Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) Annual Conference

TCWSE will hold its annual conference January 24-26, 2025, in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference. There is a separate registration cost. Learn more.

TABSE Texas Education Policy Institute (TEPI)

The Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) will hold its annual Texas Education Policy Institute (TEPI) on Saturday prior to the TASA Midwinter Conference in Austin. TEPI allows education leaders and elected officials to work together to analyze, strengthen, and translate policy into practice to ensure equitable academic outcomes for all Texas students. This event is for educators who are interested in learning about education policy and practice and want to provide input on legislative policy. There is a separate registration fee and spots are limited. Learn more and register on the TABSE website.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Registration

Whether you are already registered or need to register on-site, be sure to stop by the Registration Desk to pick up your badge when you arrive to ensure admittance to conference events.

Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) Annual Conference

TCWSE will hold its annual conference January 24-26, 2025, in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference. There is a separate registration cost. Learn more.

School Finance Template (formerly Budget) Boot Camp

TASA’s School Finance Template Boot Camp (formerly known as Budget Boot Camp) has long been considered a valuable asset to administrators. Recent changes to school finance formulas, including implementation of the new $100,000 homestead exemption and additional tax compression have made the revenue estimation process more of a challenge than ever. This hands-on session will break down the steps to template completion one by one, and staff will be available to work with you individually and answer questions. Learn more.

This event should not be confused with the TASA/TASB/TASBO Budget Cohort for Texas District Leaders event that will be held at the Austin Convention Center Monday, January 27, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. That event is not a Midwinter Conference event; it will appear on the “Related Events” calendar once that is posted. 

Aspiring Superintendents Academy Kickoff 

TASA’s Aspiring Superintendents Academy is a must-attend for those who aspire to become superintendents. Held in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference, the academy offers nearly 14 hours of content (over the course of the four-day conference) that focuses on both how to get the job and how to be successful in the job, plus 25 sitting superintendents and representatives from 15 search firms. Cost is $225 per person prior to January 15 and $275 on-site. Learn more.

Welcome Reception (open to all Midwinter registrants)

Conference registrants and exhibitors are invited to the Midwinter Conference Welcome Reception. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the state! Before you head to the reception, be sure to stop by on-site registration in the Austin Convention Center to pick up your conference badge.

TASA Centennial Anniversary Gala

Invitees and ticketholders will enjoy this special, once-a-century event, commemorating TASA’s 100th anniversary in 2025. A reception will be held 6-7 p.m., followed by dinner and programming until 9 p.m., then a party featuring musical guests Password and dancing until 11 p.m. A limited number of tickets will be sold for this grand event. Ticket sales are now closed.

Registration

Whether you are already registered or need to register on-site, be sure to stop by the Registration Desk to pick up your badge when you arrive to ensure admittance to conference events.

Concession Stand on Level 1

Hungry or thirsty? If you’re on Level 1, the Atrium Cafe Concession Stand will be open near the main registration area from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, the Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand will be open inside the exhibit hall from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. On Level 4, the Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand/Coffee Nook will be open between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  

Commissioner of Education to Speak

Commissioner of Education Mike Morath will provide an update on the state of Texas public education in a special session to be held 8-8:45 a.m., Monday, January 27. Appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Mike Morath has served as Texas Commissioner of Education since January 2016. As commissioner, he heads the Texas Education Agency, which oversees pre-kindergarten through high school education for more than 5.5 million students enrolled in the state’s public schools. 

Designated Exhibit Viewing

No sessions are planned for this time; please visit the Exhibit Hall to browse the 400+ booths and meet with vendors from across the country. 

Aspiring Superintendents Academy (continues)

TASA’s Aspiring Superintendents Academy, held in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference each year, kicks off on Sunday of the conference, and meets again Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, for nearly 14 hours of professional learning. Learn more. 

Exhibit Hall Open

Please stop by the Exhibit Hall to browse the 400+ booths and meet with vendors from across the country.

Hungry or thirsty? The Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand will be open inside the Exhibit Hall during hall hours. Fat Bat is a cashless facility; credit and debit cards only.

Concession Stand on Level 4

Hungry or thirsty? If you’re on Level 4, stop by the Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand/Coffee Nook between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Grab-and-go lunch options will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fat Bat will also have a concession stand inside the exhibit hall on Level 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. And the Atrium Cafe Concession Stand will be open on Level 1 near the main registration area from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thought Leader & Concurrent Sessions

Thought Leader & Concurrent Sessions

Designated Exhibit Viewing

No sessions are planned for this time; please visit the Exhibit Hall to browse the 400+ booths and meet with vendors from across the country.

