Teknovation.biz

Capitol Connections
2026-03-27 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Tech Vision 2026
2026-04-10 09:00 - 15:00 | MTSU Miller Education Center, 503 E. Bell Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, United States
On April 10, 2026, Tech Vision 2026 will bring leaders, founders, researchers, and operators together at MTSU’s Miller Education Center.
Preparing for an accelerating and emerging future shaped by AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and workforce transformation.
This event is the next part of our Quantum Activation Series and is designed to move the conversation beyond theory. We are focused on practical application, real business impact, and what leaders need to be thinking about right now.
Topics include:
• Artificial Intelligence
• Quantum Technologies
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Transformation
• Strategic HR and Workforce Trends
If you care about where technology is going and how it will impact your organization, this room matters.

Blount Small Business Peer Group
2026-04-15 08:30 - 10:00 | REO Cheesewagon
Join us for the next Small Business Peer-to-Peer Group meeting on Wednesday, April 15th at 8:30 a.m. at REO Cheesewagon (429 W. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN). This group is designed for small business owners and operators to connect in a confidential, supportive environment. It is not a referral or sales group—our focus is on sharing knowledge, resources, and real-world experiences related to running a business. Participants will be divided into small groups to discuss key topics such as: Human Resources Marketing Strategies Customer Acquisition Growth Challenges Strategic Planning Customer Service Financial Management Come ready to engage, learn, and support fellow business leaders.We look forward to another productive and engaging discussion. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
REO Cheesewagon
429 W. Broadway Ave
Maryville, TN 37801 United States

Event Contact
Brenda Farner
(865) 273-1202
Send Email
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM) (EDT)

Network & Hiring Event: Agentic AI and Quantum Careers in Knoxville
2026-04-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Fred’s Around the Corner
Join CGI for an informal networking and hiring event at Fred’s Around the Corner, focused on the next wave of mission-ready technology: advanced agentic AI, quantum-ready systems, and the real-world workloads where they matter most. Meet CGI leaders and technologists, learn about our work in Knoxville, and explore opportunities to build, ship, and scale solutions that move beyond pilots into production.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drink tickets will be provided. To confirm your attendance, please complete the RSVP form.
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Arrival, appetizers, and networking
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. — Welcome + “What we’re building in Knoxville” (CGI overview)
6:00 – 6:45 p.m. — Hiring spotlight: roles, teams, and mission work (Agentic AI + Quantum)
6:45 – 7:30 p.m. — Q&A, meet-the-team networking, and next steps
About the event
AI is rapidly becoming mission-critical in regulated, high-stakes environments. At the same time, the next advantage is emerging at the intersection of AI and quantum computing—especially for optimization, planning, and resource allocation at scale. Turning that promise into deployable capability takes more than tools: it requires engineering rigor, security-minded delivery, and builders who can operate in real mission contexts.
This event is for people who want to do hands-on work—designing, building, integrating, and operating modern AI systems (and preparing for quantum-ready approaches) in a production environment.
Who should attend

Full-stack engineers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers
AI/ML engineers, applied scientists, and data engineers
MLOps/AIOps, DevSecOps, and automation/orchestration practitioners
Systems thinkers who like solving hard problems end-to-end—from prototype to production
Students, early-career technologists, and experienced hires interested in Knoxville’s innovation ecosystem

What you’ll learn

What CGI does in Knoxville and how our teams deliver real outcomes
How we’re advancing agentic AI orchestration across modernization, greenfield development, and operations
Where quantum-ready thinking fits today (and what “practical” looks like)
How to engage: open roles, interview process, and ways to stand out

Hiring note
Some roles may require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance (role-dependent). Bring questions—and if you have a portfolio, GitHub, or project demos, feel free to share.

Founder Friday
2026-04-17 09:00 - 10:00 | 121 Tech Hub, 121 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Hosted by Haseeb “HQ” Qureshi, Founder Friday features fireside chats where entrepreneurs share their stories, insights and advice, helping students connect with the startup community beyond the classroom.
Apr 17 | Nick DeVore (Lush Drop Beverage Co.)

Southeast Venture Showcase
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-21 | Renaissance Nashville Hotel
The Southeast Venture Showcase is a transformational event that empowers research universities and federal laboratories across the Southeast to showcase their most promising technology ventures for the nation’s venture community.
This exclusive showcase is where investors and early-stage technology ventures come together to accelerate the productization of cutting-edge research that drives real-world impact and create stakeholder value.

