More than 650 teen advocates from across Tennessee will gather Monday for the 2026 TNSTRONG Youth Summit, the state’s annual youth-led tobacco and nicotine prevention conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center, beginning at 9 a.m.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the summit brings together students, educators, public health leaders and community organizations committed to building healthier, nicotine-free schools and communities. Participants will take part in leadership development, interactive workshops, community action planning and sessions led by nationally recognized public health experts. 

Officials said, "This year’s summit comes just months after bipartisan legislation was to establish a statewide nicotine retail license generated significant discussion at the Tennessee General Assembly.

Many of the youth leaders and health organizations involved in the summit also participate in the License to Save Lives Coalition, which plans to continue building support for the legislation ahead of the next legislative session."

Monday’s program will include a keynote address from Dr. Brian King, former director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products and current executive vice president of U.S. programs at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Dr. King is one of the nation’s leading tobacco prevention and regulatory experts. His remarks will focus on the role young people can play in addressing youth nicotine addiction and creating healthier schools and communities.