TAC Legislative Conference

August 30 - September 1, 2023

(In person or online)
Fairmont Austin Hotel
101 Red River St.
Austin, TX 78701

For more information contact Deanna Auert or Rachel Kucera at (800) 456‑5974.

In response to your feedback, we again will present this year’s TAC Legislative Conference as a hybrid event (in person or online). We hear you and understand the demand to expand our services and offer multiple ways for you to connect with us.

Join us in person or online Aug. 30-Sept. 1 as we continue to explore new ways to share important information with you and your county.

The Texas Association of Counties’ Legislative Conference offers county officials and staff unique opportunities to become more involved in the Texas legislative process. It is a time to learn how state lawmakers view pressing county issues and share how those views and issues affect local constituents.

Join your peers in public service from across the state, either in person or virtually, at the premier conference for county government in Texas to get in-depth analysis of what transpired during the 88th Legislature. The conference focuses on important policy issues and how they affect county government and local taxpayers.

 

What is a hybrid conference?

A hybrid conference combines an in-person event with a virtual component. That means you can join us in person at the Fairmont Hotel in Austin, or you can join from your county through a virtual conference platform.

Registration Fees

Registration Type Early Bird After Aug. 7
In-Person County Official or Staff $275 $350
In-Person Half-Day Fee (Wednesday & Friday, county official or staff only) $75 $75
In-Person Single-Day Fee (Thursday only)  $205 $255
In-Person Non-Member (government)  $330 $380
In-Person Non-Member (corporate half day, single day or full attendance) $480 $530
In-Person Spouse Fee $30 $30
Virtual Registration $200 $275

Please make checks payable to Texas Association of Counties.

NOTE: All participants (online and in person) must register by July 14 to receive conference giveaway.

Virtual Registration

Once you have registered for the virtual event, a personalized participation link will be emailed to you a few days before the start of the program.
Note: Event confirmation emails will come from Events@Accelevents.com to the email address that was used to register for the event.

How to access the virtual event platform:
Conference attendees will need to access the internet and use a browser to log in and join the virtual event. While almost all internet browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.) should allow the event to be accessed, we've found that it works most smoothly in Google Chrome, as other browsers may experience issues. Internet Explorer is not a supported browser for the event.

Google Chrome is a free download. However, some county information technology departments may require county staff members to get approval before downloading new software.

Special Services

To ensure that our conference is ADA accessible to all, please contact Deanna Auert or Rachel Kucera at (800) 456‑5974 if you need assistance.

THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS!

Fairmont Hotel
101 Red River St.
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 600-2000

$210 single/double, plus applicable tax
Check-in: 3 p.m. | Checkout: Noon

  • Once your online registration is complete, your confirmation email will include a link to make hotel reservations.* Emails will be sent to the address on the registration form.
  • Conference registration is required to reserve a hotel room in the conference block. The hotel will not accept call-in reservations.
  • Hotel reservations made without conference registration are subject to cancellation or an increased hotel rate.
  • Hotel reservations must be secured by Aug. 7. After then, all rooms are subject to availability and a price increase.
  • If you must cancel a room reservation, please notify Rachel Kucera. In the event of a waitlist, this allows others an opportunity to stay at the host hotel.
  • Please contact the hotel directly to cancel any hotel reservations.

Overnight Parking (Prices* shown include a 25% discount for attendees.)
*Prices may change.

  Valet Parking Self-Parking
0-3 Hours $18 $11.25
3-6 Hours $24 $18.75
Daily – Overnight $36.75 $27

Internet
Due to popular request, TAC has negotiated to have Wi-Fi available in the meeting space. A conference password will be provided at the event.

High-speed internet access in guest rooms and all areas of the hotel is complimentary for all Fairmont President Club Members. Membership is free! Sign up at www.fairmont.com/fpc.

