2026 Texas Rising Star Early Educator Conference Venues

The Texas Rising Star Early Educator Conference, organized by the Texas Workforce Commission's Child Care & Early Learning Division, is a significant event that brings together representatives from certified Texas Rising Star child care programs across the state. Typically attracting around 900 attendees, the conference spans a day and a half and is held in a ballroom setting with breakout sessions. For the 2026 event, the conference must be scheduled as a two-day event with setup on a weekday, avoiding major holidays, and the response submissions should specify availability within preferred months such as January, February, April, May, and October. Respondents are encouraged to propose dates and locations primarily within Texas, focusing on the specified months, and must demonstrate the capability to host the event within the outlined timeframe and requirements. The contract for hosting the conference has a projected value between $500,000 and $1,500,000, with the Texas Workforce Commission seeking qualified venues that can accommodate the event's scope and size. The primary point of contact for inquiries and submissions is Dallas Curry-Ikner, reachable via email or phone. The solicitation emphasizes the importance of providing flexible date options for 2026, ensuring the selected venue can support the event's logistical and operational needs. Interested parties can find additional details and submit responses through the Texas SmartBuy portal.