2025 Speaker Series: In HER Arena - Where Women Lead the Game Follows

The chamber's Speaker Series events provide an opportunity for businesses and the public to hear from speakers on specific topics or issues that are of importance to them, their business, and our community. Members receive discounted pricing as a benefit of membership. Attendees from the community are always welcome. 

Auditorium Seating Only - No Breakfast Available

It’s no secret that Knoxville is home to a beloved ranking SEC Football team, Elite 8 NCAA basketball, championship baseball, hockey, and the new Smokies baseball stadium now in the heart of downtown.

But women’s sports are rapidly growing—both as an industry and as a platform for local talent. Join us for an engaging morning as we explore the rise of women’s sports in our region, with a look at its history, recent milestones, and what lies ahead.

Our panel features:

• Joan Cronan, UTK Women’s Athletics Director Emeritus and Tennessee’s first female Athletic Director
• Brittany Tarwater, WVLT news anchor and former Lady Vols swimmer, 2007 SEC Champion and 7-time All-American
• Drew McKenna, founder and managing partner of One Knox Sporting Club, which recently launched a pre-professional women’s soccer team at the new Covenant Health Park
• Tess Darby, recent UT graduate and standout player for the Lady Vols Basketball team

Emceed by Missy Kane, Olympic middle-distance runner and Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame inductee, this inspiring session will give you insight into just how far female sports have come, where they’re headed within our metro region, and how businesses/individuals can support the growth of the aspiring athlete leaders and opportunities in our community.