2026 PACSTX Annual Conference

September 22–24, 2026 | San Marcos, TX

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

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By Providers. For Providers.

Join PACSTX members, community service providers, industry partners and other professionals from across Texas for three days of education, connection and collaboration.

The 2026 PACSTX Annual Conference will bring providers together to share practical knowledge, explore the issues shaping community-based services and strengthen the relationships that help our organizations and the people we support thrive.

This Year's Topics

Practical leadership strategies for navigating change, strengthening teams, and sustaining quality services

ISS licensure, regulatory expectations, provider operations, and real-world approaches to emerging challenges

Clinical, behavioral, and community-based strategies for supporting individuals with complex needs

HHSC updates, legislative priorities, technology innovations, and the future of IDD services in Texas

Conference Agenda

10:00–12:00 p.m.
Welcome and PACSTX Annual Membership Meeting

1:00–2:15 p.m.
Keynote Presentation: Purpose, Belief, Obstacles
Presented by Len Forkas

2:15–2:30 p.m.
Break

2:30–3:45 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

What Providers Need to Know: PACSTX and HHSC Updates & Year in Review, Presented by Sandy Batton, PACSTX
Legislative and Sunset Outlook 2027, Presented by Heather Vasek & Kevin Warren, Delisi Communications

5:00 p.m.
Mix & Mingle at Embassy Suites Happy Hour

9:00-10:15 a.m.
Breakout Sessions

Building AI Ready Organizations, Presented by Karen Niedermeier, Therap
Staying Grounded When Emotions Run High, Presented by Audrey Halpern (attendance limited)
IDD Nursing Track: Nursing Strategies That Matter: Medication Teaching, Reimbursement and Essential Practices, Presented by Patty Ritter, Advantage Care Services

10:15–10:30 a.m.
Break

10:30–11:45 a.m.
Breakout Sessions

Overcoming Reluctance to Adopt Technology, Presented by Gary Jessee, Sellers Dorsey and Justin Amoyal, Impruvon
Conversational Capacity: How to talk about hard things without shutting down or blowing up, Presented by Audrey Halpern (attendance limited)
IDD Nursing Track: Managing GLP-1 Use in IDD: Medication, Monitoring & Multidisciplinary Coordination, Presented by Patty Ritter, Advantage Care (CEUs available)

11:45–12:00 p.m.
Break

12:00-12:30pm
A Conversation with HHSC Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth
The Future of IDD Services in Texas

12:30–1:30 p.m.
Lunch

1:30–1:45 p.m.
Break

1:45–3:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

Individualized Skills & Socialization: Changes ISS providers need to know: regulations, licensure + how to access offsite enhancement funding (HHSC regulatory & utilization review)
Managing Ongoing Difficult Relationships without Burnout, Presented by Audrey Halpern (attendance limited)
IDD Nursing Track: Interpretation of Common Labs in I/DD, Presented by Deb Maloy, DDNA & Tarrytown (CEUs available)

3:00–3:15 p.m.
Break

3:15–4:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

Using SNAP benefits & How to Write Room & Board Agreements, Presented by TJ Kroehle
ISS Round Table - What Keeps You Up at Night & Creative Supports (Facilitated session)
IDD Nursing Track: HHSC Nursing Tags & Nursing Utilization Review (HHSC regulatory & utilization review)

4:30–6:00 p.m.
Vendor Reception

9:00–9:45 a.m.
General Session: Partners in Action: Understanding Roles, Resolving Barriers and Protecting Rights
Panelists: Jamie White, Texas Council of Community Centers, Jeff Miller, Disability Rights Texas &
Elizabeth Tucker, EveryChild

9:45–10:00 a.m.
Break

10:00–11:45 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

Unannounced! - All things regulatory and unannounced, Presented by Jennifer Crowson, Marcus Hill and Orine Davis, HHSC Regulatory
When Needs Escalate: Finding the Right Help
Understanding TST, OBI, ECC and Other Regional Resources for People with IDD Presented by HHSC, Integral Care & AACOG

Price Per Registrant

Things to Do in San Marcos

Learn more about fun things to do in San Marcos. Click to learn more.

Become a Sponsor

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Where to Stay

Main Room Block: Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
Book the PACSTX conference rate directly through Hilton.

Overflow Hotel: Holiday Inn San Marcos Convention Center located at 105 Bintu Dr. San Marcos, TX
Book the PACSTX conference rate directly through Holiday Inn by September 15, 2026.

Event Cancellation & Refund Policy | PACSTX Terms & Rules