Texas CASA

Texas CASA Conference
2026-09-09 11:00 - 2026-09-11 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Registration is closed. We look forward to seeing everyone in San Marcos!

We will be sending a Know Before You Go email the week before conference so please be on the lookout for that. It will include your conference schedule and other important information to know before you arrive.

For questions or information on how to to make a substitution, please check out the FAQs.

read the FAQS

We are excited to be going back to San Marcos for the annual Texas CASA Conference on September 9-11, 2026! It’s been over a decade since we’ve been there, and we are happy to be able to enjoy their newly renovated convention center and all the new things the city has to offer. In addition to its growth, San Marcos was officially named a Bird City Texas community in January 2025 by Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife.

For questions or information on how to make a substitution, please check out the FAQs.

This year’s theme, Advocacy in Motion, reflects the active and ongoing work of CASA on behalf of children and families. We chose the hummingbird as a central element to the theme — small yet fiercely determined beings that travel great distances against all odds.

Similarly, CASA volunteers serve as steady advocates for children navigating the uncertainty of the foster care system, offering a voice, direction, and unwavering support. Just as the hummingbird’s presence symbolizes the strength to endure and the promise of renewal, CASA programs embody a commitment to helping children overcome hardship and move toward safety, healing, and a brighter future.

Dates: September 9-11, 2026 Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center, 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666 Audience: CASA staff, volunteers, and board members, and other child welfare stakeholders Registration Cost: $400 per person (For CASA programs in Texas, most expenses are allowable on both HHSC and VOCA grants.) Registration Dates: July 8 – August 12, 2026, or when the event reaches capacity, whichever comes firstLodging: A group block will be available at the conference hotel as well as three additional nearby hotels. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and room types cannot be guaranteed. Multiple reservations under the same name will not be accepted so please have the list of names ready if you need multiple rooms. The cost for lodging is $189/night plus tax. Instructions to book your room will be included in your confirmation email once you register for conference.

Meet our Keynote Speakers

Learn About All The Workshops and Speakers

Click the button below to learn about the conference workshops and presenters. Workshops are available on a first-come, first-served basis when you register for conference. Use the Workshop Selection Worksheet to help you organize which workshops you want to attend. You must be registered for a session in order to attend the session once you arrive at the conference. Keynote speakers and general sessions are automatically included in your registration.

VIEW THE WORKSHOPS

Nectar at Nightfall Gala & Dinner

Join us on Thursday evening for the Nectar at Nightfall gala and dinner. Just as hummingbirds gather nectar to sustain their remarkable journeys, this evening celebrates the people, relationships, and moments that sustain CASA programs and advocates in their work on behalf of children. Set against the backdrop of a twilight garden, the gala creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere where attendees can connect, reflect, and recharge while honoring the impact they make every day.

The visual palette draws from rich twilight hues including deep plum, indigo and midnight blue, accented with touches of gold, amber, and bright floral tones such as fuchsia, magenta, turquoise and teal. Check out the Nectar at Nightfall Lookbook for inspiration on your gala ensemble.

The gala is included with your registration.

browse the lookbook

Explore the City of San Marcos

Don’t miss all the city has to offer. The City of San Marcos is a bustling city with no shortage of attractions, shopping and dining. See all that the city has to offer at visitsanmarcos.com. We have partnered with the City of San Marcos to offer conference attendees their Deals and Discount pass which offers you deals at many restaurants, shops and other businesses around town. Sign up for their Deals and Discount pass here. We are beyond grateful to the City of San Marcos for their partnership to help make this conference one for the books!

FAQs

We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about the conference and the registration process to assist in your conference planning.

READ THE FAQS

Thanks to our 2026 Conference Sponsors!

We hope to see you in San Marcos in September to honor the incredible work of the local CASA programs and to give you new tools and strategies to enhance your advocacy for children and families. Check out all the fun we had last time!

CSE-IT Training
2026-09-24 09:30 - 12:30
This training will introduce and train CASA staff on the CSE-IT screening tool, which is designed to improve the early identification of youth who are experiencing or at risk for experiencing human trafficking. This training includes some introductory foundational information about human trafficking, an orientation to the tool, a description of CSE-IT indicators, scoring instructions, and next steps. Understanding the CSE-IT tool is a critical part of ACT advocacy. This training is only available to CASA Staff.

For more information, contact Torey Tipton at casaacts@texascasa.org.

Dates & Registration – Texas Network of Youth Services

August 19th from 9:00-12:30

Register here

September 24th from 9:00-12:30

Register here

October 28th from 9:00-12:30

Register here
