2026 Host Bid Application

2026 Host Bid Application

The Texas Conference on Student Success is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for education professionals to share best practices, discover innovative ideas, develop new connections, and experience diverse perspectives, all in the interest of supporting student success in higher education.

Established in 2022, the first three annual conferences were hosted by Texas A&M University in College Station. Beginning in 2025, the conference will be moving to different sites across the state. The bid application process is now open to host the conference in Fall 2026. 

Supported by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating board, staff at Texas A&M will continue to provide leadership and administrative support for the conference and are leading the selection process for future host institutions. 

Host institution responsibilities include:

• Secure an appropriate venue and hotel for all conference events. 
• Share in the leadership for organizing the 2026 Texas Conference for Student Success.
• Co-chair the conference committee including selection of additional planning committee members, hosting of regular committee meetings and providing oversight to the planning process for logistics, educational sessions, major speakers, outreach, sponsorships, and networking opportunities for attendees.
• Provide staffing support for key planning committee positions including:
  • Conference Co-Chair 
  • Logistics sub-committee chair
  • Hospitality sub-committee chair
• Collaborate to develop and manage conference budget and logistics for the conference. 
• Communicate regularly on matters pertaining to the conference.
• Collaborate to provide a final report, due within 60 days after the conference occurs, that includes total attendance numbers, attendee feedback obtained through surveys or other methods, and any other information related to the conference as requested by THECB.
• Coordinate with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to fulfill terms outlined in an existing Interagency Cooperation Contract with THECB related to the planning, administration and implementation of the Texas Conference on Student Success.

The bid application requires the following:

• Written support from your institution and supervisor/leadership to host the conference.
• Name, title, and brief bio for proposed conference host(s)
• Description of host institution including location
• Proposed conference date (3 days in preferably October 2026, not over a weekend), with verbal/written confirmation that adequate space in the proposed venue is available these dates
• Name, description, and location(s) of conference venue(s)
  • Venue(s) must include space to accommodate at least 600 attendees to gather in a banquet-style ballroom and 8-10 breakout rooms for a similar number.
  • Hotel(s) in the nearby vicinity in which a conference rate and room block can be secured.
• Approximate cost for facilities (two half days, and one full day), a/v, and food & beverage (one hors d’oeuvres reception, two breakfasts, one buffet/plated lunch and one boxed to-go lunch)
• Ideas for Day 2 Evening Entertainment (on-site or off-site ideas are welcome) with approximate cost