Nine breakout sessions announced for next month’s GOVCON’25
The sold out event will be held on November 3-5 in Murfreesboro.
Nine breakout sessions have been announced for GOVCON’25, the annual Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development, scheduled for November 3-5 at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. The event is sold out.
Six of the breakouts will be held on November 4, and the remaining sessions are set for November 5. They are scheduled between the Commissioner’s Luncheon that officially kicks off the event on November 4, and the Governor’s Luncheon that brings the curtain down on November 5.
The November 4 sessions are as follows:
Nature at Work: How Ecotourism Can Strengthen Workforce in Rural Communities
From Tennessee’s rolling green hills to its rushing rivers, the outdoors fuels thousands of jobs across the state. This session will highlight the growing importance of ecotourism and explore how rural leaders can harness the power of nature to drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and create new workforce opportunities.
Main Street to Main Stage: Practical Marketing Strategies for Telling Your Story
Every main street in Tennessee has a story to tell. Whether you’re from a bustling city, a one-stoplight town or somewhere in between, there’s a strategy to market your community. This session will demystify “marketing” in 2025 and show how smart storytelling can attract investment, create jobs, and boost local pride. You’ll leave with practical tips, fresh inspiration, and an understanding of modern tools and strategies that prove every community, big or small, can make a big impact.
The Future of Energy: How AI and Nuclear are Shaping Tennessee
Tennessee is at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation, and AI is accelerating progress across the industry. Join executives from Google, Kairos Power, MTE, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for a conversation on the state’s growing nuclear sector, its impact on communities, and the opportunities ahead for suppliers and related businesses. Discover how communities can prepare for these high-tech prospects and the pivotal role AI plays in transforming operations and driving economic growth.
From Challenge to Opportunity: Tackling Labor Shortages with Local Solutions
Tennessee communities are facing critical workforce shortages in childcare, healthcare, and hospitality. These three sectors are essential to our state’s families, businesses, and local economies. This session will explore innovative solutions and community-driven strategies to address these challenges, highlighting how local leaders, employers, and partners can work together to build a stronger, more resilient workforce statewide.
Research in Action: Partnering with Industry for Economic Growth
Discover how Tennessee’s universities are turning research into real-world impact. Experts from Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech, Vanderbilt, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will highlight their specializations and demonstrate how their work can support businesses statewide. Learn how these research powerhouses partner with industry to drive innovation, boost economic growth, and strengthen Tennessee’s competitive edge. Topics include quantum, cybersecurity, smart cities, and more.
From Vacant to Vibrant: Creative Paths to Downtown Success
Discover how Tennessee communities are transforming their downtowns into vibrant, thriving hubs using state programs, partnerships, and innovative strategies. This session will spotlight success stories from Main Street communities like Dyersburg’s farmer’s market project, Jackson’s art-driven placemaking, and Sevierville’s historic downtown food-and-beverage district. Learn how the Historic Development Grant and TN Downtowns programs support these efforts and gain practical insights for applying these tools to your own community’s initiatives.
The November 5 sessions are as follows:
AI and the Local Workforce: Adapting People, Skills, and Business Practices
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping Tennessee’s workforce and the way local businesses operate. This session will explore strategies for small businesses and community leaders to navigate AI’s role in workforce development, ensuring local talent and businesses are prepared for the future of work.
Inside Economic Development: Trends, Insights, and the Future of Site Selection
Join an expert site selector for an insider’s look at the evolving world of economic development. Learn why infrastructure matters more than ever, what companies look for when choosing locations, and the emerging trends shaping the future. Attendees will gain practical insights into what companies are looking for, emerging trends shaping the future, and on how communities can adapt, remain competitive, and attract new business.
Amplifying Opportunity: How Music Strengthens Communities
Music is more than culture — it’s an economic driver. This session will explore how Tennessee communities are harnessing the power of their local music ecosystems to boost local economies, support artists, and create vibrant communities. Attendees will learn the value of conducting a music study, explore real-world examples, and gain insights from the Tennessee Cohort program to unlock their community’s economic potential through music.
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