Taste of Small Business Kingsport
2026-04-20 17:00 - 19:30 | MeadowView Convention Center
On Monday, April 20th, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at MeadowView Convention Center, the Taste of Small Business Kingsport brings together 21 of the city’s restaurants, food trucks, coffee shops, and vendors for a one-night sampling experience that is exactly what it sounds like. You walk in, you eat, you meet the people behind the food, and you leave knowing more about your own city than when you arrived.
The participating restaurants include:

Bellafina
Betty’s Stockyard Cafe
Center Street Grill
Chef’s Pizzeria
Chocolate Elegance
Cornucopia
Fusion
Krazy Chicken
Le Brique Bistro
Milly’s Authentic Jamaican Restaurant
Momma D’s
Ole Crow Tavern
Sloopy’s Diner
SmashedMeals
Tacos el Mariachi
Taste & See Charcuterie
Taylored Venue & Events
The Reserve
The Wired Whisk
Urban Brews & Creamery.

RGK Food Incubator Workshop Info Session
2026-04-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Pellissippi State Community College: Magnolia Avenue Campus, 1610 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
Take the next step toward building a sustainable food business. Attend our final required 2026 info session to learn about the Real Good Kitchen Foundation’s Food Business Incubator Program.
Built for early-stage entrepreneurs, this program supports you in formalizing your business, refining your model, and growing from concept to a fully operating venture.

TTU Faculty Innovator Showcase
2026-04-22 | Tennessee Tech University
The Faculty Innovator Showcase is a signature annual event that celebrates and elevates the groundbreaking work of Tennessee Tech researchers. Hosted by TN Tech’s Tech Transfer and powered by the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), the Showcase brings together campus innovators, industry professionals, government partners, and regional stakeholders for a day of discovery, networking, and opportunity.
This is more than a poster session or a presentation — it’s a stage for ideas that shape our economy and society.
Itinerary
Free and open to the public—no registration required.

5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Tradeshow (poster session): Presenters will demonstrate their technologies to the public.
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Presenters will give five‑minute presentations outlining their technology, the problem it solves, the market opportunity, and planned next steps.

Presenter Registration
Tennessee Tech faculty or staff with an innovative project, research application, or early‑stage invention may register to present. Projects do not need to be patented to qualify. Whether you are developing a new technology, exploring commercialization pathways, or simply interested in sharing your work with a wider audience, the Faculty Innovator Showcase is your opportunity to highlight your work and engage with the public. Registered participants will receive additional information and instructions after completing registration.

Gain Exposure: Present your innovation to decision-makers from industry, government, and economic development sectors.
Spark New Collaborations: Build relationships with potential research, funding, and licensing partners.
Receive $1,500 Non-instructional/extra pay: Faculty presenters who have submitted an invention disclosure will receive $1,500 in non‑instructional (extra) pay in recognition of their participation. Faculty presenters without a submitted invention disclosure will receive $1,000.
Support Your Commercialization Journey: Showcase participation often aligns with TTAC Proof of Concept grant submissions, invention disclosures, and patenting milestones.

Can the Public Attend?
This event is open to the public at no cost (no registration required). This is an open-door opportunity to see what’s next at Tennessee Tech — and be a part of it. Who should attend:

Faculty Innovators across all disciplines — from engineering and science to the arts and humanities.
Students interested in research, entrepreneurship, or career pathways in innovation.
Industry, Government, and Ccommunity Leaders looking to connect with new technologies, university talent, and applied research.
Economic Development Professionals focused on tech-based growth and partnerships.

Past Highlights
Previous showcases have featured inventions in clean energy, AI and data science applications, assistive technologies, sustainable agriculture, education innovations, and more. Presenters have gone on to secure grants, licensing deals, patents, and strategic partnerships proving the Showcase is more than an event, it’s a launchpad.

PYA Ballard Innovation Award (invite only)
2026-04-22 16:00 - 18:30 | PYA, 6016 Brookvale Ln, 6016 Brookvale Ln, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37919
The PYA Ballard Innovation Award is East Tennessee’s largest, annually awarded, combined cash and in-kind services prize for early-stage companies. Named after entrepreneurship advocate Tom Ballard, the competition provides $50,000 to the top winner, fostering innovation by supporting companies with proven concepts, revenue, and high growth potential.

AI Summit @ The Square Room
2026-04-23 | The Square Room, 4 Market Square, Knoxville
AI goes to WORK! A t-shirt-friendly summit focused on real-world AI applications and implications inside real businesses.

