BEACON 2026

BEACON 26Dates: October 13-14, 2026

Where is BEACON?
All BEACON 26 events will be held in the Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Building on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus.
Agriculture & Natural Resources Building
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996

Hosted by: The UT Turfgrass Program 

Event Description:
BEACON is a two-day professional development and career event connecting students, employers, faculty, and industry professionals from across the turfgrass industry. This year's BEACON reverse career fair flips the traditional career fair model, positioning students at dedicated networking tables while employers circulate for meaningful one-on-one conversations.

Who Should Attend?
BEACON welcomes:
• Undergraduate and graduate students seeking internships and career opportunities
• Turfgrass employers and industry partners
• University faculty and staff
• Extension professionals
• Industry leaders committed to workforce development

Why Attend?
Whether you are launching your career or recruiting the next generation of professionals, BEACON is designed to foster meaningful connections through professional development, networking, and an innovative career event experience. Students gain practical career skills and direct access to employers, while employers engage with talented students from universities across the Southeast in a conversation-focused environment.

Registration Details
Registration Window:
•    Early Bird Deadline: September 18, 2026
•    Closes: October 6, 2026 (one week prior to event) 

Registrant Categories and Cost Structure:
Students: Free
University Personnel: Free

Regular Employer $195 (early bird), after September 18 $250:
Includes:
•    BEACON Reverse Career Fair
• Networking Reception
• Student Profiles

VIP Employer Registration (limit 10-1 per company) $295 early bird, after September 18 $350: SOLD OUT
Includes everything in Standard Registration, plus:
• Employer Showcase Luncheon (lunch included)
• One 5-minute presentation (1-2 representatives)
• Exclusive access to introduce your organization to students prior to the Career Event


BEACON 26 Sponsorship Oppportunities

All sponsorships include a dedicated networking table throughout BEACON.
Support the next generation of turfgrass professionals while demonstrating your organization's commitment to workforce development.

Professional Development Session Sponsor $2,500 (2 Available)
Support one of BEACON's featured professional development sessions.
Includes:
• Exclusive sponsorship of one session
• Session naming recognition (e.g., "ABC Company's Professional Development Session")
• 5-minute welcome and company introduction
• Logo recognition on session materials, signage, and registration website
Available Sessions
• Professional Development Session I: Landing the Interview
• Professional Development Session II: You Got the Interview...Now What?

Digital Business Card Sponsor $1,500 (1 Available)--SOLD OUT
Sponsor personalized digital business cards for every student attendee.
Includes:
• Company logo featured alongside the BEACON logo on each student's digital business card (where feasible)
• Recognition on the registration website, event signage, and promotional materials
• Recognition during opening remarks

Networking Reception Sponsor $1,000 (2 Available)
Help provide refreshments for the BEACON Networking Reception.
Includes:
• Recognition as a Networking Reception Sponsor
• Sponsor signage displayed throughout the reception
• Recognition during reception announcements
• Recognition on the registration website and event signage

MEDIA RELEASE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT
I understand that by attending this event, photos or videos featuring me may be used by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) for promotional or educational purposes, including use on websites, in publications, or on social media platforms.

STUDENTS ONLY:  CONSENT TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH EMPLOYERS
I consent for my contact information and professional interests to be shared with participating employers as part of BEACON 25 career networking activities.