Save the date - July 27-29, 2026
Collegiate Sports Sustainability Network Annual Conference
@ The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
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Join Us
The CSSN conference will be an exciting opportunity for professionals and students who are interested in the intersections of sustainability and sport in higher education.
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville blends natural beauty with an inviting, walkable downtown full of Southern charm. Whether you’re looking to recharge between sessions or extend your stay, Knoxville offers something for every pace.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails and river views at Ijams Nature Center and the expansive Knoxville Urban Wilderness or enjoy a peaceful stroll through the UT Gardens right on campus. Volunteer Landing and the Tennessee River waterfront offer beautiful skyline views, especially at sunset.
Downtown, historic Gay Street and lively Market Square are filled with local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and gathering spaces. Take in panoramic views from the iconic Sunsphere at World’s Fair Park, visit the free Knoxville Museum of Art, or explore the Old City for live music and nightlife in a beautifully preserved historic district.
If you have additional time, a short drive will lead you to rolling fields and quiet river bends at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Altogether, Knoxville offers a relaxed yet vibrant setting that reflects the character and creativity of the region.
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Tentative Schedule
Monday, July 27th
4-6PM Opening Receptions - Location TBD
Tuesday, July 28th
8am-9am: Breakfast
9am-10am: Keynote Session
10am-12pm: Session I, II
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Session III, IV
4pm-6pm: Athletics Tour
Wednesday, July 29th
8am-9am: Breakfast
9am-10am: CSSN Session
10am-11am: Session V
11am-12:30pm: Student-Athlete Session
12:30pm: Grab-n-go lunch available
1pm-4pm: Optional Tour
Schedule is subject to change
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Call for Proposals
The Collegiate Sports Sustainability Conference invites innovative and passionate leaders to submit presentation proposals that advance the future of sustainability in college athletics. We welcome submissions across a wide range of focus areas, including academics and research, fan and community engagement, operations and efficiency, sponsorship and marketing, student‑athlete leadership, and other emerging topics that support sustainable progress in collegiate sports. Whether you’re driving change on campus, in competition venues, or throughout your community, we encourage you to share your insights, successes, and ideas to help shape a more sustainable athletic landscape.
Deadline: 11:59PM EST Friday, May 29th
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Registration and Travel Logistics
Registration Coming soon!
Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, TN.
Distance: Approximately 11-12 miles south of downtown Knoxville.
Ground Transportation: Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and rental cars are available for the short trip to campus.
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Lodging Options
More details coming soon!
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Sponsorships
Sponsorship opportunities for the Collegiate Sports Sustainability Conference will offer organizations a unique platform to showcase their commitment to environmental and social responsibility within college athletics. From branding visibility to meaningful engagement with campus leaders, student‑athletes, and industry partners, our sponsorship packages will provide impactful ways to support and elevate sustainability initiatives across the collegiate sports landscape.
More details on sponsorship levels and benefits will be shared soon.