Get ready to kick off the conference with high-energy opening remarks from some influential voices. You’ll hear insights from the Knoxville Chamber, Bank of America, and local elected officials as they share their visions for empowering the next generation of leaders.

Keynote: Build What’s Next: Why Housing Access Needs Your Voice

Access to housing is one of the most important factors shaping our region’s growth. As Knox County advances the implementation of its comprehensive land use and transportation plan, Advance Knox, young professionals have a timely opportunity to engage with the policies and planning efforts that will define how and where our region grows. In this session, we will unpack how decisions around zoning, infrastructure, and community development directly affect housing availability and affordability. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the levers affecting access to housing and help ensure that Knoxville’s growth reflects the needs of both current and future residents.

Speaker:

The Sycamore Institute is an independent, nonpartisan public policy research center that helps Tennesseans identify, understand, and solve big challenges with impartial analysis of data and evidence. With leadership and staff from across the political spectrum, Sycamore provides accessible, reliable information in pursuit of sound, sustainable policies that improve the lives of all Tennesseans.

Grab a snack and check your texts to see who is winning one of $5,000 in giveaways from Lifetime Products!

Breakout: Elevate Through Engagement: Why Your Community Needs You with Porschia Pickett

Your voice doesn’t just matter, it moves things forward. Porschia will explore the power of civic engagement, from voting and advocacy, to serving on local boards, to simply showing up to be heard. With years of experience working alongside people from all walks of life, she brings a grounded, inclusive perspective on how being involved in your community can elevate not only where you live, but how connected and purposeful you feel there. You will leave with practical ideas for getting involved and making a difference right where you are.

Speaker:

Porschia Pickett, Executive Director, Wesley House Community Center

Porschia Pickett has increased youth and senior programming, food access, family resources and health care offerings in the Mechanicsville, Lonsdale and Beaumont communities. Outside the professional sphere, Pickett remains committed to making positive changes through community outreach.

Breakout: Elevate Your Edge: Future-Ready Skills with Dr. Charles Liu

As we approach the next industrial revolution and technologies like AI continue to reshape every workplace, the future of work is changing fast. Staying ahead means staying adaptable. In this data-driven session, Dr. Charles Liu, Professor of Business Analytics at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business, will break down what the next five years could look like and the core skills young professionals should be building now. Whether you’re climbing the ladder or carving a new path, you’ll leave with a sharper view of where the market is heading and how to keep your edge.

Speaker:

Dr. ChuanRen (Charles) Liu, associate professor of business analytics and statistics, UT’s Haslam College of Business.

When he’s not teaching, Liu is leading several projects involving AI and business analytics. He is partnering with technology companies like HP to integrate predictive machine learning algorithms that reduce operational costs and increase profitability. Liu also is working with colleagues in the Haslam College of Business and the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies on several projects focusing on the impact of AI on jobs and workforce development. With the support of AI Tennessee, his research aims to determine future job requirements when businesses develop and adopt AI technologies.

Enjoy some good food, make some new friends, and get competitive with Kahoot! trivia.

Keynote: Rise in Every Role: Showing Up With Purpose with Tearsa Smith

Whether you’re leading at work, supporting your community, or investing in life at home, how you show up makes all the difference. In this energizing keynote, news anchor and local personality, Tearsa Smith, will explore what it means to live with intention across every area of life. Drawing from her experiences in journalism, leadership, and public service, Tearsa will share practical wisdom and powerful encouragement to help you bring your best self to whatever comes next.

Speaker:

Tearsa Smith, Anchor, WATE

Tearsa Smith is a morning news anchor for WATE 6 On Your Side, where she anchors Good Morning Tennessee. She also hosts the show Voices of the Valley. She joined WATE in June 2002. She is actively involved in the Knoxville community.

Grab a snack and check your texts to see who is winning one of $5,000 in giveaways from Lifetime Products!

Breakout: Finding Your Scene: Build Your Belonging in Knoxville

For young professionals, we don’t want Knoxville to just be a place to live, we want it to be where you build a life. This session is all about how to plug into the city’s social, cultural, and professional fabric. Hear from locals Grant Agnew, Reneé Safir, and Tevian Whitehurst about where to go, how to meet people, and ways to build genuine connections. Whether you’re brand new to town or just looking to deepen your roots, this conversation will help you find your place, and your people.

Speakers:
Grant Agnew, Account Executive, Knoxville Ice Bears
Reneé Safir, Knoxville Organizer, Pitch-A-Friend
Tevian Whitehurst, Meteorologist & Content Freelancer

Breakout: Elevate Each Other: The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship isn’t just about guidance, it’s about growth on both sides. In this session, mentors and mentees from Girl Talk and tnAchieves will share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. From building confidence to expanding networks, you’ll learn how mentorship can shape careers, create lasting connections, and open unexpected doors. Whether you’re looking for a mentor or hoping to become one, this session will show how investing in others elevates everyone involved.

Each year, a portion of ticket proceeds is donated to a local nonprofit. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the nonprofits and vote for their favorite.

End the day with some good tunes, savory snacks, and celebrate Endeavor’s tenth birthday in style.