Knoxville hosting 2023 Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism from September 13-15, 2023

“We are really excited to host the Governor’s Conference this fall in Knoxville,” said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. “So much has changed in our destination since we last hosted in 2015, and we are looking forward to welcoming our friends and partners across the state to celebrate our impactful work in the tourism industry.”

The Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism is the annual meeting for the entire industry including lodging, restaurants, attractions, and convention & visitors bureaus. Close to 500 people regularly attend the conference which includes an opening reception highlighting the host city; educational sessions on topics ranging from marketing destinations to youth sports teams to innovative technology coming to hotels & restaurants; plus other features like live music, a trade show, and great speakers.

“Governor’s Conference is our biggest event of the year, and we’re thrilled to be heading to Knoxville for 2023. Knoxville has an energy and excitement about it that I know will excite and entertain our conference attendees,” says HospitalityTN CEO & President Sara Beth Urban.

The conference moves around the state each year which allows cities to host and promote their destination and allows attendees to experience different areas of the state. The goal of the conference is to inspire and educate attendees so that the tourism industry continues to thrive in Tennessee.

This year’s conference will also feature the return of the Stars of the Industry awards. Last year’s event was moved to a different date to help increase attendance, but the association has decided to return the awards program to an evening affair at Governor’s Conference. “The best time to honor and recognize the best of the industry is in front of everyone assembled at the annual conference,” says Urban. “We want the winners to feel special, and we want to inspire others to achieve their level of customer service and commitment to this industry.”