BEACON 2025

BEACON 25
Dates: October 14–15, 2025

Location(s):
o    Day 1: Ag and Natural Resources Ballroom (ANR 101A/B), 2431 Joe Johnson Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996
o    Day 2: East TN AgResearch and Education Center (ETREC) Plant Sciences Unit, 3450 Maloney Rd. Knoxville, TN 37920
•    Hosted by: The UT Turfgrass Program 

Full Agenda

Event Description:
BEACON 25 is a two-day event that brings together students, researchers, and industry professionals working in turfgrass and landscape systems. Hosted by the UT Turfgrass Program, the event includes a career networking fair, research showcase, and opportunities for professional networking. Whether you're exploring career paths, hiring future talent, or interested in applied research, BEACON is designed to connect the people shaping the future of the turfgrass industry. 

Who is BEACON for?
BEACON 25 is open to:
•    Students — Undergraduate and graduate students interested in the turfgrass industry or related industries
•    Industry Professionals — Those seeking interns or employees, interested in ongoing research at UT, or looking to expand their professional network
•    County Extension Agents and Related Personnel
•    Researchers & Stakeholders — Individuals engaged in turfgrass or landscape-related research or outreach

 STUDENT REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL.

Full Agenda

Registration Details
Registration Window:
•    Early Bird Deadline: September 15, 2025
•    Closes: October 7, 2025 (one week prior to event) 

Registrant Categories and Cost Structure:
Students: Free
County Extension Agents and University Personnel: Free
Industry Participants (Full Package – Days 1 and 2; Limit: 30): 
Early Bird (through September 15):
•    $299 per company (includes 1 representative, 10’ x 10’ booth space, 1 table, two chairs) 
•    $75 per additional representative
Standard Pricing (September 16 – October 7):
•    $350 per company (includes 1 representative, 10’ x 10’ booth space, 1 table, two chairs) 
•    $95 per additional representative
Industry Participants (Day 2 – Research Field Tour) Only: $75

Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships help offset event overhead, food and beverage costs, and student incentives. Sponsors will receive recognition on signage, printed materials, and during event announcements.
•    Student Luncheon Sponsor (Day 1): $150 (Max 3 sponsors)
•    Bronze: $150
•    Silver: $250
•    Gold: $350
•    Platinum: $500 (Max 2 sponsors – Platinum sponsors are granted 5 minutes to address the audience, which they can choose to do either at a break during the student career fair or at lunch on Day 2 depending on their target audience).  --SOLD OUT
Note: Sponsorship does not include a career fair booth or Day 1 access. These must be purchased separately. However, all sponsors are granted access to Day 2 (Research Field Plot Tour) as part of their sponsorship. 

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.