State Leadership and Skills Conference

2027 State Leadership & Skills Conference

April 11-14, 2027 | Chattanooga Convention Center and ChattState

The SkillsUSA Tennessee Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference (SLSC) is the premier annual event for SkillsUSA members across the state. Each spring, more than 3,000 students, advisors, educators, business and industry partners, and volunteers come together to celebrate career and technical education, leadership, and workforce excellence.

Throughout the SkillsUSA Championships, students demonstrate technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and workplace readiness in leadership, occupationally related, and skilled and technical competitions. Contests are supported by business and industry professionals to ensure students are evaluated using current workforce standards and expectations.

Conference Quick Links

Explore Competitions

View contest descriptions, team or individual requirements, and entry limits.

Conference Guide-Coming January 2027

Review conference rules, schedules, expectations, and event details.

Register for SLSC-Opens February 1, 2027

Access registration information and deadlines for the conference.

Volunteer at SLSC

Support students by serving as a judge, volunteer, or industry partner.

Conference Experience

Throughout the SkillsUSA Championships, students demonstrate their technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and workplace readiness by competing in leadership, occupationally related, and skilled and technical competitions. Contest areas span a wide range of career pathways, including advanced manufacturing, transportation, information technology, health sciences, construction, hospitality, public safety, engineering technologies, and many others. Competitions are designed and judged by business and industry professionals to ensure students are evaluated using current workforce standards and expectations.

The conference officially begins on Sunday as members from across Tennessee arrive, check in, and prepare for several days of competition and leadership development. Monday morning begins with conference orientations and contest briefings, while selected competitions start Monday afternoon. Monday evening, members gather for the Opening Ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the conference, recognize the achievements of Tennessee SkillsUSA, and hear from distinguished guests and industry leaders.

The majority of SkillsUSA Championships competitions take place on Tuesday, where students showcase the technical, workplace, and leadership skills they have developed throughout the year. Tuesday evening, chapters participating in the Chapter of Excellence Program are recognized during the Chapter of Excellence Banquet, celebrating Quality Chapters and Chapters of Excellence from across Tennessee. During the banquet, the Outstanding Advisor of the Year is also recognized for outstanding service and dedication to SkillsUSA and career and technical education.

Additional statewide awards recognize the individuals and organizations whose leadership and support strengthen SkillsUSA Tennessee Postsecondary each year. Honors presented during the conference include the Administrative Leadership Award, New Advisor of the Year, Director's Volunteer Service Award, Support Staff Award, Workforce Champion Award, Innovation in Action Award, Community Impact Award, and the Partnership Excellence Award.

The conference concludes on Wednesday with the Grand Awards Ceremony, where Tennessee's state champions are recognized and many earn the opportunity to represent Tennessee at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). The ceremony celebrates student achievement, technical excellence, leadership development, and the partnerships that make workforce education possible throughout Tennessee.

Recognition & Awards

SLSC also recognizes the individuals, institutions, and partners who strengthen SkillsUSA Tennessee Postsecondary.

Outstanding Advisor of the Year
Administrative Leadership Award
New Advisor of the Year
Director's Volunteer Service Award
Support Staff Award
Workforce Champion Award
Innovation in Action Award
Community Impact Award
Partnership Excellence Award

2026-2027 Key SLSC Dates

February 1, 2027 – SLSC Registration Opens
March 12, 2027 – SLSC Registration Deadline
March 12, 2027 – Chapter of Excellence Submission Deadline
TBD – SLSC Hotel Booking Window
TBD – SkillsUSA State Testing Window
April 11-14, 2027 – State Leadership and Skills Conference

2027 Tentative Conference Schedule

Sunday, April 11, 2027 – SLSC Registration Opens
Monday, April 12, 2027 – SLSC Registration, Orientations, Select Competitions, Opening Ceremony
Tuesday, April 13, 2027 – Competitions, Awards and Recognition Banquet
Wednesday, April 14, 2027 – Grand Awards and Closing Ceremony

Conference Resources

Technical Standards

The SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards are the official competition guide for SkillsUSA Championships. They include contest rules, eligibility, clothing requirements, equipment lists, technical skills, and knowledge expectations. Technical Standards are accessed through Pathful. New Technical Standards will be released September 2026. Please visit the SkillsUSA National site for technical standard updates.