Frequently Asked Questions

alt=""

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

Choose by topic, check out the list of FAQs, or reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re here to help!

Gray divider

Convention Dates

When is TCEA’s 2024 Convention & Exposition?
TCEA’s 2024 convention will be held Saturday, February 3 – Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

 

Usually, TCEA starts on a Monday. Why does TCEA 2024 start on a Saturday?
The driving factor behind starting TCEA on a weekend was data and feedback from thousands of previous attendees. A Saturday start allows more classroom teachers to attend without having to miss classroom instruction time or book a substitute teacher for the first two days of convention.

 

What type of content will be available on Saturday and Sunday?
Saturday and Sunday are part of the regular convention schedule and will include sessions and events as laid out in the schedule and session listing. There are no pre-events for the 2024 TCEA Convention & Exposition. Saturday through Wednesday are full conference days.

Registration

Can I register for convention on site?
Yes, you may register on site at the Austin Convention Center at the onsite registration desk. Please note that there are a limited number of One-Day Badges available. 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 14.

 

When does early bird pricing for TCEA 2024 end?
Early bird registration for TCEA24 will end at midnight on November 3. Pricing will increase at 12:01 a.m. on November 4.

 

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. 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. 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, four years of previously recorded webinars, an online community of educators, and access to a gigantic resource library.

 

What is the cost to attend?
Prices vary based on when you register and what type of badge you’re seeking. The Full Conference Badge is the most popular registration type and is an all-access pass. View badge types and fees on our Registration page.

 

Are there discounts for students?
Full-time undergraduate college students can register for a Full Conference Badge at a discounted rate of $100. These rates are not available to graduate or doctoral students. To receive this discounted rate, you must first submit a copy of your school ID or class schedule to registration@tcea.org.

 

Can K-12 students attend?
The event is not designed for students under 16, and students 16 and older require prior approval. To request approval email presenters@tcea.org.

 

Do you provide an online registration that’s equivalent to the in-person experience?
No. There is no virtual component to TCEA 2024.

 

Can I purchase more than one badge per attendee?
No. Each individual may register for one badge type only.

 

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.

Group Registrations

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’ve completed the first individual’s registration, you can add additional attendees by clicking the blue “add another registration” button.
  5. 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. Even though each registration will receive a separate confirmation email, you may pay for all individuals in your group with one payment.

The following must be included on any payment or purchase order:

  • Each group member’s name
  • Invoice numbers from each individual confirmation email
  • Total for each individual
  • Total for the group

 

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. You may pay via credit card or submit a purchase order during the registration process or by clicking the “Submit Payment” link in their individual confirmation emails. You may also email a purchase order to accounting@tcea.org should you need assistance.

Checks should be mailed within 30 days of registering to:

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

 

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 group all together.

The following must be included on any payment or purchase order:

  • Each group member’s name
  • Invoice numbers from each individual
  • confirmation email
  • Total for each individual
  • Total for the group

 

How do I make group hotel reservations?
TCEA has reserved blocks of rooms at select hotels for a reduced rate. Once the registration is complete, you will receive a link and a prompt to make hotel reservations for the group. You may make hotel reservations for up to five individuals at a time.

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, checks, and credit cards.

 

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.

  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, 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 upload your PO by clicking the “Submit Payment” link in your confirmation email. 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 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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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. To complete a “transfer of registration,”:

  1. Email accounting@tcea.org to request a transfer. Please provide the original attendee’s name and the name of the person who will be attending in their place.
  2. The person you would like to transfer your registration to must register and select the “Invoice” option.
  3. Once the transfer is completed by our office, the person obtaining the registration will receive a confirmation email.
  4. A $25 transfer fee will be applied to the new registration, and the person receiving your transfer must complete this payment to confirm the transfer.

On Site Accessibility

Will there be Mobility Scooter Rentals?
Mobility scooters are available to rent through the Business Center at the Austin Convention Center. If you would like to rent a scooter, please contact Logan Murphy at logan.murphy@austintexas.gov or 512-404-4258.

  • Scooters are located at the Business Center between Exhibit Halls 2 and 3.
  • Scooters are for use inside the Austin Convention Center only.
  • Reservations are due 30 days prior to the event. Requests received within 30 days of the event are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
  • Current rates: $45/1 day, $80/2 days, $120/3 days, $160/4 days. (Credit only, no mobile pay)
  • Rental requires a $50 deposit, which is refunded once the scooter is returned/undamaged. (Credit only, no mobile pay)
  • A rental agreement, waiver form and payment are required at the time of rental.

 

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 12, 2024 . Those requesting accommodations must provide their anticipated schedule when submitting their request.

