Texas CASA Conference

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.

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 all expenses are allowable on both HHSC and VOCA grants.)  
Registration Dates: Registration will open July 8, 2026, and close August 12, 2026.
Lodging: A group block will be available at the conference hotel as well as an overflow hotel nearby. 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.

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, violet, and midnight blue, accented with touches of gold, amber, and bright floral tones. Check out the Nectar at Nightfall Lookbook for inspiration on your gala ensemble.

The gala is included with your registration.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Our 2026 Texas CASA Conference is shaping up to be an inspiring, statewide gathering of advocates united for children in foster care, and we invite you to be part of it as a sponsor! Sponsorship is a powerful way to show your commitment to our mission and gain meaningful visibility. We have sponsorship opportunities starting at $1,000, and all sponsorships include an Exhibitor booth, so check out our sponsorship packet and reach out to development@texascasa.org with any questions or inquiries! 

Exhibitor Registration Now Open

If you know an organization or individual who has a product or service they want to showcase at the conference, ask them to become an exhibitor. Get the details or save your spot here. 

FAQs

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

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!