The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business’ Marketing and Sales Innovation Conference and Awards Luncheon returns to Knoxville April 9-10 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Downtown.
Conference Features
Hosted by Haslam’s Department of Marketing, the spring conference will feature dynamic daily keynote speakers, along with breakout sessions and workshops focused on innovations and connections within industry and academia. Day one will conclude with Networking Night at the Emporium Center, where conference attendees and marketing students can connect and engage in meaningful conversations around the future of marketing and sales. The second day will begin with breakfast and breakout sessions and will conclude with an intimate fireside chat and meet and greet with that day’s keynote speaker. The conference will close with an awards luncheon.
Rena Ishak, marketing’s special events and experiences manager, explained that the conference facilitates kinship between those interested in sales and marketing.
“Students, faculty and staff will enjoy multiple opportunities to forge new connections and meaningful engagement with industry pioneers, who are envisioning and shaping a bold, new future for marketing and sales,” Ishak said. “The conference is open to all, and registration is now available. We are especially excited about the inspiration and fresh perspectives our keynote speakers will bring to the conference.”
Keynote Speakers
Day one’s keynote speaker will be Cynthia Barnes, chief transformation officer and founder of women-empowering company, Thank You; It’s True. Barnes will jumpstart the conference with her infectious confidence, which has helped countless women own their awesomeness with four simple words: “Thank you; it’s true.” Barnes is a highly sought TEDx speaker whose inspiring talks equip all attendees for professional and personal success.
Corporate Natalie will be the keynote speaker on day two. An advisor to multiple businesses, Natalie 
engages with more than two million followers on her Corporate Natalie social media channels, where she mocks the foibles of corporate culture. Corporate Natalie has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, E’s Top Accounts to Follow and as a 2023 LinkedIn Top Voice.
Awards Luncheon
The conference will conclude with the Marketing and Sales Innovation Awards Luncheon, where judges will recognize winners in five categories that reflect UT’s Volunteer values, as well as the mission of the conference. According to Christine White, assistant professor of practice and marketing’s director of partnerships and growth initiatives, any company or organization can self-nominate or nominate others for consideration in five categories: Brand Journey Award, Sales Achievement Award, Digital Marketing Innovation Award, Better Marketing for a Better World Award, and the Industry and Academia Collaboration Award.
“Haslam’s Department of Marketing looks forward with excitement to hosting this awards luncheon, which recognizes exceptional accomplishments in these rapidly changing fields,” White said.
Registration for the Marketing and Sales Innovation Conference and Awards Luncheon is open now. To nominate an organization or company for one of the event’s five awards, use this form. The nomination deadline is March 21.
Visit the event webpage to learn more about the conference,. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Rena Ishak.
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CONTACT:
Scott McNutt, business writer/publicist, rmcnutt4@utk.edu
