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MARCON Conference
2026-03-02 - 2026-03-05 | Knoxville Convention Center
MARCON (Maintenance and Reliability Conference) is an annual conference hosted by the University of Tennessee’s Reliability and Maintainability Center (RMC). It brings together industry leaders, professionals, and academics to share best practices in maintenance, reliability, and asset management.
You’ll explore proven methodologies, learn how to diagnose and prevent failures, and get hands-on experience with techniques you can apply as soon as you return to your facility. From planning and scheduling to predictive technologies, asset management, and continuous improvement, our workshops are designed to meet you where you are—and help you level up.

Morning Momentum Knoxville Chamber
2026-03-04 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | Maple Hall, 414 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902
This monthly series takes place every first Wednesday at 8:30 AM at Maple Hall. It’s designed to help small business owners tackle growth-related challenges by presenting real issues to seasoned business leaders for immediate feedback. This month’s presenters are seeking input on how to strengthen their business development strategy, from building partnerships to identifying new revenue opportunities. As an attendee, you’ll hear from two entrepreneurs facing real growth hurdles and be invited to offer actionable ideas to help them move forward.

Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit + Report Launch!
2026-03-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203
Join us at the Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit for insights and networking with top industry leaders!

Get ready to dive into a morning filled with inspiration, networking, and growth at the Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit.
Join us at Bridgestone Arena to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable insights from our expert panel discussions. Bringing together hundreds of Nashville’s business and regional leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses and investors.
Light breakfast and refreshments available.

Pinnacle Business Awards
2026-03-05 16:00 - 18:00 | 9133 Hunter Valley Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922
The Knoxville Chamber, in conjunction with Pinnacle Financial Partners, will announce the winners of the 2026 Pinnacle Business Awards on Thursday, March 5. The annual Pinnacle Awards celebrate regional business excellence, honoring outstanding professionals in nine categories for their contributions to the greater Knoxville economy.
RSVPs appreciated

Quantum in Action: Research Commercialization, Talent, and Tennessee’s Advantage
2026-03-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Wolford Family Athletic Center at The University of TN Chattanooga 720 E. 4th St. Chattanooga, TN 37403
On March 12, CO.LAB, UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, and UTC Quantum Center will convene researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and university partners for a half day event at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Wolford Center focused on one question: how does quantum research become real-world economic impact?
Hosted in partnership with the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and presented as part of CO.LAB’s Quantum Activation Series, the event will spotlight practical pathways for quantum commercialization—connecting academic research, emerging startups, and industry use cases across Tennessee. The program is supported by the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) and IonQ, and held in collaboration with Tennessee Tech University.

Tennessee Housse at SXSW
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15
Returning to SXSW 2026, the Tennessee House showcases what’s happening in tech and homegrown innovation across the Volunteer State. Meet the creative minds and makers who are powering Tennessee’s startup ecosystem and crafting the future, and enjoy bless-your-heart hospitality infused with local flair.
Friday
We’re kicking 2026 off by celebrating all things Tennessee! Share your Tennessee connection to enter our Opening Night VIP celebration, show your Tennessee school pride, and catch up with our House mascot Rocky the Raccoon. Plus, raise a glass of Tennessee whiskey, and enjoy some iconic snacks from the Volunteer State.
Saturday
Nooga in the morning, Nash at night. Chatt & chill with game-changing startups in quantum and mobility – then add a dash of hot chicken heat as we dive into the sweet spot where innovation meets creativity… Plus, make this a SXSW Saturday night to never forget with Hip Hop Karaoke and a late-night line dancing party for Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday.
Sunday
Start your morning out East with a dynamic look at what’s new in nuclear, and get to know some of Knoxville’s next-gen companies shaping the future. Then, grab your blue suede shoes, head due west, and dive into the Digital Delta! Meet Memphis to uncover why Bluff City is drawing game-changing data centers and innovative startups.

From Idea to Numbers: Can Your Food Business Pay You
2026-03-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Pellissippi State Community College: Magnolia Avenue Campus, 1610 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
Learn how to turn your food business idea into clear numbers, realistic sales goals, and a path to paying yourself.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been operating on a small scale for a few years, this hands-on workshop helps food entrepreneurs understand the numbers behind a sustainable food business.
You’ll learn how to:

Translate your income goals into realistic sales targets
Understand Profit and Loss concepts (COGS, fixed vs. variable expenses, profit)
Identify startup or growth costs and ongoing fixed expenses
Calculate your break-even point (in dollars and units)
Estimate how long it may take to reach your sales goals
Use a simple Excel spreadsheet to run these numbers

We’ll cover Excel basics as we go and walk through everything step by step—no finance or Excel experience required.
What you’ll need to bring: A laptop and your current numbers if you have them.
Leave with: Clear financial targets and next steps.

Nashville VC Fast Pitch. Pitch, Connect, Fund!
2026-03-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Vanderbilt University
Pitch and network with venture capitalists, angels and accredited investors from throughout the country in Nashville!

Pitch and network with venture capitalists, angels and accredited investors from Tennessee, the southeast and throughout the country at the Nashville VC Fast Pitch on Tuesday March 17, 2026 from 6pm to 9pm at Vanderbilt University.
Over the last 15 years, VC Fast Pitch has hosted 60-plus events around the country, raising over $130 million for entrepreneurs.

Knoxville Chamber Briefing Breakfast
2026-03-18 09:30 - 10:30 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Join us on March 18 at 9:30 am to discover what we do and how you can be part of shaping Knoxville’s future. Whether you’re a new investor, a new team member, or simply curious about our work, this session offers a quick look at how we’re supporting economic development, regional enhancement, and talent attraction across the region.

InvestTN AMA March 2026
2026-03-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for an interactive session to learn more about our $70M fund, InvestTN.
This 1.5-hour session is designed for entrepreneurs interested in funding opportunities and investors looking to connect with high-potential Tennessee startups.
​Our team will take a deep dive into how the program works, what the process is like, updates on the portfolio, and much more! We welcome all entrepreneurs who may be interested as well as investors in or outside of our ecosystem.
RSVP is required to attend.

Financial Fitness Class: Discovering Credit
2026-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Knoxville Area Urban League, 1514 East Fifth Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
The Urban League is hosting a free Financial Fitness Class in March to help individuals and families strengthen their credit, reduce debt, and prepare for sustainable homeownership.
This class provides clear, practical guidance on budgeting, credit improvement, and accessing available homeownership programs in Knoxville.

What's The Big Idea Pitch Competition - Finale
2026-03-22 17:30 - 20:00 | TBD
Join us for the 2026 What’s The Big Idea Pitch Competition on Sunday, March 22nd.
Finale Schedule:
5:30 PM – Doors Open
6:00 PM – Event Kickoff
6:15 PM – Pitches Start
8:00 PM – Winner Announced

Belmont Entrepreneur Awards
2026-03-24 | Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
This event honors the success of alumni-founded businesses while recognizing Belmont’s Top 100 Founders for their impact in the innovation space.

Knoxville Spring Housing Update
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:00 | East Tennessee Realtors, 609 North Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN, 37919, United States
Join the Knoxville Chamber as Maria McHale, Government Affairs Director for East Tennessee REALTORS®, shares the 2026 Housing Market Forecast and reviews the first few months of the year.

Capital Conversations Tri-Cities
2026-03-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Southern Craft BBQ, 601 Spring St #101, Johnson City, TN, 37604, United States
Learn about InvestTN, funding opportunities + more
We’re back on the road to share key info on funding, investment opportunities, and how to tap into resources right in your community at our upcoming Capital Conversations events.
Next stops:

Tri-Cities on March 24 – RSVP

Food Business Incubator Info Session
2026-03-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Pellissippi State Community College: Magnolia Avenue Campus, 1610 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
Ready to turn your food business idea into a viable, sustainable operation? Learn about the Food Business Incubator Program.

Are you an early-stage food entrepreneur looking to formalize your business, strengthen your business model, and access hands-on support?
Join us for this required info session to learn about the Real Good Kitchen Foundation’s Food Business Incubator Program—a comprehensive program designed to support food entrepreneurs as they move from idea to operation, or from informal to formal business.
What You’ll Learn
During this session, we’ll walk through:

An overview of the Food Business Incubator Program and what participants can expect
Eligibility requirements and selection criteria
The application process, timeline, and tips for submitting a strong application
The basics of a feasibility study, including what is required for the application
(A feasiblity template and resources will be provided)
Live Q&A with program staff

About the Incubator Program
The Food Business Incubator Program combines:

Classroom instruction on food business fundamentals
Hands-on kitchen instruction and technical assistance
Support using the shared commercial kitchen at Real Good Kitchen

The program is designed to help early-stage food entrepreneurs build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to operate a successful food business.
Who Should Attend
This session is ideal for:

Early-stage food business owners
Aspiring food entrepreneurs with a clear concept

Important Information

This is the final Info session for this year’s Incubator Cohort. Attendance at this session is required to apply for the Food Business Incubator Program
The Incubator Program will only be offered once in 2026
Applications will be due in May
This session is free to attend, but registration is required

Reserve your spot to learn whether the Food Business Incubator Program is the right next step for your food business.

