About our Speaker Series
The chamber’s Speaker Series events provide an opportunity for businesses and the public to hear from speakers on specific topics or issues that are of importance to them, their business, and our community. Members receive discounted pricing as a benefit of membership. Attendees from the community are always welcome.
Our next Speaker Series: 2026 Knox County Mayoral Candidate Luncheon presented by
The next Knox County mayor will serve over half a million residents and oversee a budget of $1.1 billion or more (based on the 2025-26 budget).
Join us for a luncheon with the candidates and emcee/facilitator, Bill Lyons, as they answer our questions and yours.
Lyons is vastly experience in the fields of Tennessee state and local government, American politics, voting behaviors and elections, including 16 years as the chief policy officer for the City of Knoxville before returning to the University of Tennessee. He is currently a professor emeritus of political science in the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs.
Confirmed candidate participants to date are:
Betsy Henderson – Knox County Board of Education Chair, District 6
Kim Frazier – Knox County Commission, At Large, Seat 11 (Vice Chair 2025-26)
Larsen Jay – Knox County Commission, At Large, Seat 10
Beau Hawk – President, Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council
📍Rothchild Event Center | 8807 Kingston Pike
📅Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:oopm
Lunch included for all attendees.
Tickets/Sponsorships:
Individual Tickets: $35 (members) or $45 (non-members)
Reserved Tables of 10: $325 (members) or $450 (non-members)
presenting sponsor:
Event Sponsor:
Community Sponsors:
Sponsorships are available in limited quantities to Chamber Members.
- $500 – Community Sponsor: 2 seats at a table
- $1000 – Event Sponsor: 4 seats at a table (industry exclusive)