2026 Annual Session Special Events

See below for details on the Welcome Event, Wellness Activities and the Leadership Event. 

Welcome Event 

Dollywood 

This event is open to all full registered attendees and those that purchased the Welcome Event ticket. Dinner will be provided. Busing will be provided. 

Service, community and making positive change are essential to the heart of NEAFCS, and equally important to Tennesseans. As Extension educators, our focus is people – the clientele we serve, our friends, and most importantly, our families. This passion is found at the heart of Dollywood’s mission and values. Come and celebrate decades of love, family, and Appalachian culture with us as we embark on an adventure to Dollywood to make memories worth repeating. More than an amusement park, Dollywood invites guests to learn, grow and take some of the East Tennessee Appalachian culture home with you. Experience the harvest festival providing individuals the opportunity to taste delightful Appalachian flavors at over thirty food vendors, be immersed in the beauty of East Tennessee’s fall colors in flora, fauna and vegetables and hear the sweet strains of classic Tennessee music – including Southern gospel, county and bluegrass! Engross yourselves in our southern traditions and heritage while experiencing hands-on learning at Dollywood’s exhibits, shows and live demonstrations. From glassblowing, blacksmithing, an Eagle sanctuary, homemade brooms, candle making, storytelling, a working grist mill, and more, there is truly something for everyone to learn! Enjoy this multi-sensory experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, enlightened and ready to return to our states to build our communities, increase service and engage with volunteers to make lifelong changes for the better. 

Wellness Activities

Tuesday, September 29th

  • Walk/Jog - 6:30 AM: Participants will meet in front of the Marriot Hotel at 6:30 AM for a morning walk around the World’s Fair Park Greenway (approximately 1.5 miles round trip). The Park sits on the former fairgrounds of the 1982 World's Fair hosted in Knoxville. Attendees are welcome to do a self-paced jog or run. Weather Permitting.
  • Line Dancing  - 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM: No cowboy hat necessary! Almost all line dances are built by combining a few fundamental movements. Join us for gentle exercise and lots of fun!
  • Tai Chi - 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM:  Join us for a gentle mind-body practice combining slow movements, deep breathing, and meditation. It improves balance, builds muscle strength, and reduces stress.

Wednesday, September 30th

  • Walk/Jog - 6:30 AM: Participants will meet in front of the Hilton Hotel at 6:30 AM for a sunrise walk across the Gay Street Pedestrian Bridge (approximately 1.5 miles round trip). View the Tennessee River, UT Knoxville Campus and the Knoxville Skyline. Attendees are welcome to do a self-paced jog or run. Weather Permitting.
  • Drums Alive - two sessions: 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM & 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Join us for a high-energy, research-backed fitness class that combines traditional aerobics with the rhythm of drumming. Using stability balls and drumsticks, participants get a full-body workout that boosts cognitive function, reduces stress, and improves cardiovascular health.

Thursday, October 1st

  • Walk/Jog - 6:30 AM: Participants will meet in front of the Cumberland House Hotel at 6:30 AM for a morning walk around the University of Tennessee Campus (approximately 2 miles round trip). Get a close-up view of the Pat Summit Statue and other sports legends as we stroll past Circle Park, Neyland Stadium, and Thompson Boling Arena at Food City Center. 
  • Chair Yoga - 6:30 – 7:00 AM: Excellent for all fitness levels -delivering increased flexibility, improved strength, reduced joint strain, and significant mental stress relief without requiring floor work or heavy impact.
  • Stay Strong Stay Healthy - 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM:  Join us for this evidenced-based progressive strength training program for older adults. Join FCS agents Haley Barnes and Rebekah Melton for a 30-minute introduction session that provides safe, structured and effective exercises to improve strength, balance and flexibility.

Rocky-Top Relaxation Room

Need a moment to recharge between conference sessions? Stop by the Rocky Top Relax Room to unwind with DIY herbal teas, essential oils, puzzles, and calming activities to help you relax and unwind.

  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Leadership Event (Invitation Only)

Join us for an engaging and interactive Leadership Event designed for Presidents, Mentoring Groups, and National Officers. This session blends hands-on learning with real-world leadership insight. Participants will take part in a fun, team-based leadership challenge using Mr. Potato Head, focused on strengthening communication, active listening, and collaboration. This activity will highlight how clear direction, trust, and teamwork drive successful outcomes. The session will also feature a special guest, Joan Cronan, former University of Tennessee Women’s Athletics Director and longtime colleague of Pat Summitt. She will share leadership lessons drawn from her experience in collegiate athletics and her work alongside one of the most respected leaders in sports. This session offers a unique opportunity to build practical leadership skills while gaining inspiration from proven leadership excellence.