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2027 UT Innovative Technologies Symposium

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UT Innovative Technologies Symposium

Connecting people. Sharing ideas. Shaping IT.

The University of Tennessee’s OneIT 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 Fourth Annual
2027 UT Innovative Technologies Symposium

Tuesday, March 23
Wednesday, March 24
Thursday, March 25

Knoxville Convention Center
Knoxville, TN

Save the Dates

2027 UT Innovative Technologies Symposium
When: March 23-25, 2027
Where: Knoxville Convention Center;
701 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902

2027 marks our fourth annual symposium, and UT’s OneIT is excited to invite all Tennessee higher education institutions. This three-day symposium will focus on our everyday IT challenges, shared interests, honed skills, and newfound passions.

Focus: Technology uses in higher education

Who should attend: Higher education institutions across Tennessee are encouraged to participate. The primary audience for this message is faculty, staff, and administrators who actively use, apply, or develop technology solutions as part of their job.

[The Call for Presenters and Registration information will be announced soon. Until then, check out the 2027 themes and topics.]

More About the Symposium

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 future collaborations, and 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 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 attendee participation from higher education institutions across the state.

Dan Harder presenting to the crowd at the UT IT Symposium

Call for Proposals
Coming Soon

[Look for the full agenda and presenter announcements in January 2027.]

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, and education by presenting on a topic at this upcoming symposium.

2027 Themes and Areas of Interest

AI’s role in reshaping higher education. This track will explore teaching and learning strategies, administrative and IT applications, workflow automation, AI-powered tools, agentic solutions, and emerging technologies that enhance productivity and improve experiences for faculty, staff, and students.

IT departments succeed when people, relationships, and leadership are prioritized alongside technical expertise. This track explores the skills, strategies, and practices needed to lead, influence, collaborate, communicate, and grow in today’s higher education technology environment.

Higher education technology needs to be secure, scalable, and strategically designed to meet future needs as campuses expand. This track will explore the infrastructure, operational practices, and security strategies that support institutional success. Sessions should focus on lessons learned, success stories, best practices, and real-world examples.

Effective research depends on the ability to collect, manage, analyze, and communicate data, using a variety of tools ranging from desktop applications to high-performance computing resources. Topics for this track may include high-performance computing, research software, data collection and analysis, visualization, emerging technologies, and best practices for managing, sharing, and preserving research data.

Explore how automation and Microsoft products can be used to solve problems, enhance services, and streamline processes. Sessions may highlight Microsoft Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, application development strategies, citizen development, data-driven decision making, lessons learned, and practical resources for building effective solutions.

Technology’s role in strengthening the classroom experience. This track highlights innovative ways educators and instructional technology professionals use technology to enhance engagement, gather meaningful feedback, improve learning outcomes, and ensure accessibility for all learners.

Technology work rarely follows a perfect plan. This track is dedicated to real-world experiences, creative problem-solving, and practical lessons learned from the challenges facing higher education today. Share experiences, lessons learned, and creative solutions to everyday challenges in higher education technology. Sessions should provide practical takeaways that attendees can apply in their own work.

Exploration of the technical and organizational aspects of Oracle Cloud ERP and related systems, including implementation, management, and long-term optimization. UT’s DASH deployment has modernized the ERP system, and this track will cover technical insights and leadership-focused planning.

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
  • a panel discussion

Determine which format works best for you and your content. Sessions will be scheduled in 1-hour blocks, with the option to request a two-part block, subject to availability. 

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact [email protected].

General Session Overview

Tuesday, Mar. 23

Check-in/Registration

Vendors Open

Workshops

Lunch

Wednesday, Mar. 24

Check-in/Registration

Vendors

Keynote

Sessions

Lunch

Networking Reception

Thursday, Mar. 25

Check-in/Registration

Vendors

Sessions

Lunch

Closing Remarks

planning Your visit

The Venue

Knoxville Convention Center
701 Henley Street
Knoxville, TN 37902


Located across the street from the UT Conference Center

Knoxville Skyline


Parking & Transportation

There are several parking options near the conference center.

Check for day rates.
More parking information.

Lodging &
Around Knoxville

  • Hotels Nearby
  • Downtown Knoxville
  • Points of interest

See lodging details.

Registration
Changes?

For registration changes, cancellations, or inquiries, please contact us at:

[email protected]

Parking & Transportation

Attendees will be responsible for transportation to and from the conference, parking, hotel, and dinner. There are several parking options near the conference center. Please check the rates for each parking garage, as they vary in cost and distance to the Knoxville Convention Center.

Accessible Access Information from the Knoxville Convention Center.

Knoxville Parking Tool
KCC Parking Information

Locust Street Garage
540 Locust St, Knoxville, TN 37902

Hilton Hotel Garage
500 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

Main Avenue Garage
550 W Main Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

Summer Place Garage
502 W. Summit Hill Drive Knoxville, TN 37902

The Langley Garage
407 Walnut St Knoxville, TN 37902

State St. Parking Garage
500 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Market Square Garage
406 Walnut St, Knoxville, TN 37902

KAT Bus
You can find the schedule and route information at Knox Area Transit Schedules and Maps Website.

Vol Hall Garage
UT Visitor’s Hourly Parking Garage 1545 White Avenue Fort Sanders Knoxville, TN 37916

Lodging Information

For those traveling from other campuses, there are many hotels in downtown Knoxville, conveniently located near the Knoxville Convention Center.

Nearby Hotels

Please check with your institution’s travel agency to check for state rates.

Additional Knoxville Guides

Check out these websites for more hotels, restaurants, and other local points of interest:

Visiting the UT Knoxville Campus

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 [email protected].

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Share the News with Your Tennessee Higher Education Colleagues

We would also appreciate your help in sharing this information with your colleagues, students, unit, or campus. We hope to see you in Knoxville this spring.

The flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.