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Tennessee Entomological Society
53rd Annual Conference
October 5 – 6, 2026
Ed Jones Auditorium at Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN
Save the Date!
You are invited to attend the 53rd Annual Conference of the Tennessee Entomological Society (TES) to be held at Ellington Agricultural Center – Ed Jones Auditorium, 416 Hogan Rd, Nashville, TN. The conference starts on Monday, October 5th at 2:00 p.m. CST and will continue Tuesday, October 6th at 9:00 a.m. CST.
Registration
- Conference Registration:
- Regular Members: $30
- Students: $10
- Includes student membership dues
- Membership Dues:
- Regular Members: $20
- Sustaining/Corporate Members: $50
Registration fees and membership dues can be paid via Venmo (@TNEntSociety) or at the meeting with cash or check. If paying via Venmo, please fill out the “What’s it for?” section and include details – first and last name, amount, item (registration and/or membership). If paying fees for others (e.g., students and staff in your program), you can make one payment if details clearly state who and what the group payment covers.
Conference Agenda
October 5, 2026
1:00 – 2:00 PM CST: Conference Registration and Check-In
2:00 PM CST: Keynote Address
“Emerging Issues in Ornamental Production: Biology and Management of Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper” by Dr. Shimat Joseph, University of Georgia.
Dr. Shimat Joseph is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia. His research focuses on the management of existing, emerging, and invasive insect pests in turfgrass and ornamental systems, grounded in the principles of applied insect ecology. His projects aim to deepen our understanding of pest and beneficial insect biology to develop and refine effective monitoring and management strategies. A central goal of his work is to promote environmentally responsible pest control practices that minimize impacts on non-target organisms. In response to increasing urbanization and its effects on pollinator habitats, particularly for bees, Dr. Joseph’s program also investigates pollinator ecology within ornamental landscapes. His extension efforts emphasize the adoption of integrated pest and pollinator management strategies to support sustainable ornamental landscapes.
Student Paper Competition
Non-Student Papers (if time allows)
Dinner
Dinner and hospitality plans for the evening will be announced at the close of the afternoon session.
October 6, 2026
8:30 – 9:00 AM CST: Conference Registration and Check-In
9:00 AM CST: Presentation of the Entomology Week Proclamation
Annual Business Meeting
Announcement of the Student Award Winners
Non-Student Papers
TES Insect Festival
(TENTATIVE) Back again for 2026… TES Insect Festival! We will be hosting this educational event on the afternoon of the 6th after the TES conference concludes. If you are interested in organizing a table or volunteering at this event, please contact Dr. Steve Murphree (steve.murphree@belmont.edu).
Conference Location
The 53rd Annual Conference will be held in the Ed Jones Auditorium at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, TN.
Lodging
Several hotels are found near Brentwood, TN. Seek rates appropriate for your university’s travel policies.
Membership
Membership is open to everyone interested in entomology – whether you are employed with a federal or state agency, public or private college or university, industry, or private business – whether you are a researcher, regulator, teacher, student, or just are interested in insects – whether you are a professional or amateur entomologist. We extend to you an invitation to join the Tennessee Entomological Society. We are a group truly interested in all aspects of entomology.
Contact Information
For more information, contact the TES Program Chair, Dr. Midhula Gireesh or the TES President, Cindy Bilbrey with any questions or concerns.
Program Chair
Dr. Midhula Gireesh, Program Chair, Tennessee Entomological Society
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist
Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology – University of Tennessee
UT Central Region Extension Office
5201 Marchant Drive
Nashville, TN 37211
mgireesh@utk.edu
TES President
Cindy Bilbrey, President, Tennessee Entomological Society
Entomologist
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
436 Hogan Rd.
Nashville, TN 37204
cindy.bilbrey@tn.gov