Frequently Asked Questions

Convention Dates

When is TCEA’s 2026 Convention & Exposition?

TCEA’s 2026 convention will be held Saturday, January 31 – Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

 

Why does TCEA 2026 start on a Saturday?

Our event starts on a Saturday to allow more classroom teachers to attend without having to miss classroom instruction time or book a substitute teacher for the first two days of convention. By including the weekend in our convention schedule, we hope to allow more educators to come and enjoy uninterrupted time at the event without worrying about what’s going on back in their classroom, school, or district.

 

What type of content will be available on Saturday and Sunday?

Saturday and Sunday are part of the regular convention schedule that runs through Wednesday, Feb. 4. Each day will include sessions and events as laid out in the schedule and session listing. There are no pre-events for the 2026 TCEA Convention & Exposition.

Registration

Can I register onsite?

Yes, you may register on-site at the Henry B. González Convention Center at the onsite registration desk, but lines often get lengthy. Consider registering and paying online before the event to avoid any long wait times.

Please note that there are a limited number of One-Day Badges available at the onsite registration desk. Check the registration page to see if One-Day Badges have sold out before heading to the convention center. The best way to guarantee you get the badge you want is to register in advance of the event when registration opens on September 18.

 

When does pricing for TCEA 2026 increase?

Prices vary based on when you register and what type of badge you’re seeking. Access our Registration page for the most up-to-date info on badge types and fees.

 

How do I know my registration went through?

You will receive a confirmation message in your internet browser after you submit your registration, and a confirmation email will be sent to the email you used for registration. This email will come from registration@tcea.org. If you do not see the confirmation email in your inbox, please be sure to check your junk and spam folders.

 

Where can I find my registration receipt and confirmation email?

You will receive a confirmation email in the inbox for the email you used to register. If you do not see the confirmation email in your inbox, please be sure to check your junk and spam folders. You may also log back into the Convention Registration webpage with the email and password you created during registration to retrieve your confirmation. Please reach out to registration@tcea.org for more information.

 

Besides the convention, what does my registration include?

Your registration includes a forever-free TCEA membership! Your membership will automatically renew every year, and will always cost you $0. So, with convention registration, you get access to free weekly webinars, multiple years’ worth of previously-recorded webinars, an online community of educators, and access to a sizable resource library.

 

Are there discounts for students?

Undergraduate students can register for a Full Conference Badge for just $100. Please reach out to registration@tcea.org for more information or to secure this discounted rate.

You will be required to provide proof that you are currently a student in an undergraduate program by providing a copy of your school ID or current class schedule.

Note: These rates are not available to graduate or doctoral students.

 

Can K-12 students attend?

To provide all TCEA Convention & Exposition attendees with an optimal learning environment, children under the age of 18 are not permitted into sessions, learning labs, or the exhibit hall. Attendees 18 and older must be registered for the convention to gain access to these areas.

Student presenters: Children under the age of 18 who are participating as co-presenters in a session must be registered as a student presenter, be accompanied by a guardian at all times, and wear their student presenter badge while in the Convention Center.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy.

 

Can I access sessions and other Convention content online?

No. There is no virtual/online component to TCEA 2026.

 

Can I purchase more than one badge per attendee?

No. Each individual may register for only one badge type.

 

Can I access the Exhibit Hall if I get a One-Day Badge?

Yes. You may access the Exhibit Hall if you have a One-Day Badge for Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday. The exhibit hall is closed on Saturday and Wednesday. With a One-Day Badge, you may access the Exhibit Hall only on the day your badge is valid.

 

Can I attend sessions if I purchase an Exhibit Hall-Only Badge?

Exhibit Hall-Only Badges offer access to the exhibit hall floor and exhibitor showcase sessions only.

 

How do I register a group?

1. Use the Group Registration Form to collect the necessary information for all group members.
2. Using the collected information, submit registrations online.
3. If you’d like to receive a copy of the confirmation email for each individual you register, enter your email address as the secondary email address.
4. Once you enter the first individual’s information, you will be prompted to add additional attendees.
5. You may register up to five individuals at one time. After you register the first five members in your group, you will need to start the registration process again to register the next group of up to five individuals.
6. Repeat this process until all individuals in your group are registered. There is no limit to how many individuals you may register in total.

 

How do I know my group registrations went through?

