Welcome to Elevate 2026

An Executive Gathering for Facility Leaders


Thursday, August 27—
Friday, August 28, 2026

Get ready for two immersive days designed to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and provide actionable insights to help you transform your facilities and advance your career. 

Agenda Overview

Thursday, August 27


1:45 PM—2:00 PM

Elevate Badge Pickup

Pick up your Elevate badge at the PNC Plaza Entrance of the Ryman Auditorium (4th Avenue) before the tour begins.

2:00 PM—3:45 PM

Behind-the-Scenes Ryman Auditorium Tour

Go behind the curtain of one of America's most iconic performance venues during this special, guided facility tour led by General Manager Gary Levy.

Explore the Ryman's operational systems, including its HVAC infrastructure, venture beneath the stage to see portions of the 130-year-old foundation, visit legendary backstage dressing rooms, and participate in an interactive discussion and Q&A in the historic pews.

3:45 PM—7:00 PM

Networking Reception at Leviton LIVE

Leviton LIVE Nashville, 138 2nd Ave N Ste 300, Nashville, TN 37201

Join fellow Elevate attendees for an exclusive evening hosted by Leviton, featuring networking, food and beverages, live acoustic music, and an immersive look at innovative building technologies.

Attendees will rotate in three groups through 20-minute experiences:

  • Industry Leadership Session
    Hear from Stephen Ayers, 11th Architect of the Capitol and Interim CEO of the Green Building Initiative, on sustainability trends and best practices. 
  • Leviton LIVE Interactive Center Tour
    Explore innovative technologies and real-world building applications through a guided tour of Leviton LIVE’s immersive experience center.
  • Community & Design Innovation Session
    Explore the intersection of facilities, design, and community impact with insights from the Civic Design Center and Leviton Smart Buildings 

Friday, August 28


8:00 AM–8:45 AM

Coffee and Breakfast

8:45 AM–9:30 AM

Keynote Session 1: Sustainability In Action: Real-World Strategies That Work

9:30 AM–9:45 AM

Beverage Break

9:45 AM–10:30 AM

Small Group Discussions

10:30 AM–10:45 AM

Beverage Break

10:45 AM–11:45 AM

Advisory Board Panel: Leading Facilities in the Age of AI

11:45 AM–12:45 PM

The Elevate Lunch

12:45 PM–1:45 PM

Keynote Session 2: Striking the Right Chord: Closing the FM Workforce Gap

1:45 PM–2:45 PM

Peer Problems Live

2:45 PM–3:00 PM

Beverage Break

3:00 PM–3:45 PM

Keynote Session 3: Know What You Own: PCAs, FCAs, and the Executive Case for Facility Investment

3:45 PM–4:45 PM

Closing Night Reception

Session Summaries

Friday, August 28

Keynote Session 1: 8:45–9:30 AM 

Explore real-world sustainability strategies and learn how facility leaders are reducing costs, improving building performance, and gaining organizational buy-in.


Small Group Discussions: 9:45–10:30 AM 

Engage with peers on critical facility management topics, exchanging ideas and strategies for immediate application.


Advisory Board Panel: 10:45–11:45 AM 

Discover how AI is transforming facility operations, from predictive maintenance and energy management to decision-making and workforce development.


Keynote Session 2: 12:45–1:45 PM 

Gain practical strategies for closing the FM workforce gap through stronger talent pipelines, succession planning, knowledge transfer, and retention.


Peer Problems Live: 1:45–2:45 PM 

An interactive session for sharing challenges and generating practical, peer-driven solutions.


Keynote Session 3: 3:00–3:45 PM 

Learn how PCAs, FCAs, and the Facility Condition Index can strengthen capital planning, funding conversations, and long-term facility strategy.

Attire

Business casual attire is recommended. Comfortable shoes are encouraged for Thursday's facility tour and walk between venues. Nashville temperatures in August can be warm, so dress accordingly. 

Venue & Directions


Day 1 – Thursday, August 27: Ryman Auditorium & Leviton LIVE Nashville

Ryman Auditorium
2:00 PM–3:45 PM
116 Rep. John Lewis Way N
Nashville, TN 37219

Meeting Location: Ryman PNC Plaza Entrance (4th Avenue) 

Badge Pickup: 1:45–2:00 PM at the PNC Plaza Entrance. Please arrive in time to pick up your badge before the tour begins.  

Transportation: Attendees are responsible for transportation to the Ryman Auditorium. From The Westin Nashville, the Ryman is approximately a 12–15 minute walk. If driving, please allow extra time for parking.

If you prefer to drive or take a rideshare, you can find parking and transportation information here: https://www.ryman.com/plan-your-visit/know-before-you-go/directions-parking-transportation

Get Directions »


Leviton LIVE Nashville
3:45 PM–7:00 PM
138 2nd Ave. N., Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37201

Following the Ryman tour, attendees will walk together to Leviton LIVE for the evening networking reception.

From the Ryman: Approximately a 5-minute walk.

Parking: Self-paid parking is available at Commerce Street Garage, 211 Commerce Street.  

Get Directions »


Day 2 – Friday, August 28: The Westin Nashville

The Westin Nashville
807 Clark Pl
Nashville, TN 37203

Meeting Location: Gulch Meeting Room 

Please check in at the Gulch Meeting Room when you arrive. Attendees will be guided to additional event spaces throughout the day.  

Parking: Valet only. Event parking is available for $15. Use code WESTIN15 to receive the discounted rate. Enter the code when requesting your vehicle upon departure.  

Get Directions »

Dietary Needs

We’ll be providing breakfast, snack breaks, lunch, and reception bites throughout the event. If you have a dietary restriction or food allergy we should be aware of, please reach out to elevate@tradepress.com so we can plan accordingly. 

Sponsors

We thank our generous sponsors for supporting Elevate 2026:


Marquee Sponsor



Gold Sponsors



Association Sponsor



Opening Reception Sponsor

Thanks for registering for Elevate 2026! We look forward to seeing you in Nashville for two days of learning and networking.

If you have questions before the event, feel free to reach out via email or phone:

Email: elevate@tradepress.com
Phone: 414-228-7701 ext. 459


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