Dear Friends,
Do you remember the buzz of last year’s conference? It was truly something special – our biggest gathering in the Tennessee Nonprofit Network’s 33-year history! The energy was palpable, the connections forged were invaluable, and the learning was inspiring. We all left the conference feeling energized and ready to tackle the year ahead.
This year, our vision was even grander. We were set to take that momentum and amplify it by moving our annual conference to the vibrant city of Nashville. We dreamed of an even larger space, more opportunities, and a chance to connect with even more of our incredible 1900+ member organizations.
However, as we all know, this year has brought a cascade of challenges to the nonprofit sector. From federal grant cuts and the squeeze of inflation to concerns about tariffs and a noticeable slowdown in individual donations, the headwinds facing our organizations are significant. We’ve had tough conversations internally, and the idea of cancelling the conference this year was even floated.
But every time that thought arose, the response was a resounding “NO!” From our board to our staff, the message was clear: we need this. And you, our members, echoed that sentiment again and again.
So, let me be clear: the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference is ON! We’re not having this conference in spite of these challenges – we’re having it because of them. Now, more than ever, our nonprofit community in Tennessee needs to come together. We need to thoughtfully learn from one another, professionally develop our teams, and ensure we are making the most informed decisions possible as we navigate the threats facing our organizations and the entire nonprofit sector. We’re making sure every keynote speaker, every breakout session, and every moment of this conference is dedicated to navigating the challenges we face better and more cohesively.
And here’s more exciting news: we are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are moving forward with our plans to make this the biggest and best conference in Tennessee’s history! But here’s the truly remarkable part – despite the increased costs we are absorbing to bring you this exceptional event, we are keeping the registration costs the same as last year.
While the conference is typically a vital source of earned income for Tennessee Nonprofit Network, we are choosing to prioritize connection and unity over revenue this year. We believe so deeply in the power of our collective strength in the face of adversity, and we believe wholeheartedly in the life-saving work you do every single day. Keeping the conference affordable is our way of investing in you, our incredible members.
And speaking of incredible, get ready for a world-class venue announcement below! We can’t wait to welcome you to Nashville on August 28th for the 2025 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference. Get ready to connect, learn, and be inspired. We’ll see you there!
Sincerely,
Kevin Dean, Ed.D
President & CEO
Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Mark Your Calendars for the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference in Nashville!
Get ready for an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! We’re thrilled to announce that the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference will be held at the spectacular Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville on August 28th!
We know how important it is to provide a valuable and accessible experience for our members. That’s why we’re delighted to share that despite the amazing venue, we are able to offer the same affordable registration rates as our conference in Memphis last year:
- Early Bird Member Rate: $199
- Regular Member Rate: $249
- Non-Member Rate: $299
This is a fantastic opportunity to experience a premier conference setting without increased costs. We’re committed to making this event accessible to as many nonprofit professionals as possible.
Registration opens very soon!
Call for Speakers: Tennessee Nonprofit Conference
We are excited to announce that the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference and will return Thursday, August 28, 2025, in the Nashville area. The conference is presented by Tennessee Nonprofit Network and our community partners.
The 2025 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference theme is “The Way Forward.” As TNN hosts our second statewide conference, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment for the nonprofit sector. Across the state and the nation, nonprofits are navigating complex political dynamics, increased demand for services, funding challenges, and shifting expectations from communities and donors alike. In the midst of these realities, this year’s theme is both a challenge and a charge: to move forward with clarity, courage, and commitment.
The Way Forward invites nonprofit leaders, funders, and advocates to come together to reimagine what’s possible. Through candid conversations, bold ideas, and practical tools, we’ll explore how our sector can lead with purpose, adapt with integrity, and build a more thriving future for all Tennesseans.