Wednesday, Aug. 30
4:30-6 p.m. Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception (in-person only)
5-6:30 p.m. New Official Networking Event
Were you elected or appointed from Nov. 8, 2022-Aug. 30, 2022? If yes, you are invited to attend our first New Official Networking event on Wednesday, Aug. 30. RSVP online when you register. Formal Invitation to follow.
Thursday, Aug. 31
4:30-6 p.m. Legislative Reception (in-person only)
Wednesday, Aug. 30
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Hours (in-person only)
Noon-2 p.m. Meet and Greet Exhibitors (in-person only)
2-4:30 p.m. Opening General Session (in-person and live online)
4:30-6 p.m. Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception (in-person only)
5-6:30 p.m. New Official Networking Event
Were you elected or appointed from Nov. 8, 2022-Aug. 30, 2022? If yes, you are invited to attend our first New Official Networking event on Wednesday, Aug. 30. RSVP online when you register. Formal Invitation to follow.
Thursday, Aug. 31
7 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Hours (in-person only)
7-7:50 a.m. Breakfast (in-person only)
8-9:05 a.m. Legislative Discussion Sessions (in-person and live online)
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Exhibit Hall Hours (in-person only)
Open during lunch, noon-1:30 p.m.
9:05-9:30 a.m. Refreshment Break
Virtual attendees visit the TAC Booths
9:30-10:35 a.m. Legislative Discussion Sessions (in-person and live online)
10:35-10:55 a.m. Refreshment Break
Virtual attendees visit the TAC Booths
10:55 a.m.-noon Legislative Discussion Sessions (in-person and live online)
Noon-1:30 p.m. Networking Lunch (in-person only)
Dine with your fellow attendees, then take a tour of the exhibit hall and visit with vendors.
1:30-2:35 p.m. Legislative Discussion Sessions (in-person and live online)
2:35-3 p.m. Ice Cream Social Break (in-person only)
Virtual attendees visit the TAC Booths
3-4:30 p.m. Meeting of County Affiliate Organizations (in-person only)
County associations organize and host a 1.5-hour meeting to discuss legislative issues or association business during the conference
4:30-6 p.m. Legislative Reception (in-person only)
Friday, Sept. 1
8-10:30 a.m. Registration and Information Desk Hours (in-person only)
8:30-9 a.m. Breakfast (in-person only)
9-10:30 a.m. Closing General Session (in-person and live online)

*Agenda subject to change

Applications for continuing education credit are submitted to each governing body listed below. Upon approval, the number of continuing education hours will be posted. Please check back often for updates.

Continuing Education Type Virtual Hours In-Person Hours
Attorneys (MCLE) Pending Pending
CPA/Auditors Pending Pending
Commissioners
(*Please note that authorization of online attendance must be approved by commissioners court order. Online attendance cannot be used for the mandatory education hours by a new commissioner during the first year of service.)
Pending Pending
County and District Clerks Pending Pending
County Judges Not Approved by Texas Judicial Academy Not Approved by Texas Judicial Academy
Justices of the Peace Pending Pending
PHRs and SPHRs
Reviewed on individual basis; self-report to HRCI
Pending Pending
Purchasing Agents
Self-report to Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Pending Pending
Sheriffs and Constables (TCOLE) Pending Pending
Tax Assessor-Collectors Pending Pending
Treasurers Pending Pending

Conference Cancellation

All cancellation and refund requests must be received in writing (fax or email acceptable). Refunds requested before Aug. 7 are subject to a $10 processing fee. Refunds after Aug. 7 will be subject to an administrative fee equal to half of the registration fee. No refund requests will be honored after Sept. 1. Please email Rachel Kucera to cancel your conference registration.​

Hotel Cancellation

If you must cancel a room reservation, please notify Deanna Auert. In the event of a waitlist, this allows others opportunity to stay at the host hotel.

Your Connection to Texas Counties

​You're invited to the 2023 TAC Legislative Conference. Register today to strengthen your connections with county officials in your district and from across the state.

The conference takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues counties face today. Each county office will be represented at this premier event.

