Events
2026 ThinkTennessee Policy Forum
A Shared Vision for Tennessee’s Future
When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT
Where: Music City Center (Davidson Ballroom), 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
ThinkTennessee‘s statewide policy forum will bring together leaders, experts, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue around some of the most pressing issues facing Tennesseans today: workforce development, housing, energy, and transportation.
Following last year’s sold-out inaugural event, we’re bringing together state and local elected officials, policy experts, and business and nonprofit partners for another day of meaningful conversation on the issues shaping Tennessee’s future.
This year’s theme, A Shared Vision for Tennessee’s Future, will foster productive dialogue across perspectives – focused on collaboration and practical solutions.
Register now, and stay tuned for more details!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us for more information.
Agenda
8:00-8:30 AM: Networking & Breakfast
8:30-9:00 AM: Welcome Speaker
9:00-10:15 AM: Morning Panel
10:15-10:30 AM: Break
10:30 AM-12:00 PM: Morning Breakout Panels
-
- Workforce Development: Funding the Pipeline from Child Care to Career
- Transportation Funding: Tennessee at a Crossroads
12:00-1:15 PM: Lunch Session
1:15-1:30 PM: Break
1:30-2:45 PM: Afternoon Breakout Panels
-
- Meeting the Housing Need: Tennessee’s Toolkit for Today and Tomorrow
- Powering Growth: Energy Demand and Affordability
2:45-3:00 PM: Break
3:00-4:00 PM: Closing Session – Finding Common Ground: A Bipartisan Conversation
- Former Congressman Jim Cooper
- Former Congressman Zach Wamp
Travel & Logistics
If you need a place to stay the night before our event, you may reserve within our room blocks at either of the hotels below for the night of Tuesday, September 8.
Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown
118 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
>> Cambria Booking Link
AC Hotel Nashville Downtown
410 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
>> AC Hotel Booking Link
Tickets
Super Early Bird (Nonprofit/Government): $165
Super Early Bird (General Admission): $190
Early Bird (Nonprofit/Government): $175
Early Bird (General Admission): $225
Standard (Nonprofit/Government): $190
Standard (General Admission): $250
May 6 to May 31, 2026
May 6 to May 31, 2026
June 1 to August 12, 2026
June 1 to August 12, 2026
August 13 to September 9, 2026
August 13 to September 9, 2026
Host Committee
Dr. Murat Arik, Associate Professor, Middle Tennessee State University
Jared Barnett, President & CEO Slingshot Memphis
Josh Brown, President & CEO, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Dr. Tara Bryan, Associate Professor, Baker School of Public Policy & Public Affairs, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Cristina Cáceres, President & CEO, Centro Hispano de East Tennessee
Lauren Cino, President & CEO, United Way of West Tennessee
Dr. Bryan Coker, President, Maryville College
Mayor Greg Cox, City of Johnson City
Evann Freeman, VP Government & Community Relations, EPB
Mayor Wes Golden, Montgomery County
Tanisha Hall, Founding Principal & CEO, Fairpointe Planning
Michael Harris, Founder & Managing Principal, Harris Beaumont Group
Dr. Clarice Phelps, Nuclear Engineer, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dr. Keri Randolph, President, Benwood Foundation
Lottie Ryans, Director of Workforce & Literacy Initiatives, First Tennessee Development District
Kyle Spurgeon, President & CEO, Greater Jackson Chamber
Zack Stephens, President & CEO, Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce
Aron Thompson, VP Housing & Economic Development, Urban League of Middle Tennessee
Latrivia Welch, Government & Community Relations Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority
Photos from the 2025 ThinkTennessee Policy Forum
September 30, 2025
