Inspire Teaching. Transform Learning.
July 13-16 | Fort Worth, TX
Build your network, share ideas, and strengthen your leadership as a CTE professional.
About
The CTAT Summer Conference is the premier annual gathering of Texas career and technical education professionals. Each summer, educators, administrators, counselors, ESC specialists, business and industry partners, and CTE leaders from across the state come together to share ideas, discover innovative solutions, and strengthen career and technical education.
Designed to meet the needs of every level of CTE leadership, the conference offers in-depth pre-conference workshops, more than 120 breakout sessions, and an expansive exhibit hall featuring industry-leading partners and the latest instructional resources, technologies, and services. Whether you're leading a district, supporting educators, guiding students, or teaching in the classroom, you'll find practical strategies, valuable connections, and fresh ideas you can put into practice immediately.
More than a conference, CTAT Summer is where the Texas CTE community comes together to learn from one another, celebrate successes, and shape the future of career and technical education.
Keynote: Jeremy Poincenot
Get ready for a keynote experience that is anything but ordinary. With humor, heart, and a powerful personal story, our keynote speaker will challenge you to see the world—and yourself—through a new lens.
Although he cannot see his audiences, he opens their eyes to the strength found in connection and the extraordinary impact of interdependence. This inspiring session will encourage you to suspend judgment, focus on the good, and embrace the mindset that together, we truly are limitless.
Choose from a myriad of presentation topics specially curated for all levels of attendees.
Strands
See presentation topics below, specially curated for all levels of attendees.
Additional Trainings
Level I Training for New CTE Administrators
$255
Training for New Administrators is appropriate for CTE directors, coordinators and other staff responsible for CTE program decisions at the district level. This training is most useful for those with five years of experience or less. Participants will receive legislative updates and information necessary to implement and sustain effective CTE programs. Access to a virtual resource with electronic documents and related web links will be shared.
Level II Training for Experienced CTE Administrators
$255
Level II Training for Experienced CTE Administrators is appropriate for CTE directors, coordinators and other staff responsible for CTE program decisions at the district level. This training is most useful for those with over five years of experience. Major areas of focus will include; PEIMS management & reports, Methods of Administration (MOA) requirements, CLNA data, budgeting, developing a CTE program and procedures manual and overall best practices for program development. Access to a virtual resource with electronic documents and related web links will be shared. CTAT recommends New CTE administrator training as a prerequisite for professionals with less than five years experience.
NEW* Level III Training for Admin: Advanced CTE Leadership
$255
This intensive session equips CTE administrators with strategies to maximize CCMR ratings through precise PEIMS data mastery, collaborative best-practice sharing in an interactive forum, and proven approaches to onboarding, developing, and elevating CTE staff for stronger programs and better outcomes.
The Role of the Counselor and Effective Advising Practices in CTE
$255
This workshop is designed for counselors new to CTE and/or those needing a refresher. Topics such as 4-year plans, special populations, PEIMS, accountability and understanding endorsement requirements are discussed. Understanding CTE courses and how they count for graduation requirements, the AAR, 7th and 8th grade requirements for PGPs, as well as legislative updates are also included.
Training for New CTE Teachers
$255
If you are a teacher with three or fewer years of experience, this session is for you! Join us for an interactive and fun day where you can learn and refine skills in the areas of finding resources, lesson planning, classroom management, instructional strategies and CTE specific responsibilities. You'll walk away with lots of new ideas and techniques to fill your teaching arsenal! Content provided is best suited for newbie teachers, especially those who entered teaching as a second profession.
Training Work Based Learning for Career Preparation/Practicum Programs
$255
This session is a great opportunity for CTE instructors who are seeking the endorsement (or want to refresh their skills) to teach Career Preparation, CTE Practicum courses, or any other work-based learning course.
This fast-paced workshop is designed to satisfy the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) assignment rule for career preparation and/or practicum courses, covering topics such as, successfully managing student placement, training plans, site visitations, student intern evaluations and other work-based learning management techniques.
