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2026 UT Innovative Technologies Symposium
Connecting people. Sharing ideas. Shaping IT.
The University of Tennessee’s Office of Innovative Technologies is excited to extend an invitation to all higher education institutions across the state of Tennessee.
This three-day symposium will focus on our everyday IT challenges, shared interests, honed skills, and newfound passions. We aim to foster innovative IT solutions and promote opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among Tennessee higher education IT professionals. The event will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities with peers, industry experts, and technology companies involved in higher education.
Join Us for the Third Annual UT Innovative Technologies Symposium
March 24-26, 2026
Knoxville Convention Center
Knoxville, TN
If you are driven and passionate about applying technology in the higher educational setting, this symposium is for you! We hope you will add this conference to your list of professional development opportunities for 2026 and join the hundreds of professionals expected to attend.
View these video highlights from the 2025 Symposium.
Bookmark this site stay tuned for more information on proposal submission, registration, the agenda, travel and lodging.
Call for Proposals is now open
Your expertise is needed!
All institutions are encouraged to submit proposals to share their IT expertise and experience. Share your unique perspective and expertise, and share your experiences with your innovative IT solutions, collaborations, research, education, by presenting at a topic at this upcoming symposium.
Proposals are due by Friday, January 30
Proposal Review Timeline
- Proposals due: January 30
- Presenters notified by: February 13
- IT Symposium dates: March 24-26, 2026
Symposium areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Frontline IT: Empowering Operational IT and End User Support
- Infrastructure: Improvements and Optimization
- Application Development: Enterprise Software for Teaching & Research
- High Performance Computing: Research at Scale
- Data Solutions: Transforming Data into Insights
- Artificial Intelligence: Next-Gen AI Capabilities
- Teaching with Technology: Tools for Tomorrow
- Ethics, Legal, and Safety: Responsible Tech in Practice
Session Formats
We appreciate the vast array of talent within our community and are eager to learn from you—whether that is through a presentation, a hands-on workshop, or a lively panel discussion. Name what works best for you. Sessions will be set up in 1-hour blocks with the option to request a two-part block, dependent on availability.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact ut_it_symposium@utk.edu.
Who Should Attend
The UT IT Symposium invites you to a dynamic convergence of ideas, expertise, and innovation. Prepare for two days of topics where the latest IT developments take center stage, presented through a mix of formats designed to foster interaction, collaboration, and community.
It’s not just about the discussions you’ll witness but also about the community you’ll become a part of. Prepare for an experience where every conversation could lead to new insights, spark a future collaboration, and an opportunity to broaden your IT horizons.
We hope that you will spend these days learning, sharing, and connecting with colleagues from across the state in an exchange focused on UT’s innovative uses and practices of technology.
This is a state-wide event. All full- or part-time staff, faculty, and graduate students involved in information technology work, learning, or research are eligible to attend.
We are encouraging presenters and attendee participation from higher education institutions from across the state.
Registration Opens Friday, Jan. 30.
There will be a 150.00 registration fee per attendee.
Parking & Transportation
Attendees will be responsible for transportation to and from the conference, hotel, and dinner. There are several parking options near the conference center.
Poplar Street Lot
PBA Parking info. for 906 Poplar St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Locust Street Garage
PBA Parking info. for 540 Locust St, Knoxville, TN 37902
KAT Bus
You can find the schedule and route information at Knox Area Transit, Schedules and Maps website.
Schedule and Agenda
Announcing Our Keynote Speaker: Michael Shepherd
We are thrilled to welcome Michael Shepherd, Senior Distinguished Engineer and Services CTO at Dell, as the keynote speaker at the 2026 UT Innovative Technology Symposium. With over 25 years at Dell and a global reputation as a technical evangelist, he brings unparalleled expertise in the evolution and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Michael Shepherd, Senior Distinguished Engineer and Services CTO at Dell
Mr. Shepard has been at the forefront of AI innovation for more than a decade, co-establishing Dell’s first AI Center of Excellence in 2016 and founding the Services AI Research team. His visionary leadership focuses on unlocking human productivity and exploring how Digital Humans—personalized, intelligent assistants—will revolutionize user experiences in the next five years.
For the higher education technology community, Shepherd’s insights into Amplified Intelligence—the seamless collaboration between humans and machines—are invaluable. He offers a forward-thinking perspective on how generative AI can make knowledge accessible to everyone, driving transformation across industries and institutions.
With over 20 hardware and software patents spanning multiple continents, Shepherd combines deep technical expertise with a passion for innovation. His work on cutting-edge AI solutions provides practical strategies for leveraging technology to enhance productivity, creativity, and collaboration in higher education settings.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in AI as he shares his vision for the future of technology and its role in empowering individuals and institutions alike.
Coming soonLodging Information
For those traveling from other campuses, there are many hotels in the downtown Knoxville area conveniently located near the Knoxville Convention Center. Please check with your institution’s travel agency to check for state rates.
Catering & Accommodations
We’re planning to provide nourishment to keep you energized throughout the day. Expect convenient and tasty meal options to complement your symposium experience. Selections will be offered in the registration form, ensuring we cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
Questions?
For questions about this exciting symposium, please email the IT Symposium Committee
at ut_it_symposium@utk.edu.