2024 Endeavor Summit Seeks to Increase Talent Retention

Knoxville Chamber to host ninth annual Endeavor Summit on October 3rd

The Knoxville Chamber and presenting sponsor Bank of America will host the area’s largest gathering of young professionals and emerging leaders from across the region at the 2024 Endeavor Summit, to be held on October 3rd at Bridgewater Place.

The Endeavor Summit has served as the Knoxville Chamber’s primary young professional engagement program. Retaining young professionals is crucial for a community’s economic growth, as they bring fresh ideas, innovation, and a dynamic workforce that can adapt to changing market demands. Additionally, their engagement fosters a vibrant cultural and social landscape, making the community more attractive for businesses and families alike.

This year’s keynote features a panel of young leaders from the Knoxville area. Leaders from BESCO, United Way of Greater Knoxville, Pannell Construction, and Pier Group will share advice on building a career, challenges they have faced, lessons they have learned, and the importance of doing it all in Knoxville.

Breakout sessions will focus on professional development including communicating across generations and conflict management, and on community engagement including evaluating Knoxville’s current position in the talent and economic development markets. Loud tables – a signature breakout session featuring speed interactions – will focus on Knoxville living, personal finance, and connection opportunities.

During each session break, Lifetime Products will give away door prizes, including pickleball sets and coolers, to encourage young professionals to explore Knoxville’s outdoor amenities. The day’s events end with a giveaway where two local nonprofits –East Tennessee Epilepsy Foundation and Royal Youth Dance – will receive a portion of ticket sales.

Session details along with a full list of speakers are available at EndeavorSummit.com. 

2024 Endeavor Summit sponsors include Bank of America, the University of Tennessee, Lifetime Products, 21st Mortgage, Pilot Company, Axle Logistics, and Food City.

“The Endeavor Summit continues to be a powerful catalyst for young professionals and emerging leaders,” said Lina Evans, Market Executive, Bank of America Knoxville. “For the sixth consecutive year, we are proud to partner with the Knoxville Chamber and the Endeavor Summit to play a role in empowering our community and supporting the next generation of leaders to ensure Knoxville remains a thriving hub for emerging talent.”

“Over the last twelve years, Knox County has grown it’s 25-to-54-year-old population by only seven percent. Peer cities including Chattanooga, Asheville, and Greenville are all seeing higher growth numbers,” said Mike Odom, President and CEO, Knoxville Chamber. “We encourage local employers to take advantage of talent retention programs like Endeavor to get their younger employees more engaged in the community. Our future depends on it.”

For more information about the Knoxville Chamber and the Endeavor Summit, visit EndeavorSummit.com or email Amanda O’Dell at [email protected].