October 7-9
In Downtown Chattanooga
2026 Tri-State Summit

The Role of Community Leaders Has Never Been More Important
The Tri-State Summit is Thrive’s flagship conference that inspires and connects community leaders in northeast Alabama, northwest Georgia, and southeast Tennessee. Join Thrive for two fun days of ideas, insights, and collaboration around responsible growth in the tri-state.

Who’s Coming?
The Tri-State Summit welcomes community decision-makers of all kinds. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Elected officials
- Municipal leaders
- City/regional planners
- Nonprofit leaders
- Private sector leaders
- Philanthropic organizations
Scholarships
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, scholarships may be available for those for whom the registration cost is a barrier to attending the conference. Please inquire by emailing info@thriveregion.org.
Schedule at a Glance
Wednesday, October 7
- Summit check-in
- Excursions
- Tri-State Leadership Circle: A Convening of Chief Elected Officials from Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama (invitation only)
- Kick-off Reception
Thursday, October 8
- Presentations and panel discussions
- Workshops
- Keynote address by Joe Minicozzi
Friday, October 9
- Workshops
- Excursions
Meals
- Wednesday Kick-off Reception: Light food and drinks
- Thursday: Breakfast, lunch, light snacks and drinks
Create your community toolkit for responsible growth
The Role of a Community Leader Has Never Been More Important, or Full of Opportunity.
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You might be wondering, how can my community access high-speed internet? Can planning trails spark my town’s economy? Where can I find reliable data to address my city’s transportation problems? How can my planning efforts embrace nature to create a resilient future for my community?
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Inspire your community’s future with a full program of professional development, education, and experiences with keynote speakers, panels, and subject matter experts. Plus, you’ll build lasting relationships with colleagues from across the region.
Sponsors of the Tri-state Summit benefit from highly visible recognition across Thrive’s regional platforms, before, during, and after the event in November.
Accommodations
Download the Tri-State Summit App

The Westin Chattanooga
801 Pine St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
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Make the most of your Summit experience by staying at the Westin, right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. The convenient location keeps you close to Summit sessions, favorite restaurants, and other local activities.
Wednesday, October 7
- Summit check-in
- Excursions
- Tri-State Leadership Circle: A Convening of Chief Elected Officials from Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama (invitation only)
- Kick-off Reception
‍
Thursday, October 8
- Presentations and panel discussions
- Workshops
- Keynote address by Joe Minicozzi
‍
Friday, October 9
- Workshops
- Excursions
‍
Meals
- Kick-off Reception: Light food and drinks
- Thursday: Breakfast, lunch, light snacks and drinks
Please Note: This is the 2025 Tri-State Summit agenda. Speakers and agenda for 2026 is forthcoming.
Why the Tri-State Summit?
Rated a 5-star event by attendees, the Tri-State Summit connects community and business leaders with high-quality, relevant content that directly supports responsible development initiatives.
“The Tri-State Summit in Chattanooga was a truly elevated, top-tier experience—far exceeding typical conferences. With leaders and innovators from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and the national level, it fostered meaningful collaboration and connection across the region and beyond. It was an event that blended inspiration with action, leaving me renewed with fresh ideas and purpose to carry into my work and community.”
‍
Carey Fauscett-Anderson,
Dade County, Georgia
Justify Your Attendance
We’ve created a customizable letter that you can share with your manager or organization to explain the value of your attendance at the Tri-State Summit. Download the letter and add or adjust details to show how you’ll use the knowledge and connections made at the Summit to advance your work.
Thanks to Our 2026 Summit Supporters!
Sponsor the Summit
Sponsors of the Tri-state Summit benefit from highly visible recognition across Thrive’s regional platforms, before, during, and after the event in November.
Tri-State Summit Event Details
Download the Tri-State Summit App
Venues

The Westin Chattanooga
801 Pine St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
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The majority of the Tri-State Summit program will take place in the ballroom at the Westin Chattanooga. Valet parking is available, and you can often find street parking nearby.
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Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided at the Tri-State Summit. Alimentari Bar and Cucina, the rooftop Paloma Bar de Tapas, and Marketplace by Westin are available for dining after conference hours.
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‍Guests are responsible for making their own reservations with the correct arrival and departure dates.
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Book by Saturday, September 6, 2025 to receive the group rate!

Barrelhouse Ballroom
1501 Long St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
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Start the Summit off strong by checking in and socializing with fellow attendees at the Beyond Today Soirée at Barrelhouse Ballroom located in Chattanooga’s hip Southside district. This festive event will feature live music, appetizers, and locally sourced beverages.
Why the Tri-State Summit?
Rated a 5-star event by attendees, the Tri-State Summit connects community and business leaders with high-quality, relevant content that directly supports responsible development initiatives.
“The Tri-State Summit in Chattanooga was a truly elevated, top-tier experience—far exceeding typical conferences. With leaders and innovators from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and the national level, it fostered meaningful collaboration and connection across the region and beyond. It was an event that blended inspiration with action, leaving me renewed with fresh ideas and purpose to carry into my work and community.”
‍
Carey Fauscett-Anderson,
Dade County, Georgia
Justify Your Attendance
We’ve created a customizable letter that you can share with your manager or organization to explain the value of your attendance at the Tri-State Summit. Download the letter and add or adjust details to show how you’ll use the knowledge and connections made at the Summit to advance your work.
Accomodations
The Westin Chattanooga
801 Pine St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Make the most of your Summit experience by staying at the Westin, right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. The convenient location keeps you close to Summit sessions, favorite restaurants, and other local activities.






















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