"We're really excited about it because it is a bit of a challenge," Mayer said. "There's a lot of interesting logistics when you're sharing two events and sharing facilities and staging, and there are people coming to town and they're going to want to do both events and you want to make sure that they're getting this ultimate experience… But we're confident that this is going to be really good."
On Wednesday, Mayer and Co. arrived in Nashville for the first of many planning meetings that will happen between now and late June.
At this stage, nothing is off the table.
"One of the things that we're talking about right off the bat is doing an inside-outside event," Mayer said. "We've never done that before, and I think it shows off Nashville. We're inside [Bridgestone Arena], and this is an awesome arena, but imagine if we go outside for a musical performance. Let's go outside to hand out an award. Let's go outside and make a pick. There's no reason why we always have to do everything in one place, and I think that's what Nashville gives us the ability to do."
Sure enough, part of Wednesday's meeting included a walking tour of nearby outdoor spaces and rooftops - not to give too much away, of course.
It's all part of a concentrated effort to not only make both events differ from what Preds fans experienced last February, but top it in virtually every way.
Still, throwing two massive, back-to-back events in a city known for its world-class live entertainment can be a double-edged sword.
"The people that live here are just used to one incredible event after another - it's every weekend," Mayer said. "So how do you do something that impresses those people? That'll be the challenge… And that's why I love coming here. There are so many resources that are here that make your job easy, but the tough part is always how do you make your show unique?"
The answer, Mayer said, will be to lean into what makes Music City truly special.
"We're going to show Nashville off," Mayer said. "I think it's going to be really important for us, and one of the jobs we're going to need to do is to make it very clear where we're doing the show, with the way the set is designed, the graphics, the way we present the awards, the way we present the draft. And I think what we have in our heads will absolutely show off the city the way it needs to be as part of the show."
The League will be working with an old friend to get the job done, and the Predators organization has shown time and time again - whether it's an All-Star Game, a Stanley Cup Final or a Stadium Series game - that they're up to the task.
"It's a great place to do an event and it's a great organization for us to work with," Mayer said. "We just finish each other's sentences and we get each other. We want to share the love with all of our brothers and sisters around the League, but when it comes to doing something unique like this, there's no better place for us to try it out than Nashville."
While specific details surrounding the two events are still to be determined, the Preds have already nailed down some great perks for Smashville's biggest fans.
Season Ticket Citizens will get priority access to both the NHL Awards and the Draft, as well as all accompanying events, which could include concerts, parties and more.
It all starts Monday, June 26 with the NHL Awards, followed by the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday, June 28 and rounds 2-7 on Thursday, June 29.
Stay up to date on all things 2023 NHL Awards and Draft by following NashvillePredators.com and @PredsNHL social media channels.