 

Will the Austin Convention Center offer Nursing Mothers Rooms?
Austin Convention Center has two private rooms for nursing mothers:

  • Level 1 – Located beside Room 1
  • Level 3 – Located across from Room 10C

Maps with the locations marked on them will be available during the Convention.

 

Where will Emergency Services be located?
Emergency medical services will be available during event hours on Level 1 (outside EH 4, Trinity Street side).

Presenters

Do presenters have to register for the convention?
Yes. All presenters wishing to attend are required to register by November 6, 2023. Primary presenters receive a discounted registration badge for $99. Co-presenters do not receive a complimentary or discounted registration. See the next question if you can only attend the session you are presenting. For questions regarding presenter requirements, please contact us at presenters@tcea.org.

 

What if I can only attend my session?
If you can only attend the session(s) you’re presenting, you can contact us to request a presenter-only badge at presenters@tcea.org.

 

How do I register for the $99 presenter rate?
Starting September 14, or when a primary presenter signs their contract in the Speaker Service Center, presenters will receive an email containing the discount code to register. Co-presenters will not receive this email as they do not receive discounted registration.

 

What if I will have a student co-presenter(s) for my presentation?
You may register 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 16, 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 the Level 1 Atrium of the Austin 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 will be available online and in the TCEA app in early September. 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.

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 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. A request for more than 10 rooms in the same block is considered a group block and requires approval.

 

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, Key Bookings. 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: 2024 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 try 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. Key Bookings will take reservation changes and cancellations for existing reservations until January 12. After that date, all changes and cancellations must be made directly through the hotel. Please review TCEA’s housing policies and the contact information for hotels and Key Bookings on the Location and Travel page.

 

Does TCEA provide shuttle service to and from the convention center?
Yes. TCEA does provide shuttle service to selected TCEA Convention hotels. A map of the hotels with shuttle service is available on the Location and Travel page.

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 registration and other benefits!

 

When can I sign up to volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities will open on September 14. 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.

 

When is my registration fee waived?
You will need to register for TCEA 2024 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 received 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.

 

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 2024 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 session)?
The application will be available in late 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 session. 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 may access the Exhibitor Services Kit, which will be available in late October, inside the Exhibitor Service Center to register their booth staff.

 

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 booth space, the following cancellation policy will apply, even if TCEA is able to resell the space.

  • Cancellations made on or before September 1, 2023: An amount equal to 25 percent of the total booth fee will be retained by TCEA.
  • Cancellations received from September 2, 2023 to October 4, 2023: An amount equal to 50 percent of the total booth fee will be retained by TCEA.
  • Cancellations after October 4, 2023: No refunds will be given on cancellations received after October 4, 2023.

 

Where can I view available sponsorship opportunities?
Information can be found on our Sponsorship page. You may sign up for a sponsorship opportunity during the booth reservation process or by contacting Sammy Unberhagen at sunberhagen@tcea.org or (512) 450-5390.

Media

Are media invited to cover the show?
Yes, TCEA invites local and national media to attend, to cover the event, and to 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 in September. If approved, you will receive your registration confirmation within 72 hours. 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 but will not receive a discounted or complimentary registration. You may register online, but be sure to also register as media so we recognize you and provide you with relevant information.

Past Convention Handouts and Certificate of Attendance

How do I retrieve my certificate of attendance and credit hours for attending the 2024 TCEA Convention & Exposition?
After the 2024 TCEA Convention & Exposition closes, a link to access the certificate will be available in the TCEA app and on the convention website. You will also receive an email with a direct link. Contact us at registration@tcea.org if you need assistance accessing your certificates.

 

How do I convert TCEA’s credit hours to my state’s approved credits?
TCEA is an approved credit provider in the state of Texas. Out-of-state attendees will need to contact their district administrators to confirm credit validity.

 

I attended a previous TCEA Convention & Exposition. Can I still gain access to the handouts?
No. Access to past convention handouts has expired.

 

I attended a previous TCEA Convention & Exposition. Can I gain access to my certificate of attendance?
TCEA began electronically tracking CPE credits at the 2017 TCEA Convention & Exposition. For 2016 and previous years, all CPE accrual was self-reporting. To access your certificate of attendance and CPE forms for the 2017 – 2020 conventions, click the links below and enter the email address you used for registration.

Future Dates

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

    • February 1 – 5, 2025
      Austin, Texas
    • January 31 – February 4, 2026
      San Antonio, Texas
    • January 30 – February 3, 2027
      San Antonio, Texas
    • January 29 – February 2, 2028
      San Antonio, Texas
    • January 27 – 31, 2029
      San Antonio, Texas
    • February 2 – 6, 2030
      San Antonio, Texas
TCEA 2024 Convention & Exposition | Feb. 3-7, 2024 White

Stay Connected

Join our email list to stay connected with everything that is happening at TCEA.

See You at the TCEA Convention & Exposition!