Keynote Speakers
Opening Keynote: Matt Marshall
Matt Marshall serves as President and CEO of United Ways of Tennessee, leading a statewide association of 28 local United Ways. He previously served as President and CEO of United Way of West Tennessee.
Before joining the United Way network, Marshall served as Executive Director and Head of School for Hands Up! Preschool, a nonprofit early childhood education program in Jackson, Tennessee. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Union University, as well as a certification in Innovation and Leadership from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Marshall is also actively engaged in civic and community leadership, serving organizations focused on children, families, and community development throughout Tennessee. An eighth-generation West Tennessean, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
Closing Keynote: Lisa Maddox-Vinson
Lisa holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership and brings more than 30 years of experience serving children, families, educators, and communities. Lisa has held leadership and professional development roles across public libraries, higher education, and early childhood education, including work with Austin Peay State University and the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance.
Her extensive experience has allowed her to support educators through training, professional development, and engaging learning experiences designed to strengthen their work with young children and families.
In addition to her work in early childhood education, Lisa is an award-winning children’s recording artist who uses music, creativity, and storytelling to connect with children and adults alike.
2027 Child Care Development Conference
August 20-21, 2027
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
Registration Options
Become a Presenter
We invite you to be part of Our Daily Bread CACFP’s Annual Childcare Conference, celebrating 30 years of supporting educators across Tennessee and Kentucky. This year’s event will be held August 20–21, 2026 at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center and will bring together approximately 200 childcare professionals who share one common goal-enriching the lives of the children in our communities.
As a multi-state CACFP sponsor, Our Daily Bread proudly supports over 22,650 children through 420 childcare centers and 168 family childcare homes across Tennessee and Kentucky. Our mission is to promote nutritious meals, healthy habits, and high-quality care that strengthens the future of our communities.
Our conference provides meaningful, hands-on training through a variety of engaging workshops designed specifically for childcare professionals. We are seeking passionate presenters with relevant, practical, and inspiring content. Each breakout session lasts approximately one hour, with the option to host multiple sessions.
The event is widely promoted across our social media platforms, email networks, and printed materials to reach childcare professionals throughout the region. These efforts help create strong attendance and meaningful engagement for presenters and vendors alike.
Your success is our success. We look forward to reviewing your proposal and hope you will join us for this impactful event.
Who We Are
Our Daily Bread CACFP serves as a Child & Adult Food Care Program sponsor for Tennessee and Kentucky. We have the privilege of servicing over 16,000 children by promoting nutrition and healthy choices as a means of improving their lives and enhancing the future of our community.
For the past 30 years Our Daily Bread CACFP has been partnering with several different organizations and corporations to bring to them the Child Care & Development Conference. The Child Care Development Conference helps to enrich the lives of the children in our community through the education of all child care educators. Educators come from all over the states of Tennessee and Kentucky and are all dedicated care givers on a journey to learn, grow, and serve as positive role models for the children in their care. The Child Care Development Conference is designed to highlight successes of child care educators, cater to their educational needs and provide tools and resources which can be applied in all facilities.
The offered workshops fulfill continuing education hours and, just as importantly, they allow the participants the opportunities to immerse themselves in the knowledge, ideas, and resources of the combined presenters. Topics range from behavior management and child development to using art as a means of self-expression.
Sponsors
Supporters
F.A.Q.
Q. Who qualifies for the complimentary hotel offer?
A. The complimentary hotel offer is available to Our Daily Bread educators who purchase a conference ticket. Eligible attendees may receive either one room for two nights or two rooms for one night.
Complimentary rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees who receive a complimentary hotel room must attend the full day of the conference to remain eligible for the offer.
Q. What if I do not qualify for or want a complimentary hotel room?
A. Attendees who are not participating with Our Daily Bread, are paying for their own accommodations, or register after the complimentary room availability has been filled may reserve a room using the conference group-rate link provided on our website.
Q. Is parking available?
A. Self-parking is available for attendees staying at Gaylord Opryland for $37 per day.
Q. When should I arrive?
A. Conference check-in will be available on Friday from 4:00–5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00-8:30 a.m. The Welcome Reception will take place Friday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. The Conference will take place on Saturday from 8:30 a.m-5:00 p.m.
Hotel check-in at Gaylord Opryland begins at 4:00 p.m. Attendees should allow additional time for parking, hotel check-in, walking through the resort, and locating the conference area.
Q. What is the Welcome Reception?
A. The Welcome Reception is an opportunity to check in, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, connect with other attendees, and kick off the conference with us. It will be held Friday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and is included with conference registration.
Q. Will walk-in registration be available?
A. Yes. Walk-in registration will be available; however, advance registration is strongly encouraged. Attendees who register onsite may not receive personalized conference items, swag, or other materials prepared in advance.
Q. What is included with registration?
A. Registration includes access to conference sessions, conference materials, the Friday evening Welcome Reception, hors d’oeuvres during the reception, and lunch on Saturday.
Q. Can I cancel my registration?
A. Yes. You can cancel your registration, but there are no refunds. As a courtesy, you may transfer registrations to another employee within your childcare site. The deadline for transfer requests is July 1, 2027.
Q. Will training credit be available?
A. TBD
Q. How do I receive training credit?
A. TBD
Please contact Our Daily Bread before the conference with information about the accommodation you need. Early requests help us coordinate with the venue and provide the best possible support.
Updates will be posted on the conference website and shared with registered attendees by email. Conference staff will also be available onsite to assist with directions, session locations, and schedule questions.
Visit the Presenter section just above this F.A.Q., or the Sponsors & Exhibitors page to learn more about available opportunities, requirements, deadlines, and application information.