KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TCSA welcomes you to this year’s Texas Charter Schools Conference in Houston, Texas. To help you prepare, we’ve put together this guide so you’re ready for a successful event. In addition to this document, the TCSACon website and mobile app are where you will find all the details you need for everything TCSACon. Under the navigation bars of either tool, you’ll find information about Social Events, Breakout Sessions, General Sessions, Speakers, Exhibitors, Sponsors, etc. Download the TCSACon app today! GENERAL INFORMATION Location Marriott Marquis 1777 Walker Street Houston, TX What to Pack For all of the events, with the exception of the Thursday Evening Ballpark Event, business casual is recommended and comfortable shoes are encouraged. The Thursday Evening Ballpark Event at the Minute Maid Park, the dress is casual and fun! Feel free to wear your favorite sports team. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes! REGISTRATION Registration Hours Tuesday, October 23, 2018 6:00pm-9:00pm Wednesday, October 24, 2018 7:30am-5:00pm* Thursday, October 25, 2018 7:30am-3:30pm Friday, October 26, 2018 7:00am-10:00am *Please avoid picking up your badge Wednesday morning between 8:00am-9:00am, if possible. We are anticipating longer than usual wait times this year. TCSACon Badges Your name badges are required for admission to all events. There will be no exceptions. TECHNOLOGY TCSACon Mobile App To download the app, visit your device app store and search for “TCSACon”. Wi-Fi in Marriott Marquis Meeting Space Wi-Fi will be provided in all meeting areas of the Conference. Log in follows: Wi-Fi Network: Marquis_CONFERENCE Wi-Fi Password: 2018 MEALS TCSACon provides you with the majority of meals you need to get you through the week. Wednesday Lunch – Exhibit Hall Heavy hor d’oeuvres – Welcome Reception Thursday Breakfast – Exhibit Hall Lunch – Exhibit Hall Dinner – Thursday Evening Event at Minute Maid Park Friday Lunch – Awards Luncheon EDUCATION Build your Schedule View the TCSACon Schedule at a Glance to get an overview of all of the education and events at the Conference. While you won’t be able to build your schedule on the website, you will be able to build it on the app prior to your arrival in Houston. Credit Hours All general sessions and breakout sessions will provide credit hours toward meeting the necessary training requirements set forth by the Texas Education Agency for board members, CEOs, business officials, and charter school administrative staff. EXHIBIT HALL TCSACon connects you to over a hundred solution providers to help you find the best products and services to make your job easier. Don’t forget your business cards for lots of chances to win great prizes! EVENTS Charter Schools Now Reception Sponsored by PAC Let’s celebrate charter friends and legislators who are committed to protecting, growing and serving Texas charter schools. We have a unique opportunity to double our impact in support of our elected friends. A generous donor will match every dollar we raise before November 1 to support lawmakers who are committed to our schools. Lawmakers who will be supported by Charter Schools Now PAC are invited, so you can thank them in person for their support and help making quality public school options a reality for Texas families. RSVP required: http://texascharterconference.com/social-events/ Taste of Houston Welcome Reception Enjoy the best of Houston’s food scene conveniently located inside the exhibit hall. Play the Passport to the City game to win some cool prizes! Thursday Evening at Minute Maid Park Join us at the home of the 2017 World Series Champions, Houston Astros, at Minute Maid Park! Let’s sip, mingle and dance the night away! Complimentary ballpark tours will be provided for the first 200 guests that sign up when they arrive. *Entrance to the Club Level is on Texas St. and Preston St. Name Badges are required. No exceptions. Closing Awards Luncheon Please join us for the Awards Luncheon as we celebrate our Leader and Teacher of the Year and hear from special guests including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and David Osborne, American Author. SOCIAL MEDIA Following our conference hashtag and using it when you tweet, post or share pictures is the fastest way to connect with other participants before, during and after the conference. Wherever you’re active, we’d love to hear from you and see how you’re enjoying the #TCSACon experience, so don’t hesitate to follow and tag us. Conference Hashtag #TCSACon TCSA on Facebook: TCSAnews TCSA on Twitter: @TCSANews TCSA on Instagram: @tcsanews Complimentary Headshots Sponsored by: HJ Sims Provided by: McLendon Photography Stop by the exhibit hall on Wednesday and Thursday to take your complimentary headshots. SPONSORS, EXHIBITORS & COMMITTEE We’d like to extend a special thank you to the TCSACon 2018 Sponsors, Exhibitors and Conference Committee! .