Nuclear Opportunities Workshop (NOW)

Tennessee’s Premier Nuclear Industry Gathering

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NOW is an annual conference focused on the full spectrum of the nuclear ecosystem, bringing together professionals, suppliers, researchers, and students in Tennessee’s Oak Ridge Corridor.

NOW Tagline Graphic - Learn, Promote, Network, Connect

WHAT IS NOW?

NOW is ETEC's Nuclear Opportunities Workshop, Tennessee’s premier nuclear industry conference focused on all things nuclear.

In July 2025, ETEC’s 7th annual NOW Conference hosted 1,000 attendees, made up of experts in nuclear fission and fusion energy, national security, radioisotopes, environmental management, policy, regulation, reactors, and workforce development; 70 exhibitors; and 150 students. The total included representatives from 300 companies across 34 states, as well as numerous industry leaders, federal and state officials, and national trade organizations interested in collaborating with nuclear companies in these fields.

The 2 full-day conference and Atomic After Party Reception was held at the Knoxville Convention Center in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.

The NOW Conference has become a premier platform to showcase the advancements and opportunities within the nuclear industry in Tennessee. The exponential growth of NOW over the past few years underscores Tennessee’s commitment as the nation’s hub for nuclear innovation, driving America’s resurgence as a global leader in nuclear energy.

Countdown to NOW 2026!

Day

Hour

Minute

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Nuclear Opportunities Workshop

August 4-5, 2026

Knoxville Convention Center

NOW has become a vital hub for networking and knowledge exchange among leading professionals in the nuclear industry.

Join us in the Oak Ridge Corridor for this growing, engaging, and informative conference.

LEARN & NETWORK:

Attendee registration is NOW open!

Early Registration: March 2 - April 30 - $725
Advanced Registration: May 1 - July 21 - $875
General Registration: July 22 - August 5 - $1,125
Students/Interns/Postdocs: $50 or FREE through a Student Engagement Option (details below)

Attendee Registration for NOW 2026

PROMOTE & SUPPORT:

Supporting NOW positions your organization at the center of one of the nation’s premier nuclear industry gatherings. Supporters gain strategic opportunities to elevate their brand and engage with leaders from across the nuclear industry, with visibility before, during, and after the conference. Learn more here.

Supporter Registration for NOW 2026

NOW 2026 TIMELINE:

January 30: Supporter/Exhibitor Registration Open - REGISTER as a Supporter | View the Prospectus | Visit the Opportunity Page
January 30: Early Hotel Block Opens - Marriott Knoxville Downtown & Hampton Inn Knoxville Downtown (Lodging & Travel Page Link)
February 28: Early Hotel Block Closes - Marriott Knoxville Downtown
March 2-April 30: Early Registration ($725) | REGISTER as an ATTENDEE
May 1-July 21: Advanced Registration ($875)
July 3: Hotel Block Closes for all Hotels
July 15: Supporter Registration Closes
July 22-August 5: General Registration ($1,125)
August 4 - Day 1 NOW Conference at Knoxville Convention Center (KCC)
August 4 - Atomic After Party (5:00-7:00 at KCC)
August 5 - Day 2 NOW Conference at KCC

Click Here to Sign Up for NOW 2026 Conference Updates.

NOW 2025 - AGENDA TOPICS

NOW will offer panel discussions, keynote presentations, and fireside chats on the topics below. Click here for the 2025 agenda. (2026 is coming soon!)

Cleanup Today for Nuclear Tomorrow
Forging The Future: Building on Lessons Learned
Fusion Energy Now
Nuclear Fuels: Enrichment and Fabrication
Partnerships to Advance National Security
Unleashing Tennessee's Nuclear Future
Financing Nuclear Projects
Nuclear Energy: Team to Power AI
Back End of the Fuel Cycle
Expediting Processes to Accelerate U.S. Nuclear Renaissance
Nuclear Workforce Training and Education
Establishing Tennessee’s Radiopharmaceutical Ecosystem
Advanced Reactors: Micro, Gen III+, Gen IV

STUDENTS, INTERNS & POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

May attend the NOW Conference at a significantly reduced rate.

Registration: $50, or
FREE through the Student Engagement Option

Through the Student Engagement Option, students earn free registration by sharing a short video or post on social media highlighting their interest in attending NOW or a current nuclear-related research project.

Student Engagement Option Instructions (to attend NOW for free):

Think of why you want to attend NOW, or about a nuclear-related research project you are working on (please use positive perspectives only).
Create a 30 second video or draft text and find a image portraying your thoughts.
Use the #STUDENTETECNOW2026.
Tag ETEC: @East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC) on LinkedIn and @easttennesseeeconomiccouncil on Instagram in the post.
Post on LinkedIn or Instagram, copying the URL of the post.
Email Chandra on the ETEC staff to obtain the promo code for free registration.
Register for NOW entering the URL of the post in the registration form.

Note: This free option is available from March 1 - July 24. If students register after July 24, they will need to pay the $50. This fee may be refunded during the conference by showing proof of a video or post made at or live during the NOW Conference on August 4-5 at the Knoxville Convention Center.