Governor's Conference on Hospitality & Tourism 2025
MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center
1901 Meadowview Parkway Kingsport, TN 37660 United States
The annual Tennessee Governor's Conference on Hospitality and Tourism (Gov Con), produced by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association (TNHTA) in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development brings together representatives of the state's travel and tourism industry, including attractions, hoteliers, restaurateurs, destination management/marketing organizations, tour operators, educational institutions offering tourism/hospitality programs, tourism-related government agencies, and suppliers of goods and services of the tourism industry.
Full attendee registration includes admission to all general and breakout sessions, meal functions/refreshment breaks, opening night reception, trade show, and the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner. There are also sponsorship opportunities available.
Attendee Registration and refund policies: All who attend the conference must be registered and paid in full prior to their entry into the event. If an attendee must cancel on or before August 31, a refund will be issued to the original form of payment. We regret that refunds cannot be made after August 31; however, substitutions are allowed within the same organization.
MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center is our Host Hotel and where all conference events will take place.
THE ROOM BLOCK AT THE MEADOWVIEW IS NOW FULL.
__________________________________________
Book your group rate for the The Carnegie Hotel here.
Cutoff Date: August 16, 2025
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Book your group rate for the Comfort Suites Kingsport here.
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Book your group rate for the Hampton Inn Kingsport Here.
Cutoff Date: September 1, 2025
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Book your group rate for the Holiday inn Express Hotel & Suites Kingsport I-26 Here.
Cutoff Date: August 17, 2025
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Early Bird Member
|
$425.00 |
|
Early Bird Not Yet Member
Registration Ended 7/31/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$525.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Member Registration
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$475.00 |
|
Not Yet Member Registration
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$575.00 |
|
Student Registration
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$225.00 |
|
College/University Professor
|
$225.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Bays Mountain Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$20,000.00 |
|
Governor's Lunch Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$10,000.00 |
|
Key to Kingsport Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$10,000.00 |
|
Thursday Breakfast Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$7,000.00 |
|
Silent Auction Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$7,500.00 |
|
Stars of the Industry Reception Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$7,500.00 |
|
Stars of the Industry Awards Gala Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$7,500.00 |
|
Stars of the Industry After Party Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$7,500.00 |
|
Church Circle Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$5,000.00 |
|
Member Tri-Star Exhibitor Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$2,000.00 |
|
Not Yet Member Tri-Star Exhibitor Sponsor
Registration Ends 8/31/25 at 6:00 PM EDT
|
$2,500.00 |
MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center is our Host Hotel and where all conference events will take place.
THE ROOM BLOCK AT THE MEADOWVIEW IS NOW FULL.
__________________________________________
Book your group rate for the The Carnegie Hotel here.
Cutoff Date: August 16, 2025
_________________________________________
Book your group rate for the Comfort Suites Kingsport here.
__________________________________________
Book your group rate for the Hampton Inn Kingsport Here.
Cutoff Date: September 1, 2025
__________________________________________
Book your group rate for the Holiday inn Express Hotel & Suites Kingsport I-26 Here.
Cutoff Date: August 17, 2025
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development offers scholarships for industry partners to attend the Governor's Conference on Hospitality and Tourism. Please click HERE for grant overview and application.
Agenda
| September 17 | |
| 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM |
Early Arrival Experiences (Pre-Registration Required)
Option 1: Guided Hike at Bays Mountain Option 2: Golf at Cattails MeadowView Option 3: Line Dancing Class at The Reserve Option 4: Founders Tour at Tennessee Hills Distillery Option 5: Bristol Motor Speedway Tour Option 6: Canvas of the City Downtown Walking Tour of Johnson City |
| 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Registration Office Opens |
| 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Opening Session with TNHTA President & CEO Sara Beth Urban |
| 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Welcome to Kingsport Reception at Hunter Wright Stadium |
| 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Mic Night at The Reserve |
| September 18 | |
| 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Registration Office Opens |
| 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM | Breakfast General Session |
| 10:00 AM - 10:40 AM |
Breakout Session #1
1. Cultural Belonging in Tennessee Sharanda Smith, Founder & CEO, Nashville Black Hospitality Group 2. Taking Bacon Tennessee Depart. of Tourist Development 3. From Stadium Seats to City Streets: The Sports Tourism Surge John David, President & CEO, Sports Events & Tourism Association |
| 11:00 AM - 11:40 AM |
Breakout Session #2
1. Hospitality is Leadership: Reimagining Guest Experience from the Inside Out Darius McDonald, Founder & CEO, Vanguard Strategy Partners 2. Accessibility in Hospitality - VML 3. Future in Focus: Forecasting Travel Trends - Co-Star |
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Governor's Luncheon & Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Presentation by Commissioner Mark Ezell |
| 1:50 PM - 2:30 PM |
Breakout Session #3
1. Culinary Tourism & Influencer Strategy Nancy Wall Hopkins, Founder Eat With Nancy 2. Stronger Together: Utilizing Partnerships to Grow Tennessee's Hospitality Workforce Tennessee Depart. of Labor 3. What’s New in the State Legislature Sara Beth Urban, President & CEO,TNHTA Dustin Goforth, Founding Partner, Capitol & 5th Brad Lampley, Partner, Adams & Reese Ashley Harbin, Partner, Adams & Reese |
| 2:50 PM - 3:30 PM |
Breakout Session #4
1. International Travel Panel Tennessee Depart. of Tourist Development 2. Flawless Hospitality™: Boosting Retention, Revenue, and Reputation in Tennessee Tourism Dr. Ryan Cate, Holistic Performance Thea Harvey-Barratt, Holistic Performance 3.Tennessee Department of Tourist Development New Website Roll out |
| 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Exhibitor Reception |
| 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Stars of the Industry Cocktail Reception |
| 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Stars of Industry: Purple Iris Awards Gala |
| 9:30 PM - 12:00 AM | Stars of the Industry After Party at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center |
| September 19 | |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration Office Opens |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Closing Breakfast General Session
Announcement of 2026 & 2027 Gov Con locations |
Support the Future of Hospitality – Donate to Our Silent Auction!
Each year during the Governor’s Conference, we host a Silent Auction featuring incredible items donated by our members from across Tennessee. From hotel night stays and attraction passes to unique Tennessee-made gifts and even the latest cool gadgets, there’s always something exciting up for bid!
Proceeds from the auction benefit the TNHTA Education Foundation, helping us invest in the next generation of industry leaders through scholarships, training, and educational initiatives.
We’re now accepting donations for this year’s auction and invite you to showcase your business while supporting a great cause. Whether it's a unique experience, local product, tech gadget, or getaway package, your contribution makes a lasting impact.
Early Arrival Experiences
Kick off your conference experience with exclusive early arrival opportunities across Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City. From local flavor to regional culture, these curated experiences highlight the best of our region. Space is limited and registration is required, so be sure to sign up early and make the most of your time in Northeast Tennessee!
For More Information:
