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.

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Agenda

8:00-8:30 AM: Networking & Breakfast

8:30-9:00 AM: Welcome

- Dr. Marianne Wanamaker, Dean, UT Baker School of Public Policy & Public Affairs

9:00-10:15 AM: Morning Plenary Session

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
  - Krissy DeAlejandro, tnAchieves
  - Dr. Steven Gentile, Tennessee Higher Education Commission
  - Dr. Candice McQueen, Lipscomb University
  - Senator Bill Powers, TN State Senate (District 22)
  - Moderator: Dr. Carol Rothstein, Jackson State Community College
- Transportation Funding: Tennessee at a Crossroads

12:00-1:15 PM: Lunch Plenary Session

America at 250: Tennessee’s Role in Our Nation’s Civic Story

- Ashley Howell, Tennessee State Museum
- Elaine Weiss, author of The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote
- Dr. Russell Wigginton, National Civil Rights Museum
- Moderator: Dr. Paul Stumb, Cumberland University

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
  - Ben Bentley, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
  - Jennifer Horne, Urban Campus & Core
  - Dwayne Spencer, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis
  - Representative Ryan Williams, TN House of Representatives (District 42)
  - Moderator: Adriane Harris, HarCo Coaching & Consulting
- Powering Growth: Energy Demand and Affordability

2:45-3:00 PM: Break

3:00-4:00 PM: Closing Plenary 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