We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Literacy Texas Annual Conference!
This page has info to help you plan your time, get answers to your questions, and to make sure you have all the details you need to optimize your conference attendance.
Use the quick links below to find what you want to know, or simply scroll down the page.
Thanks for coming to the 2025 Literacy Texas Annual Conference!
This page will be updated in the new year for the 2026 conference.
Attendee info quick links
Click on any quick link below to go to more information about that topic.
- Conference Basics – dates, times, location
- Checking In – for both the hotel and the conference
- Scholarship & Grant Expectations – make sure you stay eligible!
- Hotel Information – don’t miss our special group rate
- VIP Reception – you’re invited for light bites and our legendary photobooth
- Exhibitor Lightning Rounds – a fun way to learn more about products and services
- Meals – what’s covered in your ticket; arrangements for food restrictions
- San Marcos Deals – get the pass for special discounts
- Conference Breakouts & Speakers – plan your personal schedule
- Professional Development Records – tracking your PD
- Prizes – two opportunities to win!
- Volunteers
- Conference Program & App – find everything you need online
- Conference T-Shirts – they’re this summer’s fashion statement!
- Heat, Cold, Hydration – oh my! Don’t forget your sweater!
Conference Basics
DATES
Main conference (included in general registration):
Optional VIP Reception: Monday, July 27, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Day 1: Tuesday, July 28, 8:30 AM – 4:10 PM
Day 2: Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 AM – 3:10 PM
LOCATION
Embassy Suites Grapevine, 2401 Bass Pro Dr, Grapevine, TX 76051
INFORMATION SHORTCUT
Bookmark literacytexas.org/conference – you’ll be able to find all the information you need here online.
Checking In
Please plan to arrive on Monday, July 27 – both conference and hotel check-in will open at 4:00 PM.
Hotel check-in and conference check-in will be two separate processes.
We recommend that you check into the hotel first, take your bags to your room, then come downstairs again to the Literacy Texas check-in counter (a floorplan will be available soon). You’ll pick up your conference bag and nametag, your t-shirt if you pre-ordered one (see below), and we’ll have folks on hand to help you install the conference app, if you haven’t already done that.
Scholarship & Grant Expectations
Anyone who accepts and uses either a conference scholarship or a conference grant must fulfill specific conditions to remain eligible.
All the information was emailed to you when your scholarship or grant was approved (search on #LitTX26 in your email inbox to find conference messages!), and you can find all details on our website here.
Hotel
Hotel rooms at the special conference rate can be finalized here while space remains.
We hope you plan to arrive Monday so you can attend the VIP Reception in the evening!
VIP Reception
You’re invited to the Conference VIP Reception on Monday, July 27, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
2026 Theme: Lighting the Way
We really hope you’ll join us! We’ll be serving light bites and themed drinks, and it will be a chance to take your first look around the exhibitor booths.
Our photobooth will be back, it’s a relaxing and casual time – and of course, it’s included in your conference registration, so no extra cost to you.
We’d love it if you want to wear or bring something that relates to our theme! But that’s purely optional; you’re very welcome to come as you are 🙂
Exhibitor Lightning Rounds
The popular Exhibitor Lightning Rounds are back in 2026!
HOW IT WORKS:
Join us in the Exhibitor Hall at 4:20 PM on Conference Day 1 (Tuesday, July 28).
Over a 30-minute session, exhibitors will present three times to small groups of conference attendees. You’ll choose which three presentations to attend, and your participation in each presentation is rewarded with a chance to win door prizes.
Prizes will be drawn after the session ends – go back the next day to check if you’re a winner! Winners’ names will be displayed at the exhibitor booth so you can claim your prize.
Meals
Your conference registration includes:
- Breakfast on Day 1 (if staying at the Embassy): Tuesday, July 28, 6:00 AM – 8:30 AM
- Lunch on Day 1: Tuesday, July 28, 12:25 PM – 1:35 PM
- Breakfast on Day 2 (if staying at the Embassy): Wednesday, July 29, 6:00 AM – 8:30 AM
- Lunch on Day 2: Wednesday, July 29: 11:55 AM – 1:10 PM
Please make sure you’ve communicated clearly with us about any food restrictions or allergies. Questions about this are included in the registration process.
