2024: July 30 & 31, Embassy Suites San Marcos
The 2024 Literacy Texas Annual Conference was held on Tuesday, July 30 & Wednesday, July 31 at the Embassy Suites & Conference Center, San Marcos.
We explored the theme “Literacy and Beyond” with a special breakout topic focus on:
- Using data, effective program evaluation;
- Integrating workplace skills into programs;
- The needs of low-literate learners;
- Effective leadership.
Opening speaker Mahalia Baldini, Adult Education & Literacy State Director for the Texas Workforce Commission, addressed attendees on “The State of the State in Adult Literacy”, and keynotes Jacqueline Aguilera, Fran-Victoria Stephens, and Vicki Clark gave mini-presentations on “Literacy and Beyond Through Multiple Lenses” – a popular shift from a single keynote to three mini-addresses with an expansion on each topic in the next breakout session.
The conference kicked off in style on the evening of Monday, July 29 with a “Disco Rodeo”-themed VIP reception, complete with photobooth. Following years of tradition, the 2024 Annual Awards were presented on the second day, and we were pleased to hear from volunteer and student honorees.
Program includes breakout session titles and presenter names, opening and keynote speaker information, schedule, exhibitor list, and more.
Photos by 2024 conference photographer Chris Howell
Grateful thanks to our 2024 conference sponsors
Conference Presenting Sponsors:
Bronze Sponsors:
Other Sponsors:
Grateful thanks to our 2024 conference sponsors
Conference Presenting Sponsors:
Bronze Sponsors:
Other Sponsors:
2023: August 1 & 2, Hilton College Station
In 2023, the Literacy Texas Annual Conference was held on Tuesday, August 1 & Wednesday, August 2 at the Hilton College Station & Conference Center. We welcomed 304 attendees from 118 organizations along with 26 exhibitors, and explored the theme “Literacy Unleashed” during 50 breakout sessions. The 2023 conference had a special focus on two highly requested topics:
1. Literacy at the lowest levels, and
2. Community partnerships.
Program highlights included the opening session, with guest speaker Mahalia Baldini of the Texas Workforce Commission, speaking on “The State of the State in Adult Literacy”, and the keynote address from Dr. Felicia C. Smith of the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), who spoke on “Centering Families in a Fast-changing Education and Workforce Landscape.”
We also presented our 2023 Annual Awards, enjoyed a pre-conference VIP reception, and once again distributed the popular “Dinner Dollars” (thank you, Visit College Station!) so that attendees could choose a fun local place for dinner on Day 1.
We introduced a new type of session in 2023, Group Chat IRL, providing opportunities for people to get together in a small group and discuss current literacy trends – just like your favorite group chat on a messenger service, but face to face!
Program includes breakout session titles and presenter names, opening and keynote speaker information, schedule, exhibitor list, and more.
Photos by 2023 conference photographer Matthew Crowley
Heartfelt thanks to our 2023 conference sponsors
Conference Presenting Sponsors:
Conference Supporting Sponsors:
Don't forget your conference swag!
Caps, t-shirts in multiple styles, mugs, travel mugs, stationery, and more… all available in the Literacy Texas online store. All profits support literacy in Texas AND you can rep the literacy cause in style!
Browse the whole store here, or click on the images below to see the 2024 Annual Conference collection.
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Checked/updated 11/18/2024
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