Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Manfredi.
Hi Ivy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My career has always been rooted in people, relationships, and creating memorable experiences. I started in marketing and sales in early 2015, where I quickly discovered that I loved the intersection of creativity and connection. Whether I was helping a local business grow, building a brand via social media, developing strategic partnerships, or planning an event, I found my greatest energy came from bringing people together and turning ideas into experiences that people genuinely remember.
Over the past decade, my career has taken me through some incredible chapters in Nashville’s hospitality, entertainment, and events industries. One of the most defining opportunities came when I joined the pre opening team for Virgin Hotels Nashville, where I became known as the hotel’s “Woman in Red” socialite. I had the opportunity to help introduce the brand to Nashville and build relationships throughout the city’s vibrant social and hospitality scene. It was an experience that taught me the value of authentic connections and the power of creating a strong sense of community around a brand.
From there, I became Director of Sales and Marketing for Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places on Broadway. Working with such an iconic brand and helping bring the experience to life was an incredible opportunity and further strengthened my passion for the intersection of entertainment, hospitality, and relationship driven sales.
Today, I’m with Cohera, where I help create and deliver unforgettable experiences for clients anywhere in Nashville, TN. I’m involved from the very first conversation through the final send off, helping bring events to life with strategic insight, creativity, and a very personal approach. I’ve had the opportunity to work with everyone from celebrities and influencers to VIP corporate groups and weddings ranging from intimate celebrations to events with more than 10,000 guests.
Looking back, my career has been anything but linear, and I think that’s one of the things I value most about it. Each opportunity has built upon the last and allowed me to grow, take risks, meet incredible people, and continue doing what I love: connecting people, elevating brands, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression. Being recognized as a 2025 Nashville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree was an incredibly meaningful milestone, but I’m even more excited about what’s still ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but honestly, some of the biggest challenges have shaped my career the most!
One of the biggest was helping open Virgin Hotels Nashville in the middle of COVID. Opening a hotel is already a massive undertaking, but doing it during a global pandemic was definitely not in the playbook! Capacity abilities changed constantly, timelines shifted, and we were all learning as we went. It was challenging, unpredictable, and a little chaotic, but it taught me how to adapt quickly and stay calm when nothing goes according to plan.
The events industry also comes with some very long days. I love what I do, but there are definitely nights when I am still at an event at 2 a.m. Balancing work and life in an industry that operates around everyone else’s celebrations can be challenging.
The road has not always been easy, but the unexpected twists, long nights, and challenging seasons have made me more resilient and have ultimately made me better at what I do!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is all about connecting people, creating experiences, and helping clients discover the very best of Music City.
Today, I work with Cohera, where I get to help sell and plan events all across Nashville. That has been such an exciting change for me. Earlier in my career, I was focused on representing one hotel or one venue. Now, I get to be an extension of so many incredible sales teams and help clients experience venues, restaurants, attractions, and experiences all over the city.
What I love most is that every day is completely different. One day I may be touring a new venue, the next I could be planning a private dinner, creating a unique team building experience, or helping bring a large scale corporate event to life. I get to experience Nashville, the city I love so much, in a new way every single day.
I am most proud of the relationships I have built throughout my career and the trust people place in me to help bring their events to life. I think what truly sets me apart is that I am always still learning. No matter how long I have been here, there is always a new restaurant, venue, experience, or hidden gem to discover. There is still something new I learn every single day, and I think that is one of the most exciting parts of my job.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I love taking risks, especially when it comes to events. To me, the biggest risk is playing it too safe. The moments that take an event from ordinary to something people talk about for years often come from trying something unexpected.
That is one of the things I love most about working at Cohera. Our tagline, “Imagine That,” is a perfect reflection of how we approach events. It encourages us to think beyond the expected, imagine what is possible, and bring the unimaginable to life.
I love asking, “What if we did something completely different?” Whether it is an unexpected venue, a unique experience, or a creative detail guests never saw coming, I believe the right amount of risk can create something truly unforgettable. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and imagine that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://meetcohera.com/destinations/tennessee/nashville/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymanfredi/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivy-manfredi/