In the days before the conference, we’ll be in touch with anyone who let us know about food needs to let you know about arrangements at the hotel.
You’ll need to make your own arrangements for dinner on Day 1 (Tuesday) – make plans ahead of time by using the Visit Grapevine website: grapevinetexasusa.com/restaurants
San Marcos Deals
Visit San Marcos offers a free pass to help you make the most of your stay, with exclusive deals at local restaurants and other businesses.
Conference Breakouts & Speakers
You can start planning your personal conference schedule early (please note that the program will be a work in progress until June, at the earliest) –
Browse breakout sessions here: literacytexas.org/breakouts
Read about presenters and speakers here: literacytexas.org/presenters
Find the program and schedule here: literacytexas.org/program
Each breakout session will have its own webpage here on the Literacy Texas website. For your convenience, any materials the presenter has to share – PPT slides, handouts, articles, other – will be linked from that session’s webpage.
The conference app will be available about a week ahead of the conference and information about it is elsewhere on this page.
You can start planning your personal conference schedule early –
Browse breakout sessions here: literacytexas.org/breakouts
Read about presenters and speakers here: literacytexas.org/presenters
Find the program and schedule here: literacytexas.org/program
Each breakout session has its own webpage here on the Literacy Texas website. For your convenience, any materials the presenter sends us to share – PPT slides, handouts, articles, other – will be linked from that session’s webpage.
The conference app will be available about a week ahead of the conference and information about it is elsewhere on this page.
Professional Development Records
We’ll use the conference app to track attendance in conference sessions.
Make sure you have the app installed so that you can check into each session! If you’re a presenter, make sure you also check into your own session – you can receive PD credit for all sessions you attend, including any you lead.
You will need to check in at all plenary sessions as well as breakouts.
Literacy Texas will send PD certificates via email in the weeks following the conference.
Prizes
You’ll have the chance to win prizes at Exhibitor Lightning Rounds on Tuesday afternoon, and there’ll be special prizes open to people who are present at the very end of the conference. Stay to the end on Day 2 to be in the running!
Volunteers
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Conference Program & App
Instead of a printed program, this year we’ll have a program available via PDF reader online. It will be linked here when it’s ready.
We’ll also have a conference app. Get reminders, chat with others, easily share info and more, all in the app! The app will be available around a week out from the start of the conference.
Ready to get started with the conference app? Check your email for a personalized invitation, or use the button to find download links and step-by-step instructions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We’ll track session attendance for PD records via the app. So while we recommend everyone use the app, if you need a PD certificate at the end of the conference, using the app will be essential.
Prefer things a bit more old-school? Use the button below to browse a traditional-style conference program via a PDF reader.
Conference T-Shirts
2025 Literacy Texas Conference T-shirt – currently at a special pre-conference price!
2025 Literacy Texas Conference T-shirts will be available to purchase in San Marcos!
Port & Company Core Blend Tee:
- 5.5-ounce, 50/50 cotton/poly
- Made with up to 5% recycled polyester from plastic bottles
- 1×1 rib knit collar
- Shoulder to shoulder back neck tape
Pre-conference price: $18 + tax
NOTE: You’ll be able to pick up your pre-ordered t-shirt at conference check-in – your shirt will NOT be mailed to you.
The same t-shirts on sale at the conference will be $25 – save money and buy now!
T-SHIRT SIZING
Heat, Cold, Hydration… oh my!
One final conference tip – bring a water bottle, plus a scarf, shawl, or sweater!
There’ll be refreshments provided throughout – but having water with you is always a good idea.
And whatever we do with the room temperature, a few people always tell us they’re cold – so please think layers to keep yourself comfortable!
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Checked/updated 1/28/2026
#LitTX26