Each individual will be sent a confirmation email to the email used for registration. If you are responsible for payment, you may add your email address as a secondary email to receive copies of all confirmation emails.

 

Where do I send the Group Registration Form?

The form should be returned to the person responsible for registrations for your campus or district. TCEA does not accept faxed or emailed group registrations. All registrations must be submitted online. To begin a group registration, visit the registration page and register the first individual. You will be prompted to add additional attendees after the first registration is entered.

 

Can I pay for multiple registrations with one payment?

Yes, you may pay for multiple registrations at once by utilizing a purchase order, check, or ACH for the total amount. To pay for groups with a credit card, you must use the Credit Card Authorization found in TCEA’s payment policy. Make sure to include all group members’ names and the invoice numbers from their confirmation emails. Please note that each registration will receive a separate confirmation email.

 

Can I pay for individuals in my group separately?

Yes. If you prefer to pay for group member registrations individually, you may do so with a credit card, check, or purchase order during the registration process or by clicking the “Submit Payment” link in their individual confirmation emails.

 

How do I pay for my group using a PO?

Each individual may submit a purchase order by clicking the “Submit Payment” link in their confirmation email. Or you may email a PO to accounting@tcea.org to pay for the whole group. If emailing, be sure to include all individuals’ names, invoice numbers from their confirmation emails, and the total payment amount for the group on the PO.

 

How do I make group hotel reservations?

TCEA has reserved blocks of rooms at select hotels for a reduced rate. Once you have completed registering, you will receive a link to the TCEA housing website in your confirmation. You may make up to five reservations at a time.  Requests for group blocks of 10 or more rooms require TCEA approval and are subject to availability. Group block requests may be made via the online form on the TCEA housing website. See the hotel section of this FAQ for more information.

Payment Policy

 View the full payment policy.

 

Can I register now and pay later?

Yes. TCEA provides a 30-day window for payment. You may register online and select the “Invoice” option on the payment page. You will be required to provide an acceptable form of payment within 30 days of registering to avoid cancellation. Acceptable forms of payment include purchase orders, ACH, checks, and credit cards. To pay by ACH, email accounting@tcea.org for more information.

 

Can I register and pay with a purchase order (PO)?

Yes. You may register and pay by purchase order, but a purchase order is not a final payment.

1. Select “Purchase Order” on the payment page.
2. Provide the PO number and upload the purchase order when prompted.

NOTE: A purchase order confirms your registration for the event, but it is not a final payment. Payment by check or credit card must be sent to fulfill your purchase order and pay for your registration.

 

What if I don’t have a purchase order when I register?

You can complete your registration even if you do not yet have your purchase order.

1. Select “Invoice” on the payment page when registering and complete the registration process.
2. Once you’ve received your purchase order, click the “Submit Payment” link in your confirmation email to upload it.

NOTE: All purchase orders must be received within 30 days of registering to avoid cancellation.

 

Can I register and pay with a check?

Yes. You may register and pay by check. To pay by ACH, email accounting@tcea.org for more information.

1. Select “Invoice” on the payment page when registering.
2. Within 30 days of registering, mail your check to:
   TCEA Registration
   P.O. Box 18507
   Austin, Texas 78760

NOTE: All checks must be received within 30 days of registering to avoid cancellation.

 

How do I submit my payment after I’ve registered?

You can click the “Submit Payment” link in your confirmation email to pay by credit card or upload a purchase order. Checks may be mailed to:

TCEA Registration
P.O. Box 18507
Austin, Texas 78760

When is payment due?

An acceptable form of payment must be received within 30 days of registering to avoid cancellation for non-payment. Acceptable forms of payment include purchase orders, checks, ACH, and credit cards. Registrations made less than 30 days before the event must submit payment before the start of the event, or prior to event participation.

View the full payment policy here.

 

Where do I send my purchase order (PO)?

You can email your PO to registration@tcea.org. If you need assistance, email accounting@tcea.org.

 

I submitted a Purchase Order. Why does my registration still show as unpaid? Why do I still have a balance due?

A Purchase Order confirms your registration for the event, but it is not a final payment. Payment by check, ACH, or credit card must be sent to fulfill your Purchase Order and pay for your registration.

 

Did you receive my payment?

You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your payment or purchase order. Specific questions related to payment should be sent to accounting@tcea.org.

 

What is TCEA’s cancellation policy if I cannot attend after I’ve registered?

