Texas Legislative Conference

Connections That Count

March 26-27, 2026 | New Braunfels Civic Center

Register

Texan of the Year Reception

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Location: New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center
VIP Hour (Invitation Only): 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Reception: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

An unforgettable Texas evening honoring Robert Earl Keen as the 2026 Texan of the Year. The night features live performances celebrating his legendary catalog, with musical guests:

  • Bri Bagwell
  • Ashton Naylor
  • Cameron Albright
  • Hank Weaver
  • Josh and Kristi Grider

Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, meaningful networking, and the formal Texan of the Year presentation. Major sponsors are invited to an exclusive VIP hour from 6:00–7:00 p.m. prior to the reception. It’s a celebration of music, legacy, and Texas pride.

60th Annual Texas Legislative Conference

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Location: New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center
Conference: 8:00–11:45 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00–1:00 p.m. 
Location: Krause's Cafe

Friday shifts the spotlight to the issues shaping Texas today and tomorrow. The program features dynamic, moderated panel discussions exploring:

  • The Texas Triangle and regional growth, including how collaboration among Texas’ major metros is influencing economic development, infrastructure, and long-term competitiveness
  • Statewide leadership perspectives, offering insight into policy priorities, fiscal outlook, and strategic decisions impacting businesses and communities across Texas
  • Forward-looking conversations on workforce, innovation, and the evolving relationship between public and private sectors

Expect candid dialogue, strategic insight, and actionable takeaways in a fast-paced half-day format designed for engaged leaders. Following the conference, attendees are invited to continue the conversation at lunch at Krause's Cafe for Polka and Politics, a uniquely New Braunfels setting to connect, debrief, and build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.

8:00-8:30 a.m. registration & breakfast

8:30-9:00 a.m. opening address

9:00-9:45 a.m. The Texas Triangle: A Leadership Discussion

Moderated by Robert Rivard, this panel features statewide leaders offering perspectives on the role of the Texas Triangle in shaping economic growth, policy, and regional collaboration across Texas.

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Founder and Publisher

Robert Rivard, moderator

The Rivard Report
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Chairman

Henry Cisneros

American Triple I
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President

Marc Watts

The Friedkin Group Inc.

10:00-10:45 a.m. The Texas Legislature: What Happened and What Comes Next

State legislators reflect on the outcomes of the most recent legislative session and share perspectives on priorities and challenges as Texas looks ahead to the 2027 session.

Matthew Watkins
Editor in Chief

Matthew Watkins, moderator

The Texas Tribune
Donna Campbell
State Senator, District 25

Donna Campbell

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State Representative, District 117

Philip Cortez

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State Senator, District 20

Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa

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State Representative, District 32

Todd Hunter

11:00-11:45 a.m. Inside the Headlines: A Texas Media Panel

Presented by The Texas Tribune, this media panel examines timely and emerging issues shaping Texas, offering insight into the stories, trends, and policy debates drawing statewide attention.

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Reporter

Eleanor Klibanoff, moderator

The Texas Tribune
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Reporter

Alejandro Serrano

The Texas Tribune
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Co-Founder & Reporter

Jonathan Richie

Texas Bullpen

12:00-1:00 p.m. "Polka and Politics"

After a morning of insightful discussions, join us at Krause’s just down the street for "Polka and Politics", a post-conference networking event. Unwind with fellow attendees over cold beers, bites, and great conversation in a relaxed setting. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with speakers and attendees while enjoying the festive atmosphere of one of New Braunfels’ iconic venues. 

Don’t miss the chance to learn, connect, and lead with Texas’s best and brightest.

Register today!