Annual Conference

The Annual Conference is here! We'll see y'all in Abilene June 15th - June 17th!

Monday, June 15

Welcome Reception
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Grace Museum

Join us for drinks, hors d'oeuvres, networking, and unique entertainment throughout the museum, including:

• Ballet Folklórico performance
• Silent disco
• Caricature artist
• Rooftop cornhole
• Live music

This event is generously sponsored by Abilene Environmental Landfill and hosted by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

Attire: Casual

Walking Group: TCCE staff will gather in front of the DoubleTree at 4:30 PM and lead attendees on the short walk to The Grace Museum. Along the way, the Abilene Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau have planned a special surprise for conference attendees.

Please note: Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be provided, but dinner is not included. We'll share local restaurant recommendations for those who would like to continue the evening afterward.

Tuesday, June 16

Conference Day One
The conference officially kicks off Tuesday morning with a full day of educational programming, networking, sponsor engagement, and evening entertainment.

Schedule Highlights
7:00 AM – Registration Opens

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

• Breakfast & Networking: Sponsored by Texas Taxpayers & Research Association (TTARA)

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

• Conference Welcome & Kick-Off

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

• Chamber on a Mission with Kyle Sexton

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM

• GrowthZone Survey Results FEUD Style + TCCE Member Info Hub Tutorial with Scott Robertson & Spencer Coleman

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

• Under the Dome: What's Ahead for the 90th Texas Legislature—and Why It Matters for Local Chambers: Presented by Texans for Lawsuit Reform with the Texas Association of Business, and Texas Taxpayers & Research Association

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM

• From Weekend Visitors to Workforce Pipeline
• Guided AI Opportunity Sprint with Randy Bryan, tekRESCUE
• Chamber Unscripted: Interactive Conversations with Kyle Sexton

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM

• Stop Selling. Start Solving.
• Powering the Texas Boom: Energy, Economic Development & Policy
• Transforming Onboarding into Activation: Member Retention Begins on

Tuesday Evening: Night on the Town Sponsored by Google
201 Mesquite Event Center
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Join fellow chamber professionals for dinner, networking, live music, and West Texas hospitality.

Continuous shuttle service from the DoubleTree begins at approximately 6:10 PM.

Attire: Casual

Wednesday, June 17

Conference Day Two & Excellence Awards Banquet
Wednesday features another day of learning, networking, and idea-sharing before we conclude with TCCE's signature Excellence Awards Banquet.

Morning & Midday Programming

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

• 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Building a Talent-Strong Region: The Chamber's Role in Workforce Pathways. Presented by the TAB Foundation

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

• Debunking Data Center Myths: Separating Perception from Impact
  Presented by Amazon

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM

• Better Reports with AI. More Time for What Matters. with Randy Bryan, tekRESCUE
• The Board Management Playbook
• Building a Chamber Flywheel Through Programs, Events & Member Momentum

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Three Roles That Grow Your Chamber
• Chamber Operations Deep Dive
• Collections vs. Connections

TCCE Excellence Awards Banquet: Abilene After Dark

D&W Underground

5:30 PM – 6:45 PM

• Reception

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

• Awards Banquet

Join colleagues from across Texas as we celebrate the accomplishments of the chamber profession and recognize outstanding leaders, organizations, and communities.

The evening includes:

• Tenure Recognition Awards
• Media Awards
• Marvin Hurley Award
• Art Roberts Award
• Announcement of the 2027 TCCE Annual Conference Host Community
• Conference Prize Drawings

Password: Celebration

Attire: Cocktail Attire
Theme: Optional Prohibition-Era Speakeasy

Continuous shuttle service from the DoubleTree begins at approximately 5:15 PM.

After Party: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
KAO Lounge

Continue the celebration, connect with colleagues, and close out an incredible week together.

Please note: Transportation is not provided to or from the after party.

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Exhibitors

Please take time throughout the conference to visit our sponsors and exhibitors. These organizations invest in Texas chambers and provide valuable products, services, and resources designed specifically for chambers of commerce and economic development organizations.

Don't forget to collect your passport stamps while you're there!