Connect & Collaborate.
June 16-18 | San Marcos, TX
Shape Future Public Servants
Join CTAT for an immersive, hands-on, professional learning experience designed for educators in Forensic Science, Law, and Public Service.
About
Join CTAT for an immersive, hands-on, professional learning experience designed for educators in Forensic Science, Law, and Public Service. This specialized conference blends classroom-based learning with experiential, on-site instruction through an exclusive collaboration with Texas State University’s Forensic Anthropology Center (FACTS), one of the nation’s leading forensic research and training facilities.
What to Expect:
- Experiential learning workshops hosted on-site at FACTS, including applied forensic anthropology activities
- Real-world, field-based instruction with classroom experiences taking place at the FACTS "Body Farm."
- Interactive workshops led by experts in forensic science, law, and public service
- Structured collaboration with Texas State faculty and industry professionals
Participants will enjoy a multitude of learning experiences, including traditional breakout sessions and deep dive learning experiences, engaging directly in guided educational field experiences that demonstrate how forensic concepts are studied and applied in real investigative and research settings.
Whether you teach forensic science, law enforcement pathways, or public service programs, this conference is designed to strengthen your content knowledge, expand your professional network, and deepen your classroom impact.
Conference Highlights
Notes
Tours have limited capacity to ensure an intimate experience, and transportation will be provided to all off-site locations.
Important Information for Body Farm: If you are attending the experiential workshops on June 17th, please note the following policies required for your visit to the Body Farm:
Body Farm Tour Requirement: Attendees participating in the Body Farm Tour must complete this Release_Form. Please bring the completed form with you or be prepared to fill it out onsite. Completion of this form is required to participate in the tour.
Dress Code: Attendees must wear pants, closed-toed shoes, and shirts that cover both shoulders and midriffs. Please plan your outfit accordingly. Attendees who do not meet the dress code may not be permitted to participate.
Allergy Alert: Bees and wasps are present on the grounds. If you have a known allergy to bee or wasp stings, you must bring your epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) with you. This is required for your safety and the safety of those around you.
Call for Presentations: Are you an expert in forensic science, law enforcement, criminal justice, or public service? We are looking for presenters who can bring real-world expertise and innovative practices to CTE educators across Texas. Share your knowledge and help us create an unforgettable learning experience at one of the nation's premier forensic training facilities. Submit a presentation here.
Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 4:00pm – 6:00pm | Registration Open |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30am – 5:00pm | Registration Open |
| 7:30am – 9:00am | Continental Breakfast |
| 9:00am – 3:00pm | Level I Training for New CTE Administrators (additional pre-registration fee required) |
| 9:00am – 3:00pm | Level II Training for Experienced CTE Administrators (additional pre-registration fee required) |
| 9:00am – 3:00pm | Level III Training for Experienced CTE Administrators (additional pre-registration fee required) |
| 9:00am – 3:00pm | The Role of the Counselor and Affective Advising Practices for CTE (additional pre-registration fee required) |
| 9:00am – 3:00pm | Training Quality CTE Programs for Students with Special Needs (additional pre-registration fee required) |
| 3:00pm – 4:00pm | PreConference Reception hosted by CareerCraft |
| 3:30pm – 4:00pm | CTAT Executive Committee Meeting |
| 4:00pm – 5:30pm | CTAT Board of Director's Meeting |
| 6:00pm – 7:00pm | San Antonio Riverwalk Barge Tour |
| 6:30pm – 8:00pm | Board Social |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30am – 8:30am | Continental Breakfast |
| 7:30am – 4:00pm | Registration Open |
| 8:00am – 8:15am | First-time Attendee 101/Welcome |
| 8:00am – 4:00pm | Exhibit Hall / Solution Center |
| 8:30am – 10:00am | Opening General Session |
| 10:00am – 10:45am | Morning Solution Center Walkabout/Break |
| 10:45am – 11:15am | CTAT Area Meet & Greet |
| 11:30am – 12:15pm | Breakout Sessions 1 |
| 12:15pm – 1:30pm | Lunch - on your own |
| 12:15pm – 1:30pm | CTAT Area Presidents Luncheon |
| 1:30pm – 2:15pm | Breakout Sessions 2 |
| 2:30pm – 3:15pm | Breakout Sessions 3 |
| 3:15pm – 4:00pm | Afternoon Solution Center / Beverage Break Hosted by GW |
| 3:30pm – 4:00pm | CTAT Awards Committee Meetup |
| 4:00pm – 4:45pm | CTAT Roundtable |
| 5:00pm – 5:30pm | NextGen HH (by invitation only) |
| 5:00pm – 7:00pm | CTAT Reception Hosted by iCEV |
Detailed Agenda
Click here to download the detailed agenda for Winter 2027. Download the conference app to view the most current agenda.
Additional Notes:
- Transportation: Attendees will be bussed to and from Tours. Parking is limited on site and all registered attendees must utilize provided transportation.
- Capacity: Each tour will have a maximum of 30 participants to ensure an intimate experience.
Location
Conference Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos
2131 N. Hwy 35
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 878-4411
Field Experience Locations (Texas State University)
On Day 2, participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences at Texas State University’s facilities
- Grady Early Building (GEB) – Forensic Anthropology labs
- Archaeology Lab (ARC) – Skeletal analysis instruction
- Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) – Field recovery and forensic archaeology simulations
Transportation logistics and schedules will be provided to attendees. Parking is limited on site and all registered attendees must utilize provided transportation.
Lunch and materials are provided for all registered attendees
Register
Early bird deadline: TBD
Deadline to pre-register:TBD
Conference Rates
Regular Rate
$595
On-Site Rate
$695
Refund requests must be made in writing to monique@ctat.org on or before June 5, 2026. A 20% cancellation fee per individual will be deducted from any refund request received on or before June 5, 2026. After that date, there will be no refund of registration fees; however, substitutions and name changes may be submitted in writing to monique@ctat.org. Refunds will be issued after the conference.