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2026 Nuclear Opportunities Workshop (NOW)

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 8:00 AM - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 5:00 PM (EDT)

Description

NOW is an annual conference focused on the full spectrum of the nuclear ecosystem, bringing together professionals, suppliers, researchers, and students in Tennessee’s Oak Ridge Corridor.

NUCLEAR OPPORTUNITIES WORKSHOP

August 4-5, 2026

Knoxville Convention Center

Tennessee’s Premier Nuclear Industry Gathering

Located in the Oak Ridge Corridor

WHAT IS NOW?

NOW is ETEC's Nuclear Opportunities Workshop, Tennessee’s premier nuclear industry conference focused on all things nuclear: fission, fusion, isotopes, environmental management, AI in nuclear, workforce and more. For the past seven years it has been a place to learn about industry developments, business opportunities, and advancements in research and technologies. Attendees can network and engage with experts from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors, as well as a diverse array of small and large private-industry companies showcasing projects and technological capabilities. This includes interaction with students, interns, and postdocs as part of our efforts to grow the future workforce in Tennessee. Plus, there are opportunities for companies and organizations to promote their services during event.

https://www.eteconline.org/now/

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION is NOW OPEN!

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
General Registration: July 22 - August 5 - $1,125
Students/Interns/Postdocs: $50 or FREE through a Student Engagement Option (details below)

Travel and lodging information

The official conference hotel room blocks are closed as of July 20, 2026. Below are hotels who may still have rooms if you need them.

Marriott Knoxville Downtown (link)

The Marriott Knoxville Downtown is adjacent to the Knoxville Convention Center and Downtown's largest greenspace, the World's Fair Park. It is a short walk away from central downtown that has more than 80 restaurants, lounges, and microbrews within one square mile. The hotel has 302 newly designed king or double king accommodations and features floor-to-ceiling windows, smart TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and signature plush Marriott bedding.

525 Henley Street | Knoxville, TN 37902 | (800) 228-9290

Location: Directly across from the Knoxville Convention Center, a short 3-minute walk. The hotel is 13 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport.

Hilton Knoxville (link)

The Hilton Knoxville is in the heart of downtown Knoxville. We’re less than a mile from the World’s Fair Park, and the University of Tennessee. The Knoxville Convention Center is easily accessible via covered skybridge. Enjoy our rooftop pool and on-site Starbucks® store.

501 W Church Avenue | Knoxville, TN 37902 | (865) 523-2300

Location: One block over from the Knoxville Convention Center, a short 6-minute walk. The hotel is 13 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport.

Hampton Inn Knoxville Downtown (link)

The Hampton Inn Knoxville Downtown is 20 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport. Across the street is the Knoxville Convention Center and World's Fair Park. Historic Gay Street and the University of Tennessee are within walking distance. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily hot breakfast, and use of our pool and fitness center.

618 West Main Street | Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 | (865) 522-5400

Location: Across the street from the Knoxville Convention Center, a short 3-minute walk. The hotel is 15 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport.

Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University (link)

Knoxville Crowne Plaza features an on-site bar, indoor pool, and free in-room Wi-Fi. The rooms at the Hotel include warm colors and hardwood furniture. Guests can watch cable on the flat-screen TV. A work desk and coffee maker are also provided. The on-site gym is open 24 hours a day. A business center is located off of the lobby and dry cleaning services are available. Mahogany's restaurant is open for breakfast. The Library, a pub-style bar, is open in the evenings and has a full-service bar.

401 W. Summit Hill Drive | Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 | (865) 522-2600

Location: Downtown Knoxville, a 10-minute walk or 4-minute drive to the Convention Center. The hotel is 14 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport.

Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer Nuclear Opportunities Workshop (NOW) attendees discounted fares to and from McGhee Tyson Airport.

To utilize the discount, book via SWABIZ® using this link.
The discount is valid for travel between 8/1/2026 to 8/8/2026.
Rapids Rewards members receive an additional 25% in rewards points and unlimited name changes on the ticket

SUPPORTER OPPORTUNITIES ARE CLOSED

Thank you to all of our 2026 NOW Conference Supporters! (see below)

STEM INFLUENCER - XYLA FOXLIN

Mechatronics Engineer, Pilot & STEM Creator.

She will give a keynote address on Tuesday, August 4, and will be available for a Meet & Greet during the Atomic After Party.

Xyla Foxlin is an award-winning mechatronics engineer and YouTube creator who shares the creativity and joy of engineering with over 500k subscribers and 41 million views. Her content blends technical skill, craftsmanship, and art. Featuring everything from proving impossible physics demonstrations to building a livable camper in just weeks, to high-power rocketry and organic chemistry.

An advocate for women in STEM, she founded Beauty and the Bolt, a nonprofit that taught thousands of kids to use their first power tool and has worked with AAAS as an IF/THEN ambassador.

A Case Western Reserve University graduate and former tech startup founder, her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Verge, and Mashable.

Based in Los Angeles, she spends her free time flying her 1946 Cessna 140, backpacking, and building big ideas.

Presented by: BHA Strategy

STUDENT REGISTRATION INFO:

Students, Interns & Postdoctoral Researchers may attend the NOW Conference at a significantly reduced rate.

Registration: $50, or
FREE through the Student Engagement Option

Through the Student Engagement Option, students earn free registration by sharing a short video or post on social media highlighting their interest in attending NOW or a current nuclear-related research project.

Student Engagement Option Instructions (to attend NOW for free):

Think of why you want to attend NOW, or about a nuclear-related research project you are working on (please use positive perspectives only).
Create a 30 second video or draft text and find a image portraying your thoughts.
Use the #STUDENTETECNOW2026.
Tag ETEC: @East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC) on LinkedIn and @easttennesseeeconomiccouncil on Instagram in the post.
Post on LinkedIn or Instagram, copying the URL of the post.
Email Chandra on the ETEC staff to obtain the promo code for free registration.
Register for NOW entering the URL of the post in the student registration form.

Note: This free option is available from March 1 - July 24. If students register after July 24, they will need to pay the $50. This fee may be refunded during the conference by showing proof of a video or post made at or live during the NOW Conference on August 4-5 at the Knoxville Convention Center.

ATOMIC AFTER PARTY RECEPTION

Join us for the NOW Conference Atomic After Party, a reception on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00–7:00 pm in the Cumberland Concourse, featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

Presented by: Omega Technical Services

If you would like attend the reception ONLY, RSVP here and choose: ‘For Non-Conference Goers: Atomic After Party ONLY’.