Empowering Small and Rural Schools: CTE Solutions for Success
$255
This session focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small and rural schools in delivering high-quality CTE programs. Discover practical strategies, resources, and support systems tailored to meet the needs of smaller districts and help students thrive in career and technical education.
Schedule
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| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:00pm – 6:00pm | CTAT Board of Directors Work Session |
| 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Registration Open |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30am – 5:00pm | Registration Open |
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| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30am – 8:30am | Continental Breakfast |
| 7:30am – 4:00pm | Registration Open |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30am – 8:30am | Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00am – 10:00am | Registration Open |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30am – 8:30am | Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00am – 10:00am | Registration Open |
Detailed Agenda
Click here to download the detailed agenda for Summer Conference. Download the conference app to view the most current agenda.
Submissions for Presenters
CTAT invites you to impact CTE programs across the state by sharing your expertise. Presenters are expected to prepare engaging and interactive sessions with resources, strategies, how-to guides, examples, tools, and tips for supporting high-quality CTE programs. Sessions should target content areas specific to CTE. Please contact us at present@ctat.org if you have any questions.
Deadline to submit: May 1, 2026
Selection Process
Submissions
Any individual with experience in career and technical education, workforce development and business/industry are welcome to submit a presentation. All proposals are carefully reviewed and selected by a committee of CTAT members. Presentations will be chosen based on current relevant need and interest for CTAT conference attendees. Applicants will receive an acceptance or regret notification in May 2026.
Requirements
Presentation sessions are 45-minutes in person. Handouts and interaction among attendees are encouraged. We also encourage presenters to upload any materials prior to their presentation. Be prepared to share proven strategies and best practices from personal experience and research.
Note to Vendors
An exhibitor contract at the partnership/sponsor levels must accompany your presentation submission form to be eligible for a presentation session. There are a limited number of presentation slots for the conference and they will be filled on a first come, first served basis. A vendor presentation submission will not be accepted without an accompanying contract.
Location
Conference Headquarters
Ft. Worth Convention Center
1201 Houston St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Hotel
Omni Hotel
1300 Houston St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 535-6664
Additional Accommodations
Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel
1701 Commerce St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 335-7000
Beware of Hotel Scams
CTAT is committed to your safety. Avoid unauthorized housing companies posing as CTAT affiliates. Book directly through our provided link to secure your accommodations. If you have any questions or concerns about the validity of a hotel marketing call or email, please contact us at 512.288.8666. Your safety and security are our top priorities, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping us combat housing scams.
Hotel Cancellation Policy
In order to reserve a room at the discounted rate, a deposit in the amount of one room night plus tax will be charged to the provided credit card 30 days prior to the date of arrival. Failure to cancel a reservation 30 days prior to arrival, will result in payment for one room night plus tax. The deposit is not refundable.
Register
Early bird deadline: TBD
Deadline to pre-register:TBD
Member Rates
Early Bird Rate
$585
Regular Rate
$635
On-Site Rate
$695
Non-Member Rates
Early Bird Rate
$635
Regular Rate
$695
On-Site Rate
$695
About Exhibiting
Increase your reach. CTE continues to be at the forefront of evolving education as strong interest in quality CTE programs across the country continues to increase. CTAT works to protect over $3,000,000,000 in state funding districts use to purchase equipment, supplies, and instructional materials.
Leverage the momentum of growing interest in CTE at CTAT Winter and Summer where administrators, counselors, ESC personnel, college articulation staff and CTE teachers gather to explore resources and services available to support their programs. Choose from several options to reach your existing and potential customers to gain exposure and maximize returns.
Maximize Brand Recognition Among Decision Makers. The key to reaching buyers in the career and technical education marketplace is to participate in Texas’ two premier state conferences, CTAT Summer and Winter Conferences, for CTE and workforce training.
Limited Presentation Opportunities Are Available
An exhibitor contract at the partnership/sponsor levels must accompany your presentation submission form to be eligible for a presentation session. There are a limited number of presentation slots for the conference and they will be filled on a first come, first served basis. A vendor presentation submission will not be accepted without an accompanying contract.
Exhibit Opportunities
Sign Up to Exhibit
Presentation Submission
Exhibitor Schedule
Exhibitor Terms and Conditions