À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

5:00 PM Check-in Table Open & casual networking

7:00 PM Registration table closed

7:45 AM Check-in Table Open & Breakfast

8:45 AM Welcome & Kick Off

9:10 AM Keynote

9:40 AM Coffee Break

10:00 AM BREAKOÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ SESSION 1

11:00 AM Coffee Break

11:20 AM BREAKOÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ SESSION 2

12:20 PM Lunch

1:40 PM BREAKOÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ SESSION 3

2:40 PM Coffee Break

3:00 PM BREAKOÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ SESSION 4

4:00 PM Networking (optional)

5:00 PM Check-in Table Closes

7:45 AM Check-in Table Open & Breakfast

8:45 AM BREAKOÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ SESSION 5

9:45 AM COFFEE BREAK

10:05 AM Leadership Panel: Leading Through Complexity

11:30 AM Lunch

12:30 PM Adjourn

Individual Contributor: Primarily executes work independently; may mentor informally but has little/no people-management responsibility. Eg, Analyst, Generalist, Specialist, etc.)

Emerging Leader: A high-performing IC who leads projects or coordinates others without formal authority; may supervise students or have dotted-line leadership. Eg, Coordinator, Lead, Committee Chair, etc.

Early Leader: Typically supervises staff, manages a small unit, owns a defined program area, and oversees its outcomes. Eg, Assistant/Associate Director, Assistant/Associate Dean, Manager, Department Chair, etc.

Middle Manager: Leads supervisors or multiple teams; strategy execution, cross-unit coordination, and sustained operational performance. Eg, Director, Exec. Director, Assistant/Associate Dean, Department Chair, etc

Communication & Influence: Build the people-skills that move work forward—no matter your role or title. This track focuses on giving and receiving feedback with confidence, navigating difficult conversations with clarity and respect, and using emotional intelligence to strengthen relationships.

Employee Experience: Create the kind of workplace where people can do their best work and want to stay. Sessions in this track explore psychological safety, coaching, performance management that supports growth, and practical approaches to conflict.

Personal Leadership & Growth: Strengthen the habits and mindset that power long-term success. This track emphasizes emotional intelligence and self-awareness, resilience and adaptability, and goal setting for career advancement.

Well-Being: Support sustainable performance—without burning out. This track offers strategies for mindfulness and stress management, preventing burnout, and setting healthy boundaries that protect focus and productivity.

Engagement & Recognition: Increase motivation by helping people feel seen, valued, and connected to purpose. This track explores how to find meaning in your work, recognize your own and others’ strengths, and build everyday habits of appreciation.

AI & Digital Fluency: Get confident using today’s digital tools—responsibly and effectively. This track covers practical AI use to improve efficiency, quality, and workflow support, along with considerations for responsible use (privacy, accuracy, and transparency).

Anyone can register! À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ employees, community leaders, higher education professionals, etc.

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Employees: $250 via departmental transfers after the conference, thus registering for “free” initially with the access code on the SharePoint site.

Non-À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Attendees: $350

Register on the before May 5!

There is not a specific hotel block. There are several hotels within walking distance to the Knoxville Convention Center:

• – 0.1 miles
• – 0.1 miles
• – 0.1 miles
• – 0.2 miles
• – 0.3 miles
• – 0.4 miles