More Signal, Less Noise is a t-shirt-friendly summit focused on real-world AI applications and implications inside real businesses.
Let’s get real, folks. We’ve all seen and heard the AI hype. We’ve all scrolled past the “it’s not just ___, it’s a ____ movement and this will change your life forever” LinkedIn posts, and read the doomsday “This will be like Terminator but actually worse” manifestos. Maybe you’ve written some of them yourself. But inside real organizations, from the factory floor to the C-suite, the questions around AI are remarkably similar:

What should we actually do?
What should we ignore?
What happens when this hits real operations?
What exactly is “AI” and why should we care?

What You’ll Experience:
Real-word use cases, conversations and Q&A from our region’s most successful companies, including: Red Stag I Bush Brothers I Clayton Homes I Avero Advisors I Pet Safe I Ancient Lore Village
Intellectual Property, Privacy, and Security in the age of AI, a live legal professionals panel hosted by Haseeb Qureshi, founder of ForthLaw
Opening Keynote: “More Signal, Less Noise” from life-long entrepreneur, community leader and Fighting Shape Impact Co. Founder Chris McAdoo
Closing Remarks and Big Predictions from Marcus Blair, event creator and founder, CoreIQ
Happy Hour to follow. Lets keep the conversation going.
When & Where
Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM (doors open) – 6:00 PM
Location: The Square Room 4 Market Square, Knoxville, Tennessee
The Square Room offers an intimate, central downtown location designed for real conversation – not auditorium distance. Expect an engaged room, not a passive audience.
Tickets
General Admission: $30 plus applicable fees(Includes full program + post-event happy hour) Space is intentionally limited to keep the room conversational and high-signal.
Who Should Attend
If you are accountable for results (not just headlines), this room is for you.
Your Hosts
Marcus Blair
Founder, CoreIQ
Chris McAdoo
EMCEE & Founder, Fighting Shape Impact Company
Full Speaker list to be announced soon!
Interested in supporting or partnering? Supporters will be aligned with:

Enterprise and mid-market decision-makers
Operators actively deploying AI at scale
A room focused on implementation, NOT spectacle

Contact: Marcus Blair
marcus@omegadigital.us
865.214.7686

PSCC Manufacturing Symposium Emerging Technologies Series
2026-04-24 07:30 - 09:00 | Pellissippi State Blount County Campus
Pellissippi State Community College will soon host a manufacturing symposium on the impact of a significant emerging technology: digital twinning.
Presented by Pellissippi State’s Office of Workforce and Community Development and LaborUp, “Digital Twinining and its Impact on Manufacturing Today” will take place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Ruth and Steve West Workforce Development Center at the college’s Blount County campus on April 24. Breakfast will be provided.
“We are excited to spotlight digital twinning as part of our Emerging Technologies series,” said Executive Director of Workforce and Community Development Susan Webb-Curtis. “While AI continues to dominate the conversation, we wanted to shine a light on another transformative technology shaping the future.”
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process or system continuously updated with real-world data, which allows manufacturers to simulate, monitor and optimize without touching the physical object. This technology is accelerating rapidly and becoming more accessible for smaller manufacturers.
Associate Professor and Animation Program Coordinator Kent McQuilkin will explore how digital twinning has become a transformative technology in manufacturing, with applications across the entire production lifecycle.
McQuilkin, an award-winning animation producer, author, college instructor, animator and broadcast-studio consultant, has worked with Oak Ridge National Lab, the State Department, the Department of Energy and others as a 3D Visualization and Simulation designer. He has designed and produced film and television, product labels and more.
At the symposium, he will discuss his experiences with digital twinning in broadcast television, film, nuclear nonproliferation, process simulation, defense simulation and its adoption in the manufacturing industry.
“We invite business, education and manufacturing professionals to join us for breakfast and take full advantage of this symposium,” Webb-Curtis said.
Register for Pellissippi’s spring 2026 manufacturing symposium to reserve your spot. The event is free. For additional information, contact Workforce and Community Development.
Ruth & Steve West Workforce Development Center, Rooms 121, 122, & 123
Pellissippi State, Blount County Campus
2731 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Friendsville, TN 37737

Capitol Connections
2026-04-24 08:00 - 09:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Join us for Capitol Connections with Tennessee General Assembly Representatives.

Learn what’s happening at the Tennessee General Assembly during a discussion with our local State Senators. They will share their priorities for 2026 and current business issues within our community.
*Light breakfast and refreshments will be served.

