Reflect - Texas Education Conference (TEC25)

Texas Education Conference (TEC25) at Margaritaville: Education, Entertainment, and Just Enough “Island Vibes” to pretend we're not working...

This year’s Texas Education Conference at Margaritaville in Conroe was everything I hoped it would be - educational, energizing, and filled with enough live music and cocktails to make even the most Type-A event professional loosen up… at least a little. And no, before you ask, not a single one of us got in the pool. (No comment on the hottubs).

From the moment registration opened on Wednesday, TEC took off with that signature MPI energy - the kind that says, “I’m here to learn, network, and also maybe stay up a little later than intended.” The VIP/President’s Reception set the tone beautifully: cocktails, beach-casual outfits, and a resort full of Event Professionals ready to mingle.

Thursday was the ultimate marathon of education and connection. The Opening Keynote and lunch delivered big industry insights (and fed us, which is equally important). Then came the breakout sessions, where we bounced from AV basics to authentic connections, CVB partnerships, and the ever-relevant crash course in how not to embarrass yourself on social media. The Market Place was buzzing all day - coffee-fueled and filled with activations that kept us happily overstimulated.

But the real magic? The social events.

The Cocktail Reception and Dinner event came alive at the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. There was live music, laughter, and the kind of mingling that proves Event Professionals can - and will - network anywhere, even if there are bugs. Nothing bonds people together like digging an intrusive flying insect out of your signature cocktail. (LOL - halfway kidding...) 

And then… the Afterparty at the Boathouse Bar & Lounge. If you know, you know. Dancing, Karaoke, and WAY. Too. Much. fun.

Friday wrapped up with 6:00AM yoga (for the overachievers), an 8:00AM sound bath (for the spiritually ambitious), and more valuable breakout sessions touching on what it means to be a team player, human trafficking awareness, and corporate wellness.  What a powerhouse. Our fantastic closing keynote reminded us AI is here, it’s helpful, and it's NOT going to take our jobs... as long as we learn how to use it.

By the time we adjourned, I left TEC feeling inspired, reconnected, well-educated, and maybe just a tiny bit sleep-deprived... all signs of a truly excellent conference. If you missed it, don’t worry: there’s always next year.  But also… yes, you should have totally been there.