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THRIVE 95

THRIVE 95 Conference

November 10-12, 2026

The LEAD95 Committee is excited to host a brand new leadership conference designed specifically to energize Tennessee County Directors to continue their leadership development as they lead county staff. We want to support you as a director and help you thrive in Extension.

THRIVE 95 will be a three day conference consisting of general sessions, breakout sessions, and off-site visits all designed to foster growth, enthusiasm, and teamwork. We have an exciting lineup of dynamic speakers and workshop presenters that will equip and re-energize you to continue your leadership journey as a County Director.

THRIVE 95 is a conference for all County Directors and will be a special time to network and spend time with other County Directors from across the state.

About LEAD95

LEAD95 is a comprehensive training program designed for County Extension Directors. The objectives of the program are to:

  • increase competency,
  • increase job satisfaction, and
  • establish consistent leadership and direction across the Tennessee Extension system.

Conference Dates:

November 10, 2026

Pre-Conference 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Arrival and Registration – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

November 11, 2026

8:00 am – 4:30 pm

November 12, 2026

8:00 am – 2:00 pm

All times are listed in local time (Central Time).

Who is this conference for?

The THRIVE 95 Conference is required for all County Directors. We are excited to have all 95 County Directors from across the state together for this special event!

Register in SUPER by September 25, 2026

Work in Progress

Register in SUPER

Conference Hotel

Drury Plaza Hotel – Nashville Franklin

1874 West McEwen Drive

Franklin, TN 37067

Make your hotel reservation in the group room block no later than September 25, 2026, using the link below.

Please make sure to adjust your arrival date to November 10, unless you are participating in the pre-conference workshop.

Conference Rate $130 per night.

Make Your Hotel Reservation
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Keynote Speakers - Work in Progress

 

Conference Information - Work in Progress

Conference Hotel

The conference hotel is the Drury Hotel - Nashville/Franklin. The conference room rate is $130.00. Individuals will have their own room. Each individual must make their own room reservation using the hotel link above. All attendees are strongly encouraged to stay at the conference hotel.

Carpooling

All attendees are strongly encouraged to carpool to Franklin.

Parking

Parking is complimentary at the hotel.

Meals

Meals provided at the conference include:

November 10 - Breakfast & Lunch - Dinner on your own.

November 11 - Breakfast & Lunch - Dinner on your own.

November 12 - Breakfast & Lunch

Travel Expense Reimbursement

Participants will be provided an account to cover travel expenses.

Locations are subject to change and will be updated as available. All times are listed in local time (Central Time).

November 10, 2026

TimeSessionLocation
10:00 am - 4:30 pmPre-Conference Workshop:
3:00 - 5:00 pm
5:00 - 7:30 pm

*Required for new County Directors and those who have not yet completed the program as part of LEAD95. Participants who are required to attend have already been notified. This session is also open to others who wish to participate.

November 11, 2026

TimeSessionLocation
7:30 amBreakfast
8:00 am
9:30 - 10:30 am
10:30 - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
12:00 - 12:30 pm
12:30 - 1:30 pm
1:30 - 2:00 pm
2:00 - 6:30 pm
6:30 pm

November 12, 2026

TimeSessionLocation
8:00 amBreakfast
9:30 - 10:30 am
10:30 - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
12:15 - 2:00 pm
2:00 pm

Pre-conference Workshop - November 9, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Franklin Covey's The 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team

This workshop equips leaders with the essential skills and tools to get work done with and through other people. The program provides relevant guidance for effectively leading and managing their teams. The 6 Critical Practices fast-tracks the impact of every leader, equipping them with the skills and tools that every leader needs.

This pre-conference workshop is required for new County Directors and those who have not yet completed the program as part of LEAD95. Participants who are required to attend have already been notified. This session is also open to others who wish to participate. You must register for this workshop separately in SUPER.

Register for Pre-Conference

Breakout Session 1 - November 10,

Workshop Title & PresenterWorkshop DescriptionLocation

Breakout Session 2 - November11,

Workshop Title & PresenterWorkshop DescriptionLocation

Breakout Session 3 - November 12,

Workshop Title & PresenterWorkshop DescriptionLocation

Attire for the conference is business casual. See UT Extension Dress Guidelines for details.

The off-site adventure on Wednesday afternoon will be casual attire.

Bring your Extension nametag. Conference nametags will not be provided.

THRIVE 95 Planning Committee

Conference Chair:

Jessica W. Smith, Roane County

LEAD95 Chair:

Amelia Sturgill, Scott County

Eastern Region:

  • Jessica W. Smith, Roane County
  • Hannah Goodson, Bradley County
  • Amelia Sturgill, Scott County
  • John Gunter, Fentress County

Central Region:

  • Haley Barnes, Clay County
  • Dannie Bradford, Marion County
  • Terri Orr, Marshall County
  • Lauren Patterson, Robertson County

Western Region:

  • Michelle Atkins, Henry County
  • Allyson Harmon, Dickson County
  • Bronson Bass, Weakley County
  • Gary Rodgers, Hardeman County

Region & State:

  • Amy Kirk, EESD
  • Brandi Berven, EESD
  • Jerry Lamb, Western Region
  • Chris Hicks, Central Region
  • Kelli Roberson, Eastern Region
  • Tom Broyles, TSU