Announcement Video
City of Knoxville
Summit
A three-day national gathering built for municipal leaders, public safety professionals, and event operators working at the intersection of city management and live experiences. This is where strategy, policy, and execution come together.
Network
Engage with peers across cities and disciplines in an environment designed for real conversation, not surface-level networking. Build relationships with the people shaping how events, entertainment zones, and public spaces operate nationwide.
Train
Participate in practical sessions focused on real-world application, from operational planning to public safety coordination. Walk away with tools, strategies, and approaches you can immediately implement in your own city.
MSES27 Registration
MSES27 is designed to deliver high-impact training and cross-department collaboration for municipal professionals working at the intersection of events, public safety, and the experience economy. Registration includes access to all sessions, networking events, and curated programming associated with your ticket built specifically for public sector environments.
Early Bird Registration - Until SEP 30, 2026
$495
General Summit Registration - OCT 01, 2026 and later
$595
Academy Registration (Separate from Summit)
$150
Speaker Registration
$395
Groups of 3+ Discount Per Ticket
$50 Off
Hotel Rate Block Ends: Novevember 1, 2026 - - Summit Resgitration and Payment Deadline: January 18, 2027
Important Deadlines
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Cancellations must be submitted by the registered attendee using the Modify Registration link below or in the confirmation email.
Refunds are not standard and are issued only in limited circumstances. Approved refunds are subject processing fees. Please contact us directly at info@municipalspecialevents.org regarding refund information.
REGISTRATION TRANSFERS
Registrations may be transferred to another individual at any time prior to the event at no additional cost.
Transfers must be completed by the registered attendee using the Modify Registration link.
Continuing Education (CEs)
MSES delivers structured, course-based learning across planning, permitting, public safety, and event operations, with sessions built around defined learning objectives and offered in a range of formats to support both foundational and advanced instruction. Attendees can tailor their experience to align with their professional responsibilities, and certificates of attendance will be issued following the summit to support continuing education, professional development, or annual in-service training requirements, subject to departmental standards and approval.
academy
The MSES Academy offers a dedicated, full-day training experience held prior to the official summit, designed for a more focused, classroom-style environment with deeper instruction on event safety, risk management, operational planning, and large-scale event production. Sessions are structured around practical application and real-world scenarios, providing attendees with more intensive learning opportunities that complement the broader summit programming.
Transportation
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located approximately 15–20 minutes from downtown Knoxville and the convention center district. Ride share services such as Uber and Lyft typically range from $20–$35, with taxi service averaging $30–$45 depending on time of day and demand. Downtown Knoxville is compact and walkable, with most summit hotels located within close proximity to the convention center.
Hotel Parking
Self-parking is available at the Hilton Knoxville for approximately $37 per night, with valet parking available for approximately $40 per night. Rates are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Dress Code
Business casual is recommended for all summit sessions and daytime programming. Evening networking events are more relaxed, but attendees are encouraged to dress with intention.
We encourage bringing a light jacket in the event that session rooms are cold.
Meals included
Food and beverage offerings are provided throughout the summit as part of the attendee experience. The following is a general outline for planning purposes:
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Tuesday: Academy Only - Breakfast, Boxed Lunch. Evening networking reception for all attendees with heavy hors d’oeuvres
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Wednesday (Summit Day 1): Breakfast, refreshments throughout the day, and evening networking reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres
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Thursday (Summit Day 2): Breakfast, refreshments throughout the day, and an evening networking reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres
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Friday (Summit Day 3): Light breakfast
Attendees should plan accordingly for additional meals not listed above.
MSES Continuing Education Hours
These figures represent the anticipated educational value of the complete MSES27 Academy and Summit experience. Participants will receive certificates documenting completed instructional contact hours for self-reporting to their applicable licensing, certification, credentialing, or professional development programs. Final session counts, instructional hours, networking opportunities, and educational programming totals are subject to change as the program is finalized.
Academy Only: 6.75 Contact Hours | 6.75 CEs
Summit Only: 16.5 Contact Hours | 16.5 CEs
Academy + Summit: 23.25 Contact Hours | 23.3 CEs
Updated 6-8-26
15 HRS
Networking Time
Networking engagement time throughout MSES, delivered through social mixers, meals and breaks.
41
Educational Engagements
Total educational opportunities offered across the Academy and Summit, including keynote presentations, workshops, Academy instruction, and concurrent breakout sessions.
4 DAYS
Professional Development
Up to four days dedicated to advancing knowledge, building relationships, exploring new ideas, and strengthening the special events profession.
+23 HRS
Continuing Education
Expected instructional contact hours available through Academy and Summit educational programming. Participants will receive documentation of completed contact hours for self-reporting to their applicable credentialing or professional development programs.
MSES27
Knoxville Experience
Operations & Public Safety
Real-world case studies
Multi-agency coordination
Crowd management strategies
Planning & Permitting
Streamlining approvals
Managing complex events
Legal + regulatory insight
On-Site Venue Tours
Walk event environments
See logistics in action
Behind-the-scenes access
Peer Networking Socials
Connect with city leaders
Share challenges + solutions
Build national relationships
Call for Speakers and Panelists
Now Accepting Session Proposals for MSES27
MSEA is seeking experienced professionals, practitioners, and subject matter experts to contribute educational sessions, panels, and operational discussions focused on municipal special events, public safety, tourism, nightlife, permitting, entertainment districts, and the experience economy.
Sessions should emphasize practical insight, operational relevance, and real-world application for municipal audiences.
Separate instructor opportunities for the MSES Game Day Academy may be considered for qualified subject matter experts. Those interested in Academy instruction are encouraged to contact MSEA directly.
Presenting Sponsor
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Destination Partner
Partnership Opporutnities Avaiable
Industry Partners
Just got back from my first Municipal Special Events Summit put on by MSEA. Lots of great sessions and conversations around special events programming, event safety, and community engagement. Always super insightful listening to Steven Adelman with great takeaways on tabletop exercises, staff training, and issues municipalities across the country are facing. Great job on the summit, looking forward to 2027!
Mike Coppersmith
Director of Parks Activation, Montgomery Parks