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AI Tennessee Summit in Nashville
2026-03-25 - 2026-03-26 | Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, United States
Mark your calendars for the inaugural AI Tennessee Summit, hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in collaboration with the Tennessee AI Advisory Council, SCORE, Vanderbilt University, the University of Memphis, the Oak Ridge National Lab, and the Tennessee Board of Regents. The summit will bring together leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore how Tennessee can position itself at the forefront of the nation’s AI race.

UTK and IACMI Demo Day at FCMF
2026-03-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility, 2730 Cherokee Farm Way, Knoxville, TN, 37920, United States
Now fully commissioned at Innovation South in UT Research Park, FCMF is operating at full capacity for technical and high-performance manufacturing and actively advancing workforce development initiatives across K to 12, higher education, and industry.

This event will provide an opportunity to see the facility in operation through live machinery demonstrations and cutting edge manufacturing technologies led by our undergraduate and graduate student researchers and staff.

Innovation Crossroads Founders' Forum
2026-03-26 15:30 - 17:30 | Smoky Mountain Brewery (11308 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934)
Join us for the March Innovation Crossroads Founders’ Forum, featuring:

Jesse Smith, Manager of Industrial and Economic Development Partnerships at ORNL, offering guidance to early-stage entrepreneurs seeking lab or office space in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville region.
Tom Mann, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor, sharing his personal journey, lessons learned, and practical advice for founders.

Event Details:

When: Thursday, March 26, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Smoky Mountain Brewery, Private Room
Address: 11308 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934

Capitol Connections
2026-03-27 08:00 - 09:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square
Learn what’s happening at the Tennessee General Assembly during a discussion with members of the Tennessee State House of Representatives. You will hear about their priorities for 2026 and current business issues within our community.

TAEBC Annual Meeting
2026-03-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Join us virtually for the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council’s annual meeting. This event allows TAEBC members, stakeholders, and potential members to celebrate our thriving advanced energy economy. Explore insights on the growing AI industry, fusion energy, updates on the TVA IRP process, and meet our new board members.

Advance Knox: New Zoning Map
2026-04-01 08:30 - 09:30 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Join local government officials and planners as they reveal the zoning map that will dictate development in Knox County for years to come. The map is among the final stages of the new Unified Development Ordinance, which will rewrite the county’s zoning, building and fire codes, subdivision and stormwater regulations, landscaping, signs and street standards.
Planners will be seeking final comment before the draft is presented to the Knoxville/Knox County Planning Commission.
Work on the UDO began last fall as part of the Advance Knox process to update the county’s comprehensive land use plan for the first time in decades. To learn more, including prior presentations, at www.advanceknox.com.
Light Refreshments will be served.
*We validate parking in Market Square Garage.

Morning Momentum
2026-04-02 08:30 - 09:30 | Maple Hall, 414 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902
Morning Momentum is a monthly series designed to connect seasoned business leaders & entrepreneurs experiencing growth challenges.

This monthly series will take place the first Thursday at 8:30 AM at Maple Hall. It’s designed to help small business owners tackle growth-related challenges by presenting real issues to seasoned business leaders for immediate feedback.
This month’s presenters are seeking input on how to strengthen their business development strategy , from building partnerships to identifying new revenue opportunities. As an attendee, you’ll hear from two entrepreneurs facing real growth hurdles and be invited to offer actionable ideas to help them move forward.
Morning Momentum is a space to foster mentorship, spark new thinking, and accelerate business growth.
If you, or someone you know could benefit from presenting at Morning Momentum, apply here!
*Light breakfast and coffee will be served.
*We recommend parking in Market Square Garage and walking over.

Regional Innovation Growth Strategy Launch
2026-04-07 08:30 - 09:30 | PYA, 6016 Brookvale Ln, 6016 Brookvale Ln, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37919
Hear from Mike Odom, President and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber, as he presents our Regional Innovation Growth Strategy (RIGS).

