The Tennessee Republican Party presents the
48th Annual Statesmen's Dinner!
We're excited to celebrate November's election victories
and the many that have followed with you.
About the Statesmen's Dinner
The Statesmen's Dinner is a time-honored Tennessee Republican tradition dating back almost 50 years. We've hosted Vice Presidents, future Presidents, Secretaries of State, cabinet members, governors, senators and more. It is the largest state Republican Party dinner in the country and attracts over a thousand attendees annually.
This year's theme, "Tennessee's Golden Age," is celebratory in nature. Like you, the Tennessee Republican Party is thrilled that Republicans secured the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Tennessee's Republican supermajority held firm in November, too, with Republicans recapturing all open seats previously held by Republicans. These next four years under President Trump will be a return to normalcy, a victory for common sense, and a renewed golden age for our country and our beloved state. We look forward to rejoicing in these victories with you on August 23rd, 2025.
The Howard Baker Award is the highest honor the Tennessee Republican Party bestows. It has been given intermittently throughout Statesmen's Dinner history and to the likes of Ted Welch, Justin Wilson, Bill Brock, Jim Ayers, Winfield Dunn, Fred Thompson and more. We are excited to welcome a new Howard Baker Award winner into the fold this year.
In 1994, the Tennessee Republican Party introduced the Statesman of the Year Award. An individual or couple from each congressional district is chosen to be honored as the district's Statesman of the Year based upon their service to the Republican Party. To date, over 300 Tennessee Republicans have been named Statesman of the Year. Nine more will be named this year.
In 2024, to mark thirty years since Tennessee's becoming majority Republican, we introduced the Legislator of the Year Award. The award recipient, alternating between a state representative and a state senator each year, demonstrates exemplary public service and strong adherence to Republican values.
Statesmen's Dinner 2025 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date, time & location of the dinner?
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Receptions begin at 5:00pm; the dinner and program begin at 6:00pm
Gaylord Opryland Convention Center (note: different from the last few years!)
What is the difference between the Capitol and VIP receptions?
The Capitol Reception is open to all. The VIP Reception is a closed reception for event sponsors. The name tag that you pick up at registration will indicate if you are eligible to attend the VIP reception.
Do you have any lodging options?
We have secured three options:
Gaylord Opryland Resort (on site) - $269/night + taxes & fees - Book here
Spark by Hilton at Opryland - $139/night + taxes & fees - Deadline to book is August 8 - Book here
Best Western Suites at Opryland - $91/night + taxes & fees - Deadline to book is August 1 - Book Here
What is the attire?
Business Professional. Men typically dress in dark suits and women in business dresses or modest cocktail dresses. This event is NOT black tie, so tuxedos and floor-length gowns are not expected.
Will I receive a physical/electronic ticket?
No! We collect your names at the time of purchase (or later from your table host if you are sitting with a group), so you will not receive/do not need a physical or electronic ticket. When you arrive, you will find a name tag with your name and table number on it. That's how we know you're a paid and seated attendee!
What do I do about parking?
Parking details will be posted here and communicated to you via email later. We are making arrangements with the venue for the most convenient parking options now. Self-parking and valet will be available.
How long should I expect to be there?
The program usually ends around 9:00pm.