The 14th annual Future of the Region South Texas Conference is being held on Sept. 12th-14th, 2018 at the TAMIU Student Center in Laredo, Texas.
In shaping the future of South Texas, the primary objectives are:
- Undertake a regional economic development platform for South Texas in collaboration with colleges and universities
- Develop effective lines of communications with the Texas Legislature and local communities
- Foster public-private initiatives for long term economic development
- Enhance workforce training and education
Key issues of interest considered during the conferences:
- Workforce Education and Training
- Energy
- Economic Development
- Border Issues
- Infrastructure – Water, Safety and Transportation
- Health
Tickets can be purchased from the Future of the Region South Texas website here.
2018 Conference Agenda
All conference sessions will be held in the Texas A&M International University Student Center Building located at 5201 University Blvd, Laredo, TX 78041.
Day 1 – September 12th, 2018
3:00pm – 4:30pm
FORST Board Meeting
Registration: Exterior Student Center Ballroom
4:45pm – 6:00pm
Opening Ceremony
Welcome Remarks
- TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz
- FORST President Kym Bolado
Keynote Speakers
- Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz
- Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Mixer/Networking
Best Western San Isidro Inn
Day 2 – September 13th, 2018
8:00am – 8:30am
Registration: Exterior Student Center Ballroom
8:30am – 8:45am
First Plenary Session (Student Center)
Welcome Remarks
- FORST President Kym Bolado
9:00am – 11:00am
Session I – Ballroom 2nd floor
Infrastructure Chair
- Judge Pete Treviño
Health Chair
- Elmo Lopez
Economic Development Chair
- Gil Gonzalez
11:15am – 12:15pm
Second Plenary Session (Student Center)
Lunch with Keynote – Topic: A View from the Top
- Senator Zaffirini
12:30pm – 3:30pm
Session II -Ballroom 2nd floor
Energy Chair
- Omar Garcia
Workforce Development Chair
- Ken Treviño
Border Issues Chair
- Federico Schaffler
3:30pm – 3:45pm
Break and TAMIU tour (Great Room, Library, Planetarium, etc)
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Breakaway Sessions (6 classrooms in the same building –Student Center)
Room SC 231 Infrastructure
Room SC 120 Health
Room SC 236 Economic Development
Ballroom Energy
Room SC 230 Workforce Development
Room SC 225 Border Issues
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Mixer/Networking
Best Western San Isidro Inn
Day 3 – September 14th, 2018
8:00am – 9:00am
Breakfast and Third Plenary Session with speaker
Topic: How a Bill is Developed and Presented
Speaker
- Lobbyist Robert Flores
9:00am – 10:00am
Fourth Plenary Session and Workshop (Student Center Auditorium)
“Long-Term Vision Planning for Counties and Cities”
Instructor
- Dr. Federico Schaffler
10:15am – 10:30am
Networking
10:-30am – 12:00pm
Fifth Plenary: Sessions Presentations and Conclusions
Room SC236
Session I: Infrastructure.
Session II: Health
Session III: Economic Development
Session IV: Energy
Session V: Workforce Development
Session VI: Border Issues
12:00pm – 12:15pm
Closing remarks and ceremony
Event Accommodations
The official hotel of the Future of the Region South Texas Conference 2018 is the Best Western San Isidro Inn located at:
HOTEL RATE
It is with great pleasure to offer an exclusive hotel group rate to groups visiting Laredo, TX. The following rate is valid only at Best Western San Isidro Inn located on Loop 20 (1410 Hospitality Dr.) in Laredo, TX and by booking direct by calling hotel at (956)723-1600.
Exclusive Rate:
o Standard King Bed Room: $99.99 ++ (Regular rate $114.99) o Standard Double Queen Bed Rooms: $109.99++ (Regular rate $124.99)
o ++ plus taxes o Check-in time at 3 p.m. and check-out time is at 12 noon o No pets/No smoking Allowed (Designated smoking areas available) o Suites available on first come first serve (Rates at regular rates and vary depending on suite
Amenities:
• Keurig coffee makers, In-room safes, microwaves and mini-refrigerator
• Complimentary Super Wi-Fi
• Breakfast Buffet (Served fresh every morning from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Updated Courtyard Pool
• 24 Hour Fitness Facility
FYI:
Upon making a reservation a credit card is required to guarantee the reservation. The credit card is kept on file for incidentals. Upon check-in a $25.00 fee is frozen each day and released upon check-out. Note that each bank institution has their rules and regulations regarding such transactions. (CCA available.)
Meeting Room:
Please call hotel for more information on reserving the meeting room. (Max 50 guests)
Booking:
(956)723-1600