7:30-8:30 a.m.
Coffee Cart – Sponsored by Focused Advocacy
7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Attendee Registration
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Registration
9:45-10:15 a.m.
Refreshment Break – Sponsored by Schaumburg & Polk, Inc.
10:15 a.m.–Noon
Opening General Session and Presentation of Awards
ON FIRE: Ignite a Radically Inspired Life
John O’Leary, Best-Selling Author and Speaker
In a world where “accidental living”—mindlessly moving through routines, obsessed with screen time, and fixating on what’s wrong—has become the norm, John O’Leary challenges community leaders to live with purpose, passion, and intention. Drawing from his remarkable story of surviving a devastating fire at age nine, John will inspire you to rise above adversity and embrace a radically inspired approach to public service. In this powerful keynote, he will reveal how daily inflection points – moments that shape everything that follows—are powerful opportunities for growth and leadership. Through compelling stories and practical strategies, John will empower you to embrace a victor’s mindset and make a meaningful impact in the community you serve.
Noon–5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by Aqualia – Municipal District Services
1:15-1:45 p.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by Asphalt Zipper, Inc.
| 1:45–3:00 p.m. | TML Concurrent Sessions |
| What Should Be in Your Emergency Management Go-Bag? | In this session, executive staff from the Texas Division of Emergency Management will discuss what local emergency managers and city officials need to know and have ready before, during, and after disaster strikes. Texas Department of Emergency Management |
| 2025 Legislative Update | Join TML’s legislative team for an informative talk about the outcomes from the 2025 Texas legislative session, the implementation of key bills, and the impact on our cities. G – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for governance. Bennett Sandlin, Executive Director; Monty Wynn, Executive Director Designee; Bill Longley, General Counsel; JJ Rocha, Grassroots and Legislative Services Manager; and Mike Martin, Legislative Counsel, Texas Municipal League |
| Leadership 101 | In this engaging session, Dr. Arturo Menefee will share valuable insights and real-world experience to explore the essential skills that define effective leadership. Participants will learn to strengthen their leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities to enhance personal and professional success. Through clear examples and practical strategies, the session will highlight the qualities of successful leaders, the value of team building and diversity, and the tools needed to foster organizational growth. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of leadership fundamentals and a personalized plan for ongoing development. Arturo Menefee, PhD, University of Alabama |
| Financial Boot Camp: Core Skills for Small Cities Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council | Managing municipal finances can be complex, especially in small cities where staff wear many hats. This session offers a practical overview of finance fundamentals to help you build confidence and competence in budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and more. Whether you are newly elected, recently hired, or stepping into new responsibilities, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of key financial concepts and the tools to support sound decision-making. You’ll also learn where to find trusted resources and training opportunities to strengthen your financial know-how long after the session ends. F – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for finance. Martie Simpson, Assistant Director of City Financial Services, and Keith Dagen, Wrangler, Texas Municipal League |
2:00-2:30 p.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by Aqualia – Municipal District Services
2:45-3:15 p.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by HdL Companies
3:00-3:30 p.m.
Refreshment Break – Sponsored by Hilltop Securities Inc.
3:30-4:00 p.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by Power Temp Systems
| 3:30-4:45 p.m. | TML Concurrent Sessions |
| Creating a Leadership Team for Success: Building Stronger, More Effective Leadership Session courtesy of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc. | The strength of an organization’s leadership team is crucial to its overall success. In this session, we will explore how to build, develop, and lead a high-performing leadership team that drives results and inspires others. Learn strategies for fostering trust, setting clear objectives, and encouraging open communication among leaders. We’ll discuss how to align diverse leadership styles and strengths, resolve conflicts, and cultivate a culture of collaboration and accountability. Whether you’re forming a new leadership team or enhancing an existing one, join us to discover the tools and best practices that will help your leadership team succeed and lead with impact. Kim Sutter, City Secretary/Chief Compliance Officer, City of Euless; Junior Ezeonu, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, City of Grand Prairie; and Joey Dunn, Deputy City Manager, City of Bryan |
| Legal Q&A | Meet the TML legal staff and hear the answers to questions you’ve always wanted to have answered in this fun, insightful, and informal session. Amber McKeon-Mueller, Director of Legal Services; Mike Martin, Legislative Counsel; Tad Cleaves, Assistant General Counsel; Sarah Tompkins, Legal Counsel; and Stephanie Huser, Legal Counsel, Texas Municipal League |
| Creative Collaborations That Build a Service Community Session courtesy of the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association | How can cities maximize their resources and create a dynamic service culture? Discover how partnerships between libraries, police, firefighters, public works, parks and recreation, and community partners are changing traditional services. Unique programs are being developed across Texas to meet the demand for creative programming, scarcity relief, workforce development, senior and youth connections, and more. Join us for a lively discussion of how communities are coming together to build a stronger Texas. Becky McClain, Library Director, City of Santa Fe; A’ndrea McAdams, Library Director, City of Sundown; Lisa Youngblood, Library Director, City of Harker Heights; and David Mitchell, City Manager, City of Harker Heights |
| The Texas Legislature and Laws Affecting Planning Session courtesy of the American Planning Association Texas Chapter | Join a dynamic, solutions-driven panel as they unpack key legislative changes impacting cities across the state. This session is designed to translate complex legal changes from the most recent legislative session into practical guidance. You will gain critical insights into how these changes impact local governance, budgeting, planning, infrastructure, and public safety. Whether you’re an elected or appointed official, city staff member, or other local leader, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape and advocate more effectively for your community. Craig Farmer FAICP, President, Municipal Planning Services, LLC; Carissa Cox AICP, Urban Planning Practice Builder, Kimley-Horn, and Kimberley Mickelson Esq. FAICP, Senior Assistant City Attorney III, City of Houston |
| A Secure Water Future for Your City | The 89th Texas Legislative Session has been called the “Water Session,” with Governor Abbott championing a historic, Texas-sized investment in the state’s water infrastructure. But what does that mean for cities on the front lines of growth, development, and aging systems? This panel brings together top voices from the public and private sectors to unpack the new legislative landscape and its implications for municipal water planning and financing. Learn how your city can navigate new funding mechanisms, address infrastructure demands, and build a resilient water future for your community. Darrell Nichols, General Manager/CEO, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority; Jenna Covington, Executive Director and General Manager, North Texas Municipal Water District; Thomas Liu, Managing Director, BofA Securities; and Matt Lee, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP |