2026 Washington D.C. Fly-In
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry brought Tennessee’s business community to Washington, D.C., September 14–16 for its 2026 D.C. Fly-In. Over three days, Chamber members connected with Tennessee’s congressional delegation, federal policymakers and business leaders to discuss the issues shaping Tennessee’s economy and the priorities that matter most to businesses across the state.
From conversations on Capitol Hill to discussions with federal leaders and opportunities to connect with Tennessee’s delegation, the Fly-In gave Tennessee businesses a direct voice in Washington.
Monday, September 14: Bringing Tennessee to Washington
The Fly-In kicked off Monday afternoon with attendees gathering for a Welcome Reception with members of the Tennessee delegation.
Hosted at Brown-Forman on Pennsylvania Avenue, the reception provided an opportunity for Tennessee business leaders to reconnect with members of the delegation and begin conversations about the priorities they would carry to Capitol Hill throughout the week.
The reception set the tone for the days ahead: bringing the perspectives of Tennessee businesses directly to the policymakers shaping federal policy.
Tuesday, September 15: Tennessee Takes the Hill
Tuesday began with Tennessee Tuesday, a breakfast and meet-and-greet with Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and their staffs at the Hart Senate Office Building.
The morning continued with a full day of meetings and discussions, including conversations with White House Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Walters, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Senator Bill Hagerty and Congressman Matt Van Epps.
Throughout the day, Tennessee Chamber members discussed the federal issues affecting businesses across the state, including infrastructure, permitting, labor policy, organized retail crime, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, and trade.
A key focus was the need for meaningful permitting reform that can provide greater certainty for infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and economic development projects. The Chamber also advocated for a strong, long-term surface transportation reauthorization to support roads, bridges, freight infrastructure and the transportation networks Tennessee businesses rely on to move people and products.
The delegation also addressed organized retail crime and the need for stronger federal coordination, as well as policies surrounding first-contract negotiations between employers and employees.
The day concluded with the Capital and Commerce Reception at Meridiam on Pennsylvania Avenue, followed by an evening at Nationals Park as the Washington Nationals faced the Philadelphia Phillies.
Wednesday, September 16: Conversations with Tennessee’s Congressional Delegation
The final day of the Fly-In brought Chamber members back to Capitol Hill for meetings with Tennessee’s congressional delegation.
The morning included meetings with Congressman Tim Burchett, Congressman Scott DesJarlais and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann.
These conversations provided another opportunity for Tennessee business leaders to share firsthand perspectives from their industries and communities and discuss the federal policies that can affect investment, growth and competitiveness in Tennessee.
Digital infrastructure and AI were among the priorities discussed during the Fly-In. Tennessee has an opportunity to attract continued investment in data centers, advanced technology and AI, and the Chamber emphasized the importance of a predictable federal policy environment that supports responsible investment, reliable energy and the infrastructure needed to support these industries.
Trade was another important focus. With approximately $39.4 billion in Tennessee goods exports in 2024 supporting an estimated 125,000 jobs, the Chamber emphasized the importance of predictable trade policy, reducing unnecessary tariff barriers and maintaining strong relationships with key trading partners, including Canada and Mexico.
Taking Tennessee’s Business Voice Back to Washington
The 2026 D.C. Fly-In was more than a series of meetings. It was an opportunity for Tennessee business leaders to have direct conversations with the policymakers representing the state and to share what businesses need to continue investing, creating jobs and competing in a changing economy.
The Tennessee Chamber thanks the members, sponsors and partners who participated in this year’s Fly-In and helped bring Tennessee’s business priorities to Washington.
Special thanks to our 2026 D.C. Fly-In sponsors, EPB, Southwest Airlines and Vanderbilt University, for their support of this important advocacy effort.
Through continued engagement at the state and federal levels, the Tennessee Chamber will keep working to ensure Tennessee businesses have a seat at the table on the issues that impact their future.