UNION CITY, Tenn. – Adult Leadership Obion County proudly welcomed leadership professionals from across the state for the 2026 Tennessee Association of Community Leadership (TACL) Conference, held October 14–16. The three-day event brought together individuals involved in community leadership programs to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore new ways to strengthen leadership development throughout Tennessee.
Hosted by Adult Leadership Obion County, this year’s conference centered around the theme “The Big Picture,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration, vision, and understanding how individual leadership efforts contribute to the long-term success of communities.
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in engaging presentations, educational breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed to provide valuable resources and fresh perspectives to take back to their respective leadership programs. In addition to professional development opportunities, the conference provided a chance to showcase many of the unique attractions, businesses, and experiences that make Obion County special.
The conference began Wednesday with a pre-conference visit to White Squirrel Winery, followed by a welcome reception at the Pavilion at Houser Creek. Thursday’s activities included educational sessions, opportunities to explore downtown Union City and the renovated Capitol Theatre, and an evening awards dinner held in Dinosaur Hall at Discovery Park of America. The conference concluded Friday with additional leadership programming.
“Hosting this conference was an incredible opportunity to showcase Obion County while bringing together individuals who are passionate about developing leaders and strengthening their communities,” said Rachael McKinney, Community Relations Director of the Obion County Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of Adult Leadership Obion County. “Our theme, ‘The Big Picture,’ was a reminder that the work we do through our individual leadership programs contributes to something much greater. We hope attendees left with new ideas, meaningful connections, and a renewed excitement for the impact they can make in their own communities.”
The success of the conference was made possible through the support of local sponsors, businesses, community partners, volunteers, and the many individuals who helped welcome attndees to Obion County.
The Tennessee Association of Community Leadership serves as a network for professionals and volunteers involved in leadership development programs across the state. Through educational opportunities, collaboration, and shared resources, TACL works to strengthen leadership programs and encourage community involvement throughout Tennessee.
The 2026 conference served as both an opportunity for professional growth and a celebration of the partnerships, people, and communities that make leadership development possible.
