UT Leadership Conference (UTLC)
Contact Us
Please direct questions and inquiries about the Conference for Women’s Leadership to:
Sarah Crichton
May 19-21, 2026
Knoxville Convention Center
UT System Administration HR, EOD presents the UT Leadership Conference (UTLC). UTLC is designed to empower every participant with practical skills, leadership development, and fresh inspiration for both personal and professional growth. This conference fosters a culture of engagement, innovation, and well-being across all roles and disciplines. Attendees will have opportunities to build meaningful connections, exchange best practices, and contribute to a thriving community—benefiting themselves and their organizations alike.
The theme “Empower” is about equipping leaders with the skills, strategies, and inspiration to elevate their work and careers. UTLC is open to all UT employees, community leaders, and industry partners of all leadership levels: Individual Contributors, Emerging Leaders, Early Leaders, and Middle Managers.
Agenda
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
5:00 PM Check-in Table Open & casual networking
7:00 PM Registration table closed
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
7:45 AM Check-in Table Open & Breakfast
8:45 AM Welcome & Kick Off
9:10 AM Keynote
9:40 AM Coffee Break
10:00 AM BREAKOUT SESSION 1
11:00 AM Coffee Break
11:20 AM BREAKOUT SESSION 2
12:20 PM Lunch
1:40 PM BREAKOUT SESSION 3
2:40 PM Coffee Break
3:00 PM BREAKOUT SESSION 4
4:00 PM Networking (optional)
5:00 PM Check-in Table Closes
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:45 AM Check-in Table Open & Breakfast
8:45 AM BREAKOUT SESSION 5
9:45 AM COFFEE BREAK
10:05 AM Leadership Panel: Leading Through Complexity
11:30 AM Lunch
12:30 PM Adjourn
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the leadership levels?
Individual Contributor: Primarily executes work independently; may mentor informally but has little/no people-management responsibility. Eg, Analyst, Generalist, Specialist, etc.)
Emerging Leader: A high-performing IC who leads projects or coordinates others without formal authority; may supervise students or have dotted-line leadership. Eg, Coordinator, Lead, Committee Chair, etc.
Early Leader: Typically supervises staff, manages a small unit, owns a defined program area, and oversees its outcomes. Eg, Assistant/Associate Director, Assistant/Associate Dean, Manager, Department Chair, etc.
Middle Manager: Leads supervisors or multiple teams; strategy execution, cross-unit coordination, and sustained operational performance. Eg, Director, Exec. Director, Assistant/Associate Dean, Department Chair, etc
What are the learning tracks?
Communication & Influence: Build the people-skills that move work forward—no matter your role or title. This track focuses on giving and receiving feedback with confidence, navigating difficult conversations with clarity and respect, and using emotional intelligence to strengthen relationships.
Employee Experience: Create the kind of workplace where people can do their best work and want to stay. Sessions in this track explore psychological safety, coaching, performance management that supports growth, and practical approaches to conflict.
Personal Leadership & Growth: Strengthen the habits and mindset that power long-term success. This track emphasizes emotional intelligence and self-awareness, resilience and adaptability, and goal setting for career advancement.
Well-Being: Support sustainable performance—without burning out. This track offers strategies for mindfulness and stress management, preventing burnout, and setting healthy boundaries that protect focus and productivity.
Engagement & Recognition: Increase motivation by helping people feel seen, valued, and connected to purpose. This track explores how to find meaning in your work, recognize your own and others’ strengths, and build everyday habits of appreciation.
AI & Digital Fluency: Get confident using today’s digital tools—responsibly and effectively. This track covers practical AI use to improve efficiency, quality, and workflow support, along with considerations for responsible use (privacy, accuracy, and transparency).
Who can register?
Anyone can register! UT employees, community leaders, higher education professionals, etc.
How much is registration?
UT Employees: $250 via departmental transfers after the conference, thus registering for “free” initially with the access code on the SharePoint site.
Non-UT Attendees: $350
How can I register?
Register on the UTLC website before May 5!