We offer you:

  • Two complimentary registrations with an invitation to attend the conference reception on Thursday, Aug. 31, 4:30-6 p.m.
  • Your constituents. Upon request, we'll send you a custom list of your preregistered constituents.
  • Private meeting space. With your registration, we offer you the opportunity to visit privately with your constituents attending the conference. To host an exclusive meeting with attendees from your district, contact Deanna Auert. Space is limited. Choose the time and date most convenient for you and reserve it today.
  • Three meeting rooms available, Aug. 30, 5-6 p.m. (Hospitality provided)
  • Three meeting rooms available, Aug. 31, 12:20-1:50 p.m. (Lunch provided)

Contacts

Deanna Auert, Manager of TAC Programs & Education Services
TAC Office, (512) 478-8753 or (800) 456-5974

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, Aug. 30
2-4:30 p.m. Opening General Session (in-person only)
4:30-6 p.m. Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception (in-person only)
5-6 p.m. Exclusive Meetings for Legislators and County Officials (three rooms; hospitality provided) (in-person only)
Thursday, Aug. 31
8 a.m.-2:35 p.m. Legislative Discussion Sessions
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Exhibit Hall Hours (in-person only)
12:20-1:50 p.m. Exclusive Meetings for Legislators and County Officials (three rooms; lunch provided) (in-person only)
3-4:30 p.m. Meeting of County Affiliate Organizations (in-person only)
County associations organize and host a 1.5-hour meeting to discuss legislative issues or association business during the conference.
4:30-6 p.m. Legislative Reception (in-person only)
Friday, Sept. 1
9-10:30 a.m. Closing General Session

Your Connection to County Government

Sponsors – click here to view sponsorships available.

To sign up to be a sponsor, first, log in to the TAC member portal located in the top right corner of the TAC homepage. Next, locate the 2023 Legislative Conference in the Calendar of Events and click register. Then, choose sponsorship opportunities to add your preferred sponsorship options. Once the registration is complete, Deanna Auert will follow up to confirm and determine your hotel room needs.

First-Time Users

  • Click "Forgot username?"
  • Enter your email address and click "Submit."
  • Check your inbox for a TAC email with your username and logon instructions.

If you receive a message that your email address cannot be found:

  • Click "Create a new account."
  • Enter required fields*.
  • Click "Save."

Return Users

  • Log in with your username (email address) and password.

Registration Assistance

  • For more information, please contact Deanna Auert at (800) 456‑5974.

Cancellations

Sponsorship cancellations must be made in writing before July 1, 2023, to receive a 50% refund. Any sponsorship that requires a company logo to be printed on a promotional item or on multiple print pieces will be final upon receipt of payment, and cancellations are not permitted. Sponsors canceling after July 1 are responsible for payment in full or may jeopardize future sponsorship opportunities.

Vendors

Visit the County Progress website​ or contact Sarah Lazarowitz for vendor registration.

Join us in Austin this August as 600-plus Texas county officials and staff members gather. This is a prime opportunity to display your goods and services to decision-makers in county government.

Booth Specifications
The $700 registration fee includes a standard booth, registration for two and access to two sleeping rooms at the host hotel.

Hotel reservations must be made through Sarah Lazarowitz when booth registration is complete. Company representatives are welcome to attend all conference activities.

Standard exhibit booths consist of 10-by-10-foot exhibit spaces. Booth spaces are equipped with 10-foot back drape, 3-foot side dividers, 6-foot skirted table, two chairs and standard ID sign.

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, Aug. 29
1-4 p.m. Vendor Move-in (in-person only)
Wednesday, Aug. 30
8 a.m.-noon Vendor Move-in (in-person only)
Noon-2 p.m. Dedicated Time with Exhibitors (in-person only)
2-4:30 p.m. Opening General Session
4:30-6 p.m. Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception (in-person only)
Thursday, Aug. 31
8 a.m.-2:35 p.m. Legislative Discussion Sessions
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (in-person only)
3-4:30 p.m. Meeting of County Affiliate Organizations (in-person only)
3 p.m. Exhibit Hall Tears Down (in-person only)
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