Optional Add-On Experience
Extend your conference experience with an exclusive Friday afternoon session inside Dollywood, available to the first 50 Academic Meeting Professionals Conference attendees to claim a spot! Enjoy a luncheon hosted by All Occasion Party Rentals in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion followed by a guided walking tour of signature event spaces led by Dollywood’s event professionals.  You’ll hear how they approach budgeting, cross-departmental collaboration, simultaneous project planning, change management, guest-experience enhancements, brand integrity, and real-time operational decision-making at “America’s #1 Theme Park” (as named by Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards three of the last four years!). Gain practical insights into the systems they use to deliver top-tier hospitality and seamless event support, and gather ideas and inspiration that you can apply to your work at the University.

Event Ticket: $75 (approximately 2.5-hour experience, including bus transportation, luncheon and walking tour)
Please note that a Dollywood ticket or season pass is required for park entry and is not included with the $75 event ticket.  Park tickets must be purchased at the individual’s expense and will be available to UT employees at a discounted rate. When these discounted tickets become available from Dollywood, the link will be shared. Stay tuned for now! This educational session is an addition to the standard conference, so please confirm with your supervisor that you have approval to attend before registering. Please note that the purchase of a park ticket is not a reimbursable expense.

Academic Meeting Professionals Conference

August 27-28, 2026

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee