NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. (NCVC) has appointed hospitality industry veteran Cahal Mowery as chief sales officer, effective Nov. 16. Mowery has more than 15 years of convention sales and hotel leadership experience, with previous roles in Chicago, Denver, and Houston.
“Cahal brings the experience, leadership, and energy we need to continue Nashville’s success as a leading meetings, group, and events destination,” says Deana Ivey, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “His work in major markets like Chicago, Denver, and Houston gives him valuable insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level. We’re excited to have him lead our convention and tourism sales efforts and help bring even more business to our destination.”
Mowery joins the NCVC from Choose Chicago, where he served as vice president of sales. He helped lead the team responsible for securing citywide conventions and meetings for McCormick Place and more than 150 hotel partners. His work included advancing Chicago’s citywide sales strategy and strengthening collaboration among the destination, convention center, hotel community, and customers. Those efforts contributed to a record-setting 2025, when Chicago booked 65 citywide conventions and 2.8 million room nights.
Mowery began his hospitality career with Visit Houston after graduating from the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. During his six years with the organization, he represented multiple convention sales markets and developed experience in destination sales and customer relationship management.
He later served as director of sales and catering at JW Marriott Houston Downtown, where he expanded his background in hotel operations and commercial leadership. Mowery subsequently returned to destination marketing as director of convention sales for Visit Denver. During his five years with the organization, he led convention sales strategy, collaborated with the Colorado Convention Center and hotel community, and contributed to organizational planning, destination development, and post-pandemic recovery efforts.
“Nashville has built one of the world’s most compelling destination brands by pairing the energy and creativity of Music City with a hospitality community that knows how to deliver unforgettable experiences,” Mowery says. “I am honored to join the NCVC and excited to work alongside its talented team and partners to introduce even more customers to Nashville, grow the right business for the destination and contribute to the community’s continued success.”
Mowery earned an MBA from the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business. His professional credentials include Certified Destination Management Executive, Certified Meeting Professional, and MPI Verified Facilitator.