Hungry or thirsty? The Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand inside the exhibit hall will offer grab-and-go lunch options 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Fat Bat is a cashless facility; credit and debit cards only.

Thought Leader & Concurrent Sessions

Thought Leader & Concurrent Sessions

First General Session

Nando Parrado is the hero of the 1972 Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 rescue. Parrado’s story has been called the greatest survival story of all time as he recounts the extraordinary tale of how he and 15 of his teammates survived for 72 brutal days after their plane crashed into the frozen Andes Mountains over 50 years ago. For over three decades, Parrado has moved global audiences by sharing his story of survival, resilience, and determination in the Andes. He is an internationally renowned speaker who, in 2010, was selected as “Best Speaker in the World” by the World Business Forum (New York). While it is almost certain no one has experienced surviving a plane crash at cruising altitude, Parrado believes every listener can strongly relate as we all have our own Andes to conquer.

Registration

Whether you are already registered or need to register on-site, be sure to stop by the Registration Desk to pick up your badge when you arrive to ensure admittance to conference events.

Concession Stand on Level 1

Hungry or thirsty? If you’re on Level 1, the Atrium Cafe Concession Stand will be open near the main registration area from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, the Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand will be open inside the exhibit hall from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. On Level 4, the Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand/Coffee Nook will be open between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  

Exhibit Hall Open

Please stop by the Exhibit Hall to browse the 400+ booths and meet with vendors from across the country.

Thought Leader & Concurrent Sessions

Concession Stand on Level 4

Hungry or thirsty? If you’re on Level 4, stop by the Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand/Coffee Nook between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Grab-and-go lunch options will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fat Bat will also have a concession stand inside the exhibit hall on Level 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. And the Atrium Cafe Concession Stand will be open on Level 1 near the main registration area from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thought Leader & Concurrent Sessions

Designated Exhibit Viewing

No sessions are planned for this time; please visit the Exhibit Hall to browse the 400+ booths and meet with vendors from across the country.

Aspiring Superintendents Academy (includes luncheon)

TASA’s Aspiring Superintendents Academy, held in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference each year, kicks off on Sunday of the conference, and meets again Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, for nearly 14 hours of professional learning. This session of the academy begins with the Inspiring Leaders Luncheon. Learn more. 

Thought Leader & Concurrent Sessions

Thought Leader & Concurrent Sessions

Second General Session

Few writers have done more to bring ancient, timeless wisdom and cutting-edge marketing strategies together than Ryan Holiday. His philosophically driven best-selling books have sold over 10 million copies and spent more than 200 weeks on bestseller lists. At the core of Ryan’s teachings is Stoicism, popularized through his New York Times bestselling books. In his keynote, Ryan will delve into the wisdom of history’s greatest figures and how they used obstacles as the stepping stones to success. He will share examples from ancient philosophers to modern-day business leaders of how embracing the challenges that stand in our way can help us achieve our goals. He’ll talk about how to turn setbacks into opportunities, how to use adversity to your advantage, and how to find hidden opportunities in every obstacle. You’ll leave with a new perspective on the challenges you face and be equipped with practical strategies to overcome them.

Aspiring Superintendents Academy (includes breakfast)

TASA’s Aspiring Superintendents Academy, held in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference each year, kicks off on Sunday of the conference, and meets again Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, for nearly 14 hours of professional learning. Learn more.

Concession Stands on Level 1 & 4

Looking for coffee or breakfast? If you’re on Level 1, the Atrium Cafe Concession Stand will be open starting at 7:30 a.m. On Level 4, the Fat Bat Cafe Concession Stand/Coffee Nook will be open starting at 9 a.m. 

Concurrent Sessions

Third General Session

In “Igniting Transformation: Leading with Purpose and Impact,” McKenna Reitz takes you on an engaging journey into the heart of transformative leadership, built on the pillars of empathy, empowerment, and purposeful action. Sharing her personal story as an alopecia warrior and her experiences as an award-winning educator and coach, McKenna reveals how authenticity and empathy are the keys to effective leadership. This keynote challenges conventional approaches, offering a new path toward creating strong connections within teams, fostering a culture of innovation, and establishing an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of purpose and practical strategies to implement a leadership style that champions trust, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. The insights gained will help you lead with a clearer vision and a deeper understanding of the impact of empathetic, authentic leadership.