TCEA offers flexibility up to the cancellation deadline. After the deadline, no refunds are issued under any circumstances (including illness, travel delays, acts of God, terrorism, or duplicate registrations). Cancellations must be submitted in writing to registration@tcea.org.

Refunds are processed within 30 days:

• Registrations $305+: refund minus $60 fee
• Registrations under $305: refund minus $30 fee

No refunds are offered for cancellations within 14 days of the event. POs will be billed the applicable cancellation fee. 

Reminder notices are sent during the 30-day payment window. If no PO or payment is received by the deadline, the registration (including add-ons) will be cancelled without penalty. To reinstate, email registration@tcea.org and pay at the current rate.

 

My registration was canceled due to non-payment. Can it be reinstated?

Yes. There are three ways to reinstate your canceled registration by submitting payment and a written request.

Note: Accounting will re-register you at the current registration rate, which may be higher than your original registration rate. You will not be re-registered until payment is received.

1. Purchase order: Send an email to accounting@tcea.org with a written request to reinstate your registration along with a purchase order reflecting the current registration rate.
2. Credit Card: Send an email to accounting@tcea.org with a written request to reinstate your registration. Submit a Credit Card Authorization Form to pay the current registration rate by credit card.
3. Check: Send an email to accounting@tcea.org with a written request to reinstate your registration. Mail your check to:
   TCEA Registration
   P.O. Box 18507
   Austin, Texas 78760

 

If I can no longer attend, can I send someone else in my place?

Yes. Registration transfers to another person are free of charge. To request a transfer, email accounting@tcea.org. 

Please provide the original attendee’s name and the name of the person who will be attending in their place. The person you would like to transfer your registration to must register and select the “Invoice” option.

Once the transfer is completed by our office, the person obtaining the registration will receive a confirmation email.

On Site Accessibility

Will there be Mobility Scooter Rentals?

Mobility scooters will be available to rent during Convention hours, Saturday – Wednesday, in Exhibit Hall 1. Tom’s Wheelchair & Scooter Rentals is the designated scooter provider for the TCEA Convention. Tom’s offers free delivery and pickup to downtown San Antonio hotels as well as the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

• Rental rates for wheelchairs are: $25 per day, $40 for 2 days, and $50 for 3-7 days.
• Rental rates for scooters/power wheelchairs are: $50 per day, and $200 for 4-7 days.
• You are encouraged to reserve in advance by booking online, or calling 210-223-7878.

More information can be found in this brochure.

 

Requests for Interpreters

Accommodations will be made available to our deaf and hard of hearing participants if requested. If you would like to request accommodations, please indicate this during the registration process, or send an email directly to jvasquez@tcea.org before January 9, 2025. Those requesting accommodations must provide their anticipated schedule when submitting their request.

 

Will the convention center offer nursing mothers rooms?

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center has two private rooms for nursing mothers:

• Level 1 – Room 1212 (Located in the Main Lobby corridor between Exhibit Halls 3 and 4)
• Level 2 – Room 2137 (Located next to Room 215 in the Park View Foyer)

 

Where will Emergency Services be located?

Emergency medical services will be available during event hours on Level 1. EMS stations are located inside Exhibit Halls 1 and 2, near the entrance doors.

 

What if I need accommodations not listed here?

We will do our best to accommodate all requests. Please email registration@tcea.org, or contact us at 512-476-8500 for additional assistance.

Presenters

Do presenters have to register for the convention?

Yes. All presenters wishing to attend are required to register by November 7, 2025. Primary presenters receive a discounted registration badge for $99. Co-presenters do not receive a complimentary or discounted registration. For questions regarding presenter requirements, please contact presenters@tcea.org.

 

How do I register for the $99 presenter rate?

Starting September 18, or when a primary presenter signs their contract in the Speaker Service Center, presenters will receive an email containing a link to register at the presenter rate. Co-presenters will not receive this email, as they do not receive discounted registration. If you register using this link and are not a primary presenter, your registration will be cancelled.

 

What if I will have a student co-presenter(s) for my presentation?

You may register a maximum of three student co-presenters by completing the request form. An email will be sent in January with information regarding your student presenters, the required Student Release Form for students under 18 years of age, and student co-presenter badges. Student co-presenter badges are provided to minor students in order to present only. Students will not be allowed into any additional educational sessions or events.

 

Will my student co-presenter need a chaperone?

