Photo by Steven Bridges, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
We’re thrilled to host the 2025 UPAA Symposium at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville!
There’s no better setting for a symposium than here in East Tennessee. Founded in 1794 as a small college in the Southwest Territory, UT has grown into Tennessee’s flagship university and a premier public research institution. The 920-acre campus sits by the Tennessee River and the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The symposium will be primarily hosted in the state-of-the-art Student Union, centrally located between the iconic Neyland Stadium and the historic 'Hill,' where UT’s campus began.
Just beyond the beautiful campus lies Knoxville’s vibrant downtown and Old City districts, filled with outstanding food, art, and entertainment. Earlier this year, Knoxville was named one of America’s top 10 towns to visit by CNN. For those looking to explore before or after the symposium, Knoxville is just an hour from Great Smoky Mountains National Park (America’s most visited national park), the scenic Foothills Parkway, the Cherokee National Forest, and thousands of acres of rivers and lakes.
The Symposium fee covers the speakers, presentations, and break-out sessions. Transportation to and from campus each day will be via car pooling with fellow attendees, or it is a brisk 30 minute walk for the adventurous. Other events are within a few blocks of the hotel.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and create in one of the most beautiful settings in the Southeast!
What to Expect
Attire: Causal attire is appropriate during the week and business casual for the banquet on Thursday evening.
Gear: Our corporate partners will be on hand to lend gear and answer questions. You may want to bring your gear for the Nikon Shootout or the Video Shootout.
Camera Clean and Check: Many of our Corporate Partners will offer complimentary Clean and Check for their brand of cameras. Two-item limit.
Computers: A computer is beneficial for processing photos and videos for the Shootouts. If you cannot bring a computer someone will gladly share with you.
Transportation to Campus: The host hotel is a short drive to campus. Like previous years, we are planning to utilize carpooling to get to and from campus. Drivers will receive parking permits if they serve as a driver for others.
Meals: Most all meals are provided except Tuesday dinner.
Registration closes on June 20, 2025,
and refunds are available through June 20, 2025
To register you must be logged in.
Dates: July 14 - 18, 2025
July 14-17: Formal Programming: Speakers, breakout sessions, corporate partners all week. Formal programming will conclude with the Awards Banquet Thursday, July 17th.
July 18: Volunteer Service Project (limited attendance): On Friday, July 18th, there will be a voluntary service project. The purpose of this project is to assist local nonprofits by using video and photo skills that have been learned during the event. This is not mandatory, and the event will have limited attendance.
Additional information about the service project, including how to participate and any requirements or limitations on attendance, will be shared at a later time.
Accommodations
We will be staying in downtown Knoxville, not far from the campus. The host hotel is the Hyatt Place, with the Courtyard by Marriott serving as the overflow hotel. Rooms have been reserved at both hotels, but they are expected to fill quickly. Several other hotels and lodging options are available nearby if needed.
Both the Hyatt Place and Courtyard by Marriott include breakfast with your stay. Parking is available just a short walk from each hotel at a rate of approximately $7 per day. Valet parking at the Hyatt is also available, with in-and-out privileges, for $40 per day.
Hyatt Place
King Room- $130/night
Double Queen Room- $160/night
Reservations Group Code: G-UPAA
Reservations close on June 13, 2025
Available July 13 to 19
(prices do not include tax)
Courtyard by Marriott
King or Queen Room- $139/night
Reservations
Reservations close on June 13, 2025
Available July 14 to 18
(prices do not include tax)
Speakers/Presenters
We are busy working on speakers covering, photo, video, leadership, and other relevant topics.
Prices
|
Membership |
Before June 1st | June 1st | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full | $629 | $749 | |||||||
| Video Producer | $629 | $749 | |||||||
| Associate | $629 | $749 | |||||||
| Retired | $529 | $599 | |||||||
| Life | $529 | $599 | |||||||
| Student | $529 | $599 | |||||||
| Partner (spouse) | $529 | $599 | |||||||
| Corporate Partner | $350 | $350 |
Registration closes on June 20, 2025, and refunds are available through June 20, 2025
Transportation
The closest airport to downtown Knoxville is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which is easy to navigate. Transportation to the campus and hotels is convenient, with a short Uber or Lyft ride available. For those flying into a larger airport, Nashville International Airport (BNA) is about a three-hour drive from Knoxville.
Corporate Partners
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