Call for Speakers

Tennessee Charitable Care Network (TCCN) is seeking speakers for its upcoming annual conference in Chattanooga, TN September 10-12, 2025 (speakers only needed Sep. 11 & 12). The theme for our event is “Anchored in Hope: Guiding Care Through Changing Tides." 
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The theme for this year’s event is “Anchored in Hope: Guiding Care Through Changing Tides” reflecting TCCN’s commitment to supporting our members as they navigate the challenges faced by free and charitable clinics. Through training, networking, and shared best practices, TCCN equips its members with the tools they need to continue delivering quality care. An anchor represents stability, resilience, and unwavering support – perfectly symbolizing our commitment to serve as a steadfast resource, advocate, and partner for our members. This theme reinforces TCCN’s mission to empower, connect, and uplift its members so they can continue serving Tennessee’s most vulnerable populations—no matter the challenges ahead. 


TCCN is seeking speakers with compelling, informative presentations that will engage and inform members. ​Member presentations are encouraged and will be prioritized! Priority will also be given to the following topics in alignment with our theme:​
  • Leadership: Communication, Time Management, Employee Management/Supervision, Change Management, Team Performance
  • Creating Exceptional Organizational Cultures: Recruitment and retention strategies, address/prevent burnout, implement wellness initiatives, and manage compassion fatigue and secondary trauma
  • Diverse Funding Strategies: Grant writing, fundraising, and nonprofit marketing/storytelling topics
  • Board Management: Recruitment, engagement, defining roles, better meetings, other best practices
  • Infrastructure: General operations topics including HR, finance, legal, budgeting, policies and procedures for nonprofits of varying sizes
  • Other topics that are tailored to our audience of charitable care leaders
Presenter Guidelines
  • Experience working with free and charitable care providers preferred; must demonstrate understanding of our membership and a strong interest in working with our network
  • Interactive presentation styles are encouraged to ensure audience engagement and support learning and retention
  • Should have a track record of understanding and experience in your topic area
  • Diverse ideas and perspectives should be incorporated into each presentation (our membership ranges from small to large operations, rural to suburban to urban)
session guidelines
  • We are planning three (3) 75-minute Plenary Sessions (presentation time: 55-60 min) including time for introductions and Q&A. Approximately Fifteen (15) Breakout Sessions are planned to run for 60 minutes total and presentations should run 40-45 minutes to include time for introductions and questions.
  • Creative formats that encourage audience participation and discussion are encouraged.
  • Speakers are responsible for providing handouts, should they choose to use them. 
  • TCCN reserves the right to edit titles and workshop descriptions for content and space.
  • Please allot 5 minutes for housekeeping/introduction and 10-15 minutes at the end of each presentation for Q&A.
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Benefits of Speaking
Share expertise and knowledge in exchange for the following benefits:
• Increased visibility throughout TCCN’s community of free and charitable providers
• Recognition in promotional messaging including TCCN’s website, social media, and conference program 
• Valuable networking with colleagues and other professionals during the event
Speaker Compensation
Speakers may receive as needed: 1 night's hotel accommodation, mileage reimbursement, and conference meals
TCCN is a non-profit organization, and some speakers may choose to offer speaking engagements as an in-kind donation. If a speaker fee is requested, please submit the requested amount on your speaker application.
​Application Process:
​Submit your proposals no later than Friday, May 16th  using this link. 
Speakers selected for our conference will be notified in mid-June.