When it comes to selecting the perfect destination for your next meeting or event, bigger isn't always better.
Join the MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter for an engaging educational experience that explores why mid-size city markets are becoming some of the industry's best-kept secrets. Discover how these destinations deliver exceptional value, personalized service, and collaborative partnerships that can elevate your events while maximizing your budget.
In many mid-size markets, your event isn't just another date on the calendar - it's a priority. From convention and visitors bureaus that can connect you with hotels, venues, attractions, transportation, and local partners through a single point of contact, to venues where decision-makers are just a phone call away, you'll learn how these destinations simplify the planning process and create memorable attendee experiences.
During this program, you'll hear directly from destination experts and industry professionals as they share real-world examples, practical strategies, and insider tips for leveraging mid-size cities to your advantage. Whether you're planning conferences, meetings, conventions, or special events, you'll walk away with new ideas for delivering greater value to your clients and stakeholders.
Come discover why choosing a mid-size market can help you make a bigger impact - and why sometimes the best place to be is a Big Fish in a Little Pond.
DATES: Friday, August 28 @ 4:30 P.M., and Saturday, August 29, 2026 until 2:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village
750 Ih 35 North, New Braunfels, TX, 78130
FREE Parking at the venue
COST: $75 Members | $100 Non-Members | $50 Students
Registration includes:
Happy hour networking reception and educational program, plus
Saturday: Experience New Braunfels on Saturday
Registration Deadline: Friday, August 21 EOD
Friday, August 28:
1:00-4:00 P.M. - Optional - Site visits at various locations TBD
4:30-5:15 P.M. - Registration, Networking and Site Tours of hotel available at Courtyard by Marriott.
Appetizers and nonalcoholic beverages will be served.
5:30-6:30 P.M. - Be a BIG FISH in a LITTLE POND Educational Event
6:45-7:45 P.M. - Reception at the Faust Hotel with entertainment following (venue TBD)
8:00-9:30 P.M. - Historic Downtown Walking Ghost Tour followed by Concert (venue TBD)
Saturday, August 29:
8:30-9:30 A.M. - Brunch
9:30-10:00 A.M. - Civic Center Tour
10:30-11:30 A.M. - Sophienburg Museum
11:45 A.M.-12:00 P.M. - Travel Time
12:00-1:15 P.M. - Wurstfest Grounds
1:15-2:15 P.M. - Farewell BBQ lunch (venue TBD)
Optional Activities on own
(Agenda subject to change as details get finalized)
This program is designed to combine education, connection, and destination discovery into one meaningful industry experience.
We’d like to thank Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village for sponsoring the venue, CIRCA Studio Destination Management as an event sponsor, and Attendee Management for providing Registration Services.
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Your spot is waiting. Claim it.
Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village
750 Ih 35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Upcoming Events and Sponsorship Opportunities
September 10 - Main Stage Mixer at Scoot Inn in Austin
September/October - CMP Study Group - Learn More and Register
MPI - October 13-15 - IMEX America 2026
October 28-30 - Texas Education Conference (TEC26) - Learn More...
December - Jingle & Mingle