Due to room capacities, only one adult chaperone will be permitted to attend the students’ session. The attending adult chaperone will qualify for a complimentary one-session-only badge for the students’ session. Any additional chaperones may purchase a badge to enter the room or will be required to wait in the convention lobby area.

 

Where can student co-presenters and chaperones pick up their badges?

Chaperones may pick up their badge as well as student badges at the Registration Help Counter, located in Exhibit Hall 1 of the Henry B. González Convention Center. Chaperones must be present in order to pick up badges during registration hours.

Workshops and Sessions

Where and when can I see what sessions will be offered?

The full session listing can be found via the Sessions page. Sessions listed in the app are updated as soon as any changes occur. A PDF listing and a paper or physical copy of the session listing are not available.

 

How can I search for sessions by content?

Using the online search tool in the app, you can search and filter by keyword, topic, role, skill level, speaker, or target audience.

 

Can I pre-register for presentations and events?

Pre-registration is not provided for presentations or individual events. These events fill on a first-come, first-seated basis until the designated space reaches maximum capacity.

 

Is there a waiting list for an event that has filled to capacity?

No, TCEA does not keep a waiting list.

 

Will I earn educational credits for attending this event?

Yes, TCEA is registered with the Texas State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) as an approved provider of professional development. You can earn CPE credits for all sessions delivered by TCEA.

Attendees must be scanned into each session they attend for credit tracking. After the convention, a link to your CPE/credit certificate will be made available to you in the TCEA app.

Out-of-state attendees need to contact their district administrators to confirm credit validity.

 

Will I earn GT credits for attending this event?

Select TCEA presentations are applicable to Gifted and Talented credit accrual. In the session listing, search by the topic “GT” to review those that are applicable.

 

Will I be able to earn a Microcredential for attending certain topic-related sessions?

Yes. You can find more information about the TCEA 2026 microcredential program here. 

Housing and Travel

How do I reserve a hotel room?

TCEA has reserved blocks of rooms at select hotels at a discounted rate. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email including a link and a prompt to make hotel reservations. You must be registered in order to make hotel reservations.

 

How many rooms can I reserve at one time?

You can make reservations for up to five rooms at a time. Each individual on the hotel reservation must be registered for the convention before the hotel reservation can be completed. 

 

I have a large group and would like to stay at the same hotel. Can you accommodate?

Requests for group blocks of 10 or more rooms require TCEA’s approval through our housing bureau, Orchid Events. Complete the group block form located on the housing site to submit your request. Group blocks are subject to availability. Attendees in group blocks must be registered for the convention within 72 hours of securing a group block, or rooms are subject to cancellation.

 

I did not receive the registration confirmation with the housing link.

Check your inbox, spam, and junk folders for the registration confirmation email from registration@tcea.org with the Subject: Registration Confirmation: 2026 TCEA Convention & Exposition. If you still cannot locate your confirmation email, you may log in to access your registration, view the housing link on your web browser, or request a confirmation resend. If you have further difficulties locating the housing link, please contact us at registration@tcea.org.

 

My preferred hotel is not available for the dates I will be at the convention. Can I be placed on a waiting list?

All hotel rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If a night(s) is unavailable at your preferred hotel, but the rest of the nights are available, the reservation system will allow you to reserve the available nights and be placed on a waitlist for the unavailable night(s). The housing bureau will monitor waitlisted nights and work to clear those reservations.

Note: The waitlist is for situations in which a night or two is unavailable, not for situations in which all nights at the desired hotel are unavailable.

 

How do I receive the government rate for my hotel reservation?

If you qualify for and require the government rate, please contact your hotel directly to inquire. TCEA’s hotel block cannot accommodate a reduced government rate beyond the discounted options available.

 

How do I make changes to my existing hotel reservation?

Changes and cancellations may be made online using the reservation number provided in your reservation confirmation email. Reservations may be canceled without penalty through December 19, 2025.  Cancellations made after December 19 are subject to a cancellation fee.  Orchid Events will assist with reservation changes and cancellations until January 6.  After that date, all changes and cancellations must be made directly through the hotel.  Please review TCEA’s housing policies on the Location page.

 

Does TCEA provide shuttle service to and from the convention center?

Transportation to and from the convention center is on your own. There are many ways to get around downtown San Antonio. Visit visitsanantonio.com for more information.

Volunteers

What type of jobs do you have for volunteers?