Unlocking Entrepreneurship: A Workshop on Franchising, Funding, and Fit
2026-04-28 09:00 - 10:30 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
Thinking about starting a business but daunted by the idea of building from scratch? Or perhaps you’re a current business owner looking to diversify your portfolio or stack additional revenue streams? This interactive workshop breaks down the franchise model and helps you determine if investing in a proven system is a better fit for your goals than trying to launch a traditional startup.
We’ll start by exploring the realities of franchising beyond the fast-food stereotypes—covering funding, industry types, and business models. Then, we will transition into a hands-on workshop where you will take an entrepreneurial assessment to identify your unique business and leadership profile, with a discussion around how the results point to the types of businesses where you would thrive.
What to Bring:

A laptop or tablet (Required to take the assessment during the session)
An open mind about business models and industries that you may never have considered before!

You’ll Learn How To:

Compare the pros and cons of “DIY” entrepreneurship vs. the Franchise model
Evaluate the different types of franchise industries, including which ones are AI- and recession-resistant
Navigate funding options and investment requirements
Interpret your personal business profile from the entrepreneurial assessment
Identify which business environments match your specific skills, personality, values, and work style

Who Should Attend?

Entrepreneurial-minded individuals who want to start a business but aren’t sure where to begin
Investors who want to diversify their existing portfolio with a scalable business
Corporate types who are tired of the rat race and want to take control over their time and income
Individuals who have recently been laid off and want to explore alternatives to another job
Career transitioners who are eager to find something meaningful in their next chapter of business

Meet the Speaker:

About Brett:
Brett started his first business while in graduate school with the goal of being financially independent by the time he started a family. He succeeded, growing that business to seven figures in annual sales and generating a passive income stream that freed him up to launch a cutting edge business in the EdTech space in 2010. Coming out of Corporate America to achieve success in different types of businesses across varying industries, Brett understands the needs of a diverse clientele and uses his skills to help match them with the perfect franchise for leaving a lasting legacy. Brett has a MA (International Finance) from the University of Denver and a BA (Public Policy) from Duke University. He lives on a small farm in east Tennessee with his wife, four kids, dog, cat, horses, and chickens.
About Legacy Franchise Solutions:
Legacy Franchise Solutions is a full-service franchise consulting firm committed to empowering corporate refugees and would-be entrepreneurs find their next right thing. We believe that business ownership is the most viable way to leave a lasting legacy for your family and loved ones, and we relish the opportunity to come alongside our clients and help them find businesses where they will thrive, coaching them through every step of the franchise award process. Our commitment is to help you achieve Freedom today, Wealth tomorrow, and Legacy forever!
Whether you are looking to start your first business or add to your empire, this workshop is relevant for all experience levels.
Walk away with a clear understanding of your entrepreneurial profile and a roadmap for your next business move.
The KEC Office will open at 8:30 AM with a light breakfast provided. The workshop will start promptly at 9 AM. Spots are limited, so please RSVP today!

Location
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 37902

Scaling Apprenticeships to Meet Regional Workforce Needs
2026-04-29 08:30 - 10:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Part of National Apprenticeship Week

Join the Chamber for an engaging discussion on how Registered Apprenticeship programs are fueling economic growth and building a highly skilled workforce in our region. This event brings together leaders from CGI, the U.S. Department of Labor, and local experts from TVA, UT Medical Center, Pellissippi State Community College, and Messer Construction to highlight the successes and impact of apprenticeships across industries.
Attendees will learn how these programs:

Equip workers with in-demand skills for high-growth industries
Create clear career pathways for job seekers
Strengthen the regional economy by meeting workforce needs

The Chamber will also share how expanding apprenticeship opportunities directly supports our 2030 Protocol, a long-term strategy to drive economic growth and increase prosperity across the region.
Whether you’re an employer, educator, policymaker, or career seeker, this session will provide insights and practical examples of how apprenticeships can transform our workforce and community.
Breakfast will be served.
*We validate parking in Market Square Garage.

Unlocking Workforce Funding & Employer Support in TN
2026-04-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Blount Partnership
Join us on April 29 at 3 p.m. at the Blount Partnership as representatives from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the East Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board hold a conversation on financial incentives, grants, and workforce programs available to support employers.

3rd Annual KAULed to Lead - Young Professionals Conference
2026-05-02 | 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, we’re bringing together 200+ young professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for a powerful one-day conference at the University of Tennessee Conference Center attendees will experience a full day of programming built to help them grow, connect, and lead with purpose.

What’s waiting for you inside:

Keynote Speakers — hear from leaders who’ve done it and are doing it
Speed Networking Sessions — make meaningful connections fast
Workshops & Breakout Sessions — hands-on learning you can apply immediately
Panel Discussions — real conversations about real career paths
Leadership Roundtables — sit at the table with decision-makers in your community

For High School Students — Free Admission We believe leadership starts early. That’s why students have their own dedicated track, including mock interview sessions and custom breakout sessions designed to meet them exactly where they are, and prepare them for where they’re going.
Topics We’ll Cover: AI & Other Tools and Recourses | Mindset & Mental Health | Professional Development | Entrepreneurship & more

The Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals (KAULYP) are back for the 3rd Annual KAULed to Lead Conference.

