward to each opportunity to elevate the quality and type of events Gaylord Opryland produces; bringing new entertainment options never before considered for a resort drives him both professionally and personally.

Before joining Gaylord Opryland in 2005, Groneck spent three years as the general manager for the General Jackson® Showboat, a Gaylord Entertainment attraction. He also worked for Alfa SmartParks for two years, serving in the business development division as well as a general manager for one of its theme parks. The bulk of Groneck’s career encompasses the 21 years he spent with Six Flags Theme Parks, where he worked as an entertainment manager for the St. Louis park, the entertainment director for the San Antonio park and the corporate director of entertainment, where he oversaw all productions for nationwide properties.

When he is not planning events or lining up performances, Groneck loves spending time on the lake on his boat, golfing and cooking. He and his wife, Malissa, have one daughter, Leslie.

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