You can sign up for one or more “volunteer block(s).” A volunteer block is a 4.5-hour block of time where you will be scheduled to assist with session management (monitoring room capacity, calling for tech support, etc.). Volunteers who sign up for and fulfill two volunteer blocks qualify for free, full conference registration and other benefits.

 

When can I sign up to volunteer?

Volunteer opportunities will open on September 18. Check the Volunteer page for more information.

 

Where can I sign up to volunteer?

At the end of the registration process, you will see a link to apply to volunteer. You may apply using that link or using the link on the Volunteer page.

 

Can I choose my volunteer location?

When you apply to volunteer at TCEA 2026, you will be asked to select the time block(s) for which you are available. Our team will then assign you a volunteer location where you are needed most. We are unable to accommodate specific location requests, at this time.

 

When is my registration fee waived?

You will need to register for TCEA 2026 before applying to volunteer. During registration, select Invoice as your payment option. Once approved as a volunteer, you will receive an approval email. Then, you will receive an email showing you owe $0 for your registration. NOTE: If you do not fulfill your assigned two, 4.5 hour volunteer blocks, you will be billed the full registration amount.

Important note for those who receive a complimentary registration: If you cancel your shifts and free registration more than 14 days before the start of the event, there will be no penalty. If you cancel your shifts and free registration less than 14 days before the start of the event, you will be charged a $60 cancellation fee.

Failure to fulfill your Volunteer shifts at the event will result in your badge being deactivated on-site for the convention until a form of payment has been provided at registration. This means you will not have access to sessions or any CPE credit documentation.

Exhibitors and Sponsors

What is the price for an exhibit space?

Pricing information for exhibit hall booths can be found on the Booth Pricing page. You can reserve a booth at TCEA 2026 on the Exhibitor Login page.

 

How do I reserve exhibit space?

To reserve a booth space, go to the Exhibitor Login page and select Booth Registration under New Exhibitors. This will take you through the reservation process, where you can enter company information, select a booth space, and see payment options.

 

How can I apply for a vendor-led session (also known as exhibitor showcase presentation)?

The application will be available in October with the release of the Exhibitor Services Kit. All current exhibitors may access the Exhibitor Services Kit inside the Exhibitor Service Center to access the application and apply for an exhibitor showcase presentation. You must be a confirmed exhibitor in order to apply for a vendor-led session.

 

How do I register my booth personnel?

All current exhibitors have access to the Exhibitor Services Center. Starting in September, there will be a link for Exhibit Staff Registration located in the menu of the Exhibitor Service Center.

 

What is the cancellation policy if TCEA cancels the event? 

Please refer to the Exhibitor Contract Terms and Conditions for more information.

 

What is the cancellation policy if the exhibitor decides to cancel for any reason?

All booth cancellations must be submitted to TCEA in writing. In the event of an exhibitor canceling or downsizing booth space, the following cancellation policy will apply, even if TCEA is able to resell the space.

• Cancellations made on or before September 1, 2025: An amount equal to 25 percent of the total booth fee will be retained by TCEA.
• Cancellations received from September 2, 2025 to October 3, 2025: An amount equal to 50 percent of the total booth fee will be retained by TCEA.
• Cancellations after October 3, 2025: No refunds will be given on cancellations received after October 3, 2025.

 

Where can I view available sponsorship opportunities?

You can request sponsorship information by visiting the Sponsorship page and completing the form, or by contacting Sammy Unberhagen at sunberhagen@tcea.org or 512-450-5390.

Media

Are media outlets invited to cover the show?

Yes, TCEA invites local and national media to attend, cover the event, and share the latest ed tech showcased at the TCEA Convention & Exposition. Check out the Media page for more information. Please contact press@tcea.org or (512) 450-5440 for all media inquiries.

 

How do I register as media?

Approved media will receive complimentary registration. Application for media credentials will be available starting September 18 and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Media applications will close two weeks prior to the start of TCEA 2026. If approved, you will be contacted by a TCEA staff member with your confirmation details. Please contact press@tcea.org or (512) 450-5440 for all media inquiries.

 

I am a blogger and would like to cover the event. How do I register?

Bloggers are invited to cover the event and will have access to our dedicated media space, but will not receive a discounted or complimentary registration. You’ll want to register as an attendee and also as media so we recognize you and can provide you with relevant information.

Future Dates

Yes. The dates and locations for future TCEA conventions are: