Overview
The 2026 DNN TECH Program Review will take place in the UTK Student Union on October 13th, 2026. The purpose of the event is to obtain strategic guidance from DNN TECH’s Advisory Board and to foster collaboration between the consortium and our national laboratory partners, while providing an opportunity for DNN TECH students to present their research and network. In contrast to our inaugural event last year, the 2026 occurrence will focus on student presentations and engagement.
DNN TECH funded Faculty and Fellows are strongly encouraged to attend. Fellows who are nominated and selected to present are required to attend. TECH Affiliates are also encouraged to attend.
Participation is by invitation only. All participants must submit the registration form to attend.
Registration
Standard registration closed September 14th. Please email Alexander Proksch at aproksch@utk.edu for the registration form. If you have received an invitation for the event after 9/14/26, the hard deadline for registration is 9/29/26 or when we reach maximum capacity.
Agenda
Please note that this is only a draft.
Lodging and Parking Options
There are many hotels in downtown Knoxville within walking distance of the UTK student union. Two we recommend are the Graduate and Cumberland House.
Cumberland Room Block: We have secured a FY27 GSA per-diem room block at $129/night for 30 rooms at the Cumberland house. Please book a Cumberland room here before 9/14.
Graduate Room Block: We have secured a slightly above per-diem room block at $139/night for 25 rooms at the Graduate. Please ensure your institution can reimburse you for this slightly above rate before booking at the Graduate here before 9/23/26.
We recommend lodging near enough to campus to minimize on-campus parking as able, but on-campus parking options will be shared here closer to the event.
National Laboratory Recruitment
6×30 banquet tables will be available for national lab POCs to set up SWAG and other recruitment items. We currently plan to use an extended lunch period as an opportunity for students to visit tables.
C/o Loading Dock Manager
Student Union
1502 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996
Items can be received up to 10 business days prior to the event. They will be held and transferred to our event space based upon event start time. For items that need to be shipped out, please package the items and affix a return label. At the end of the event, place all items in one area of the space (we can discuss this day of, but normally in the corner of the room). UTK staff will collect all items at the conclusion of the event and move them downstairs for shipment.
Additional Information
Dress Code (especially for student presenters): Business casual (collared shirts, dress slacks, skirts, blouses, closed-toe shoes)
Event Address: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1502 Cumberland Avenue, Student Union Building, Knoxville, TN 37916
Reimbursement: Individual DNN TECH institutions are responsible for covering event participant travel and lodging expenses.
Virtual Component: While we are primarily intending for this to be an in-person event, we expect to be able to provide a virtual component for at least the student presentations. Please select your interest in this option within your registration form and we will share details as they become available.
Event Contacts: Alexander Proksch, DNN TECH Program Manager, aproksch@utk.edu