Haslam College of Business logo on light

October 7-8, 2026
Marriott Downtown, Knoxville

Partner with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business for AInnovation Summit 2026, the premier gathering where industry leaders and academics collaborate to shape the future of work. This invitation-only event will launch a working consortium focused on practical AI integration across business disciplines, with plans for white papers, think tank initiatives, thought leadership, and sustained collaboration.

Supporters gain exceptional value and visibility by supporting this innovative model. Support includes conference registration(s) and direct access to an exclusive audience of C-suite executives and academic thought leaders. With companies limited to one invitation unless supporting, a partnership provides a unique competitive advantage while demonstrating your commitment to shaping the AI-ready workforce. Several supporting levels are available to meet every business need.

Download Supporter Document

What’s different?

AInnovation bridges academic rigor and industry practicality. Unlike typical academic conferences presenting completed research or standard corporate networking events, this summit brings together decision-makers to identify critical questions, share real-world challenges, and collaboratively envision how AI is transforming jobs across the business world.

Who should attend?

Haslam is bringing together C-suite decision makers and academic leaders actively implementing AI and hiring graduates. Invited attendees (limited to one invite per company unless supporting) will leave with actionable strategies, lasting partnerships, and insights to lead their organizations confidently into the AI era.

AInnovation brings together 150 carefully selected participants, including:

  • Chief technology officers and chief information officers from companies leading AI strategies
  • Senior executives from Haslam’s 80+ corporate partners, including Supply Chain Institute members
  • Academic thought leaders from top business schools
  • Entrepreneurs and founders navigating AI in small- and medium-sized businesses
  • UT faculty and administrators leading curriculum innovation
  • Speakers and industry experts sharing cutting-edge insights

The intimate format, limited to one invitation per company unless supporting, ensures meaningful connections with decision-makers who control AI budgets, hiring, and strategic partnerships—attendees
who can become long-term collaborators in your organization’s talent pipeline and research initiatives.

What to expect?

  • Multi-disciplinary emerging topic
    sessions covering:
    • AI’s Impact on the Workforce and the Future of Work
    • Ethics, Responsible AI, and Regulation
    • Practical AI Implementation in Business Functions
      (Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, Analytics)
    • Entrepreneurship and AI Applications for Small/Medium Businesses
  • Interactive panels and fireside chats featuring nationally recognized speakers and practitioners
  • High-level networking opportunities with attendees positioned to become long-term consortium partners
  • Ongoing thought leadership initiatives including post-event white papers, think tank collaborations, and consortium membership opportunities for sustained engagement beyond the annual summit
  • Curriculum development dialogue where industry
    needs directly affect the talent pipeline as Haslam
    prepares the next generation of AI-ready business
    graduates
  • Strategic positioning as a founding partner with
    exclusive recognition and multi-year visibility as the consortium grows into a premier AI in business education platform

Support Opportunities and Benefits

Titanium Tier (Presenting Supporter)

$100,000

  • Recognition in all event materials (printed program, signage, social media, website, opening/closing remarks)
  • Four attendee registrations
  • Inclusion in pre-summit networking dinner for up to four guests
  • Concierge-level access to faculty leaders and student talent
  • Presenting Supporter exhibit booth for entirety of event
  • Curated faculty engagement opportunity
  • Exclusive custom add ons (discussion upon request)

Diamond Tier

$50,000

  • Supporting keynote or emerging topic session with recognition
  • Three attendee registrations
  • Inclusion in pre-summit networking dinner for up to three guests
  • Curated faculty engagement opportunity
  • Priority placement in printed program and website
  • Recognition at opening and closing remarks
  • Social media recognition
  • Diamond Supporter exhibit booth for one morning or one afternoon of the event (four hours)
  • Exclusive custom add ons (discussion upon request)

Platinum Tier

$25,000

  • Co-recognition in an emerging topic session (non-keynote)
  • Two attendee registrations
  • Co-recognition lanyard/swag item
  • High-visibility placement in printed program and website
  • Recognition at opening and closing remarks
  • Social media recognition
  • Access to curated faculty leaders contact list

Gold Tier

$15,000

  • Logo in printed program and website
  • One attendee registration
  • Social media recognition
  • Support recognition of a refreshment break
  • Optional recognition swag item