Breakout
Sessions

Session Block 1
November 41:30–2:30pm

Breakout Room 1 | TDLWD

Nature at Work:

How Ecotourism Can Strengthen Workforce in Rural Communities+Click to Learn More

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.

Speakers
  • David Spear, Owner, Tip-A-Canoe
  • Lawrence County Executive David Morgan
  • Dr. Murat Arik, Director of the Business & Economic Research Center, MTSU
Moderator
  • Chelsa Lourie, Workforce Development Director, TN Hospitality & Tourism Association
Breakout Room 2

Main Street to Main Stage:

Practical Marketing Strategies for Telling Your Story+Click to Learn More

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.

Speakers
  • Laura Braam, Senior Vice President, MP&F
  • Hannah Purdy, Account Executive, MP&F
  • Austin & Colin, Storytellers/Marketers/Creatives
Breakout Room 3

The Future of Energy:

How AI and Nuclear are Shaping Tennessee+Click to Learn More

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.

Speakers
  • Chris Jones, President & CEO, Middle Tennessee Electric
  • Nikki Sizemore, Government Affairs, Kairos Power
  • Joe Hoagland, Direcor of Special Initiatives, ORNL
  • Kate Franko, Global Data Center Public Affairs, Google
Moderator
  • Braden Stover, Chief Policy Officer, TNECD

Session Block 2
November 43–4pm

Breakout Room 1 | TDLWD

From Challenge to Opportunity:

Tackling Labor Shortages with Local Solutions+Click to Learn More

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.

Speakers
  • Angela Goddard, Executive Director, Joe C. Davis Foundation
  • Mary Beth Seals, President, HH Lincoln Health (Fayetteville)
  • Brooks Shaw, Owner, Casey Jones Village (Jackson)
Moderator
  • Angela Regitko, Upper Cumberland Regional Director, TNECD
Breakout Room 2

Research in Action:

Partnering with Industry for Economic Growth+Click to Learn More

Discover how Tennessee’s universities are turning research into real-world impact. Experts from MTSU, Tennessee Tech, Vanderbilt, and the University of Memphis 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.

Speakers
  • Dr. Hanna Terletska, Director, QRISE Center (Quantum Research, Interdisciplinary Science & Education), MTSU
  • Dr. Muhammad Ismail, Director, Cybersecurity Education Research & Outreach Center (CEROC), Tennessee Tech University
  • Dr. Padma Raghavan, Chancellor’s Executive Director for Science & Technology Strategy, Vanderbilt University
  • Dr. Jasbir Dhaliwal, EVP of Research & Innovation, University of Memphis
Moderator
  • Nathan Buttrey, Senior Advisor to the Commissioner, TNECD
Breakout Room 3

From Vacant to Vibrant:

Creative Paths to Downtown Success+Click to Learn More

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.

Speakers
  • Slater Barr, President & CEO, Dyersburg Dyer County Chamber of Commerce
  • Beth Ann Simpson, Downtown Director, Jackson Downtown Development Corp.
  • Nancy Barker, Executive Director, Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce & Rogersville Main Street
  • Beth Duggar, City Commissioner, South Pittsburgh
Moderator
  • Kim Parks, Tennessee Main Street Director, TNECD

Session Block 3
November 510–11am

Breakout Room 1 | TDLWD

AI and the Local Workforce:

Adapting People, Skills, and Business Practices+Click to Learn More

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.

Speakers
  • Dr. Keith Gamble, Director of the Data Science Institute & Professor of Finance, MTSU
Moderator
  • Chris Cannon, Chief Communications Officer, TDLWD
Breakout Room 2

Inside Economic Development:

Trends, Insights, and the Future of Site Selection+Click to Learn More

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.

Speakers
  • Jeannette T. Goldsmith, Vice President, Strategic Development Group
Breakout Room 3

Amplifying Opportunity:

How Music Strengthens Communities+Click to Learn More

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.

Speakers
  • Jamie Kent, Founder, Backstage Strategies
  • Dr. Stephen Marshall, Professor & CMO, ETSU Research Center Corporation
  • Carmen Davis, Senior Director, Chattanooga’s Office of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy
  • DeMarcus Suggs, Director of Creative & Cultural Economy, City of Memphis
Moderator
  • Elizabeth Cawein, Founder & Executive Director, Music Export Memphis