In 2025, we talked about the “Power Pivot.” In 2026, we’re activating that power by Leading Where We Stand because leadership doesn’t require a title, permission, or position. This one-day intensive equips young professionals with the social capital, mental resilience, and technical skills to lead from wherever they are, strengthening their communities and influencing Knoxville’s evolving economy.

Your donation helps us provide:

World-Class Keynote Speakers & Local Industry Facilitators
Access to thought leaders who inspire innovation, leadership, and community impact.
Mental Health Resources for the “Grind” Culture
Tools and sessions that promote balance, resilience, and sustainable success.
Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
One-on-one and group mentorship opportunities that foster growth and accountability.
Speed Networking Breakout Sessions
Dynamic, fast-paced networking that builds meaningful professional connections.

Dorm & Students College Prep
Laptops, Schools Supplies, Dorm Supplies, Scholarship Prep, etc.

Don’t just watch leadership happen. Fund it.

KEC Mentor Network Mingle
2026-05-05 17:30 - 19:30 | Tennessee
Join us on Tuesday, May 5th for a KEC Mentor Network Mingle at Ricky’s Bar!
We’re bringing together our KEC Mentors and founders that are actively participating in or interested in getting connected to the KEC Mentor Network. This is the perfect opportunity to connect and network with other founders, ask our KEC Mentors questions, and find out more information about resources and programs that KEC offers.
We hope to see you there!
About Ricky’s:
Ricky’s is a new bar brought to you by the owners of Tern Club and Fly By Night. Located at 1520 Washington Avenue, Ricky’s has plenty of parking, and a food truck out back.
Register now.

Knoxville Chamber Capitol Connections - Spring 2026
2026-05-08 07:30 - 08:30 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville

Food, Space, & Place: Shaping the Future of Knoxville’s Food Retail
2026-05-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Pellissippi State Community College: Magnolia Avenue Campus, 1610 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
Your voice, your business, and the future of Knoxville’s food landscape.

From farm stands to independent grocers, the success of Knoxville’s food entrepreneurs depends on more than just great products—it depends on the rules and spaces that govern our city. Whether you are a producer, a grower, or a retail owner, you are a vital link in our food supply chain.
Join us for an interactive session where we bridge the gap between local food business and city planning. This is your opportunity to learn the “status quo” of our current zoning and, more importantly, help rewrite the blueprint for Knoxville’s future.
What’s on the Agenda?
Part 1: The Planning Blueprint (Knoxville-Knox County Planning) Planning officials will pull back the curtain on the current zoning landscape. We’ll discuss:

Definitions & Zoning: What the current codes mean for food retail and production.
The Comprehensive Plan: This is a vital moment for our community. We will be gathering direct input from attendees for Knoxville’s Updated Comprehensive Plan, which will inform land use regulation and capital investment for years to come. Tell the planners what you need to thrive!

Part 2: The Power of Place (Yes! Knoxville) Local nonprofit Yes! Knoxville will share their vision for a more connected, vibrant city.

Learn about the role of placemaking in building successful retail environments.
Discover how “third spaces” and community-centered design can turn a storefront into a destination.
Explore the resources available to entrepreneurs looking to create a presence in the community.

Who Should Attend?

Farmers and Growers
Food Entrepreneurs & Startup Makers
Independent Grocery Store Owners
Farm Stand & Market Managers
Stakeholders along the Food Retail Supply Chain

The Details

Cost: Free to attend.

Come hungry for change. Let’s build a Knoxville where local food is accessible, sustainable, and supported by the very ground it’s built on.
Your Presenters
Knoxville-Knox County Planning
Jessie Hillman is a Principal Planner with Knoxville-Knox County Planning. Prior to serving Knox County residents, Jessie worked as a green infrastructure project manager in Baltimore, MD and a public health educator in Sarasota, Fl. She has a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Reed College and a Master in City and Regional Planning from Morgan State University. In her spare time, she loves cooking with her 5-year old son at home in Alcoa.
Yes! Knoxville
Ellen Zavisca is a transportation planner who spent 18 years on the staff of Knoxville-Knox County Planning before taking a job with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. She serves on the board of Yes! Knoxville and is co-chair of their Policy Committee. Ellen has a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois-Chicago and lives in the Edgewood Park neighborhood with her daughter and two poorly trained dogs.