We believe that innovation and its subsequent ecosystem are a critical aspect of a vibrant, economically successful community, especially one that wants to grow jobs, retain and attract talent, and increase prosperity. Join us as Mike Odom, President and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber, presents thirteen recommendations segmented by talent, infrastructure, and business climate designed to give Knoxville a targeted strategy for growing our innovation ecosystem and raising our economic prosperity.
Breakfast will be provided. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

Women's Capital Series
2026-04-07 09:00 - 12:30 | 121 Tech Hub, 121 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Presented by Let Her Speak
Women are launching businesses at a faster rate than ever before, making up the majority of new business owners in recent years. Yet, they still receive a disproportionately small slice of the funding pie. To make matters more urgent, the very funds designed to support women are currently coming under attack.
It’s time to change the narrative. The Women’s Capital Series is a dedicated three-month program designed to empower the next generation of female founders and investors. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking funding or a woman wanting to lift up other women-owned businesses as an investor, this series provides the tools, the network, and the “real talk” needed to navigate the capital landscape.
April 2026: The Lived Experience of Entrepreneurship & Investing
Session 2: Entrepreneur & Investor Fireside Chats
Date: April 7th | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: 121 Tech Hub
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: A deep-dive Entrepreneur Fireside Chat with Kay Baker, Co-Founder of Green Llama
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: An Investor Fireside Chat with Carol Seamons, Expert in Residence at Spark Innovation Center & Investor

Innov865 Alliance Mayoral Forum
2026-04-08 17:00 - 19:00 | 121 Tech Hub, 121 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Join the candidates vying to become Knox County’s next mayor for a mayoral forum on April 8 at 121 Tech Hub in the Old City.

The mayoral forum is presented by the Innov865 Alliance, the local collaborative of organizations advancing the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. All four candidates running for Knox County mayor will share a stage to discuss their positions and perspectives on entrepreneurship, economic development, and opportunity in Knoxville. The forum will be moderated by WATE 6 On Your Side political contributor and Piper Communications President Cortney Piper, with questions contributed by a panel of local entrepreneurs.

Space at the mayoral forum is limited – all interested media and public persons must register to reserve their free spot. For security purposes, unregistered persons may not acquire tickets at the door and will not be allowed inside the event.
Special thank you to 121 Tech Hub for graciously hosting this event!

CodeStock Conference
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-10 | Knoxville Convention Center
CodeStock is a two-day event for technology and information exchange. CodeStock was created to Educate, Inspire, and Connect the technology community. Created by the community, for the community – this is not an industry trade show pushing the latest in marketing as technology, but a gathering of working professionals sharing knowledge and experience.
Adhithi Ravichandran, Software Consultant, Pluralsight Author, and tech educator, will headline CodeStock 2026, returning April 9 and 10 to Knoxville, Tennessee!
Adhithi has built a remarkable career at the intersection of software architecture, teaching, and community leadership. As the founder of Surya Consulting, Inc., she’s guided development teams across industries through modern frontend transformations, helping organizations embrace technologies like React, Next.js, GraphQL, and AI-assisted development with confidence and clarity.
Learn more here.

LinkedIn Workshop at KEC
2026-04-09 09:00 - 10:30 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, Market Square
Join us at KEC on April 9 for Find Your Voice, Grow Your Business, a hands-on workshop focused on using LinkedIn as a practical tool for your business. Led by communications expert Dylan Jones of Boldsquare, this session will help you build a personal brand that reflects who you are and drives real conversations. You’ll leave with a drafted post and a clear, sustainable plan to show up on LinkedIn with purpose.

The Vanderbilt Quantum Forum: Technology, Policy and the Economy
2026-04-09 09:00 - 18:30 | Grand Hyatt Nashville, 1000 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203
Set in Tennessee, this forum brings together leaders from academia, industry, government and national laboratories to introduce quantum technology and explore its implications for energy, security, healthcare, economic competitiveness and public policy. Designed for a broad audience, the program focuses on understanding what quantum is, why it matters, and how Tennessee can contribute to the nation’s quantum ecosystem.

Women's Capital Series Happy Hour
2026-04-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Zero/Zero Wine Bar
Presented by Let Her Speak
Women are launching businesses at a faster rate than ever before, making up the majority of new business owners in recent years. Yet, they still receive a disproportionately small slice of the funding pie. To make matters more urgent, the very funds designed to support women are currently coming under attack.
It’s time to change the narrative. The Women’s Capital Series is a dedicated three-month program designed to empower the next generation of female founders and investors. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking funding or a woman wanting to lift up other women-owned businesses as an investor, this series provides the tools, the network, and the “real talk” needed to navigate the capital landscape.
Session 2 Happy Hour: “Money Talk” Working Session
Date: April 9th | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Zero/Zero Wine Bar
