TACAC Annual Conference

Theme
LEAD LOUD: Amplifying Voices. Igniting Change.
This year’s theme is a call to action centered on empowering the next generation of leaders to lead with authenticity, courage, and impact. “Lead Loud” captures the spirit of inclusive leadership, celebrates boldness, and honors those who use their voices to spark real change in their communities, campuses, and careers.
Registration
Registration will open on November 1 for members and non-members. Late registration will be from February 6 - March 6, 2026, as space permits. Late registration will require a credit card payment at checkout.
The member rate is available to paid active members. Membership payments not processed and received before registering will be charged at the non-member rate. New memberships may take up to 24 business hours for your status to update and for you to receive member benefits. The member rate will not be honored or reimbursed after the fact. Please ensure payment has been received before completing your registration.
The Local Educator Rate is available for public high school counselors within a 90-mile radius of the conference location. There is a limit of 25 spots available. On-site registration is not guaranteed and will only be available if space permits. To guarantee a spot, please register for the conference as soon as possible.
Registration Terms & Policies
- All registrants and attendees agree to adhere to TACAC's Code of Conduct.
- Payment is due upon receipt and may be made by check or credit card only; purchase orders are not accepted.
- Members can access their invoices by logging into the member portal and clicking 'Invoices' in the red menu bar.
- All payments must be received within 30 days of registration or by March 6, whichever is earlier. Unpaid registrations will be canceled on March 6, 2026.
- Late registrations will require a credit card for payment at the time of registration.
- Requests for cancellations or substitutions must be submitted in writing to [email protected].
- All refunds will incur a $15 processing fee per registrant.
- Any request to change the payment method will incur a $15 processing fee per registrant.
- Cancellation Schedule (based on date cancellation received):
- Full Refund (less processing fee): November 1 - December 31, 2025 - Half Refund (less processing fee): January 1 - February 5, 2026 - No Refunds will be issued after February 5, 2026
- Substitution requests must be submitted by March 6, 2026.
- Registrants who do not attend (no-show) will not receive a refund. No exceptions.
- TACAC's W-9
Lodging & Parking
Aloft - 501 S Ware Rd, McAllen, TX 78501 Online booking link Rate - $129 p/night + taxes and fees |
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Cambria - 701 S Ware Rd, Mcallen, TX 78501 Online booking link Rate - $149 p/night + taxes and fees |
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Embassy Suites - 800 Convention Center Blvd., McAllen, TX 78501 Online booking link Rate - $169 p/night + taxes and fees |
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Home2 Suites - 525 South Ware Road, McAllen, TX 78501 Online booking link Rate - $149 p/night + taxes and fees |
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Homewood Suites - 3801 Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503 Online booking link Rate - $149 p/night + taxes and fees |
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LaQuinta Inn - 801 S Ware Rd, McAllen, TX 78501, Online booking link Rate - $149 p/night + taxes and fees |
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SpringHill Suites - 1800 S Ware Rd, McAllen, TX 78503 Online booking link Rate - $129 p/night + taxes and fees |
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Self-parking will be available at the hotels and the McAllen Convention Center.
Travel
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Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer a discounted fare to TACAC conference attendees. To utilize the discount, book via SWABIZ® using this link and enter CID 99117944. Discount valid for travel from April 8, 2026, to April 16, 2026. Travelers who book through this channel will earn 25% more Rapid Reward points and can receive 5-10% off based on fare type and booking window. |
Provided below is additional airline and airport information. If you are not flying directly into McAllen, you will need to consider ride share, rental car, or other plans to commute to McAllen.
Airports and Airlines servicing the Rio Grande Valley:
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McAllen (MFE) |
Brownsville (BRO) |
Harlingen (HRL) |
| American Airlines |
X |
X |
X |
| Allegiant Airlines |
X |
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| Delta Airlines |
X |
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X |
| Southwest Airlines |
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X |
| United Airlines |
X |
X |
X |
| Distance to McAllen Convention Center |
3 miles |
42 miles |
67 miles |
Raffle
We invite you to support TACAC's 46th Annual Conference by donating to our raffle. The proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Anne Naman Fund, which empowers professionals to enhance their skills and better serve the students of Texas.
Popular donation items include gift cards, corporate/university-themed gift baskets, jewelry, sporting event tickets, beverage kits, and attraction passes. If you are interested in contributing, please complete our raffle donation form to help us coordinate your donation.
All donations must be received by April 1, 2026. Contributions can be sent to:
Attn: Dr. Jose Valentine (TACAC Raffle) Dean of Enrollment Services 8060 Spencer Highway, C27.1115 Pasadena, TX 77505
Alternative arrangements can be coordinated by emailing [email protected].
Service Project
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TACAC has partnered with the Food Bank of the RGV to offer conference attendees an opportunity to volunteer on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Pre-registration is required as space is limited! Volunteers must be registered for the TACAC annual conference and have their conference registration paid by March 6. If not, they will be dropped from this activity. |
College Fair
Date: April 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM CST Location: McAllen Convention Center - 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501 Cost: Member Rate: $150 or Nonmember Rate: $225
TACAC is excited to bring a regional college fair to the RGV! Colleges and universities attending the TACAC annual conference are encouraged to register for the McAllen college fair on Tuesday evening after the conference. The hotel room blocks are available for participating college fair representatives.
College Tour
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST Campus: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Transportation: Provided by UTRGV Attendee Limit: 30
Conference Gear
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Buy your commemorative conference gear today! Proceeds benefit the Anne Naman Fund in support of professional development.
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Sponsors & Exhibitors
Exhibitor Rate: $1200 Sponsorship Packages: $1500 - $7500
Thank You to our Sponsors: Amplify Level - Educate Texas - Texas College Access Network | StriveScan
Resonance Level - The College Funding Coach
Thank You to our Exhibitors: Applerouth Tutoring | Appily | Compass Education Group | GoGira | Poznan University of Medical Sciences | Raftr, Inc. | Sallie Mae | The College Funding Coach
Contact: Brad Durchslag & Jeremy Curtis
First Timers
New to TACAC Conference? This warm-welcome kickoff is your launchpad. Join fellow first-time attendees for a friendly orientation that helps you get your bearings, make instant connections, and feel right at home. You’ll meet seasoned TACAC leaders, pick up insider tips to get the most out of the conference, and start building your network before the sessions even begin. Come curious, leave energized — this is where your TACAC experience truly starts. For more information, contact [email protected].
Conference Contacts
Conference Co-Chairs: Elizabeth Jones & Rob Mooring
Click here to see where TACAC has been through the years.
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