Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Each year, there’s one pinnacle event that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners from across the whole state and region. That event is Launch Tennessee’s 3686 Conference.

Launch Tennessee’s flagship conference, 3686, will return to Nashville this September for its 12th year, bringing together founders, funders, and ecosystem leaders from across the country for two days of networking, learning, and collaboration. Early bird tickets go on sale June 17.

What started as a small gathering of startups in 2013 has grown into one of the Southeast’s premier innovation events. Last year’s conference drew more than 900 attendees from 33 states, with a record-breaking 1,100 one-on-one networking meetings. Now, Launch Tennessee is aiming to raise the bar once again.

The 2025 edition of 3686 promises to double down on what’s become a hallmark of the conference: intentional connection. In addition to curated panels and keynotes from thought leaders, the event will feature AI-powered matchmaking to enhance one-on-one networking sessions, giving founders and investors more opportunities for meaningful, face-to-face conversations.

“We work hard to create a meaningful event, and we’re eager to connect with people from Tennessee and across the country as Launch Tennessee does what it does best — showcase innovation and entrepreneurship, while helping attendees make invaluable contacts and build a
community that will continue long after 3686 ends,” said LaunchTN’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lindsey Cox

A New Addition: The InvestTN Summit

In a new move for 2025, Launch Tennessee will introduce the InvestTN Summit, a private, invite-only event designed exclusively for its portfolio companies and their co-investors. Held on Monday, Sept. 8 (one day before the main event) the summit aims to create space for deeper conversations between high-growth startups and national venture capital firms.

The closed-door gathering will provide curated programming and deal-flow opportunities that LaunchTN hopes will lead to meaningful capital connections.

Returning to Cannery Hall (+ Citywide pop-ups)

Main programming returns Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Cannery Hall—recently renovated and located just steps from downtown Nashville’s Lower Broadway and the Music City Center.

The next day, Sept. 10, attendees can once again take part in 3686’s signature “partner pop-ups”—community-driven workshops, panels, and happy hours hosted by regional organizations and sponsors. These sessions extend the 3686 experience throughout the city and cover topics like capital access, workforce development, founder wellness, and emerging tech.

Tickets + What’s Next

• Early bird tickets ($169) will be available June 17 through July 1.
• General admission ($199) opens July 7.
• The conference website, attend3686.com, is now live with updates rolling out throughout the summer.

For founders looking to build their network, investors scouting the next breakout startup, or ecosystem builders eager to support both—3686 continues to serve as a central hub for Tennessee’s growing innovation economy.

Learn more.

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