The Texas Exes, the official alumni association of The University of Texas, is proud to host the 2026 APSEC Conference at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center in Austin, Texas, from Monday, July 27 through Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
The Alumni Professionals of the Southeastern Conference (APSEC) is an annual gathering of alumni relations leaders and innovators from across the SEC. The conference is designed to foster meaningful connection, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that strengthen alumni engagement and advance the work of alumni professionals.
Attendees can expect engaging programming, peer-to-peer learning, and opportunities to share best practices—deep in the heart of our beautiful Texas campus.
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Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Hotel Information
The group rate at The Otis Hotel has now ended. However, there are additional hotels within walking distance of The Otis Hotel, where conference shuttle pickup and drop-off will be available, as well as the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, the primary location for conference activities.
Here are a few nearby hotel options:
- AC Hotel Austin-University - 1901 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78705
- Hotel Ella - 1900 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
- Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University/Capitol - 1701 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
Agenda/Schedule
Below you will find the agenda for the 2026 APSEC Conference!
Sunday, July 26
4-6 p.m. – Conference check-in
6:30 p.m. – Executive directors, presidents, and CEOs welcome dinner
Transportation: Provided. Return to Otis Hotel
Monday, July 27
4 p.m. – The Otis Hotel check-in
Location: The Otis Hotel lobby
6:10 p.m. – Depart for welcome reception and dinner
Location: The Otis Hotel lobby
Transportation: Provided. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
6:30-8:30 p.m. – Farewell dinner
Location: University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame
Attire: Business casual with association- or university-branded apparel
8:40 p.m. – Return to The Otis Hotel or visit Rainey Street
Transportation: Provided to The Otis Hotel and Rainey Street only. We recommend calling an Uber or Lyft to return from downtown Austin.
Tuesday, July 28
7:50-8:10 a.m. – Depart for Etter-Harbin Alumni Center
Location: The Otis Hotel lobby
Transportation: Provided. Shuttles will depart at 7:50 a.m., 8 a.m., and 8:10 a.m.
8:15-9:30 a.m. – Breakfast and keynote – "Bolstering Your Interpersonal Effectiveness," presented by Dr. John Daly, Department of Communication Studies, Moody College of Communication
Location: Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, Connally Ballroom
Attire: Business casual with company-branded apparel
9:30-10 a.m. – Networking break
10-10:45 a.m. – Breakout session 1
- Chapters and Networks Uncovered: What Keeps You Up at Night? - Legends Room
- Beyond the Logo: Building a Brand That Alumni Rally Behind - Schmidt Room
- All-Access Events: Creating Behind-the- Scenes Opportunities - Connally Room
10:45-11:15 a.m. – Networking break
11:15 a.m.-Noon – Breakout session 2
- Engagement That Counts: Measuring Success Across Reunions, Affinity Groups, and Regional Programs - Legends Room
- The Student to Alumni Journey: Creating Connections That Last - Nowotny Room
- Recognition That Resonates: Modern Strategies for Alumni Awards - Schmidt Room
Noon-1 p.m. – Lunch and keynote – "Building an Alumni Business Ecosystem That Fuels Engagement, Revenue, Content, and School Pride," presented by Sara Light, Longhorn Business Network and Hello Longhorn podcast host, and Ellen Young, assistant director, MizzouMade Career and Professional Development
Location: Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, Connally Ballroom
Noon-3 p.m. – Sponsor check-in and vendor marketplace setup
Location: Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, Rotunda
Transportation: Provided. Shuttle will depart from The Otis Hotel at 11:50 a.m. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
1-1:30 p.m. – Networking break
1:30-2:15 p.m. – Breakout session 3
- AI for the Alumni Volunteer Shop: Making Chapter, Group, and Network Work a Little Less Daily - Nowotny Room
- Tell Me Something Good: Alumni Storytelling Across Campuses - Legends Room
- Beyond Dues and Donations: Unlocking Revenue Through Sponsors and Underwriters - Schmidt Room
2:15-2:45 p.m. – Networking break
2:45-3:30 p.m. – Breakout session 4
- Beyond the Trip: How Travel Drives Revenue, Engagement, and Alumni - Legends Room
- Breaking the Mold: What Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Teaches Us About Alumni Engagement - Connally Room
3:30-4:30 p.m. – Vendor marketplace and afternoon treat
Location: Etter-Harbin Alumni Center main concourse and Blue Tiles
Transportation: Shuttles will depart at 4:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. to The Otis Hotel.
6:10 p.m. – Depart for farewell dinner
Location: The Otis Hotel lobby
Transportation: Provided. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
6:30-8:30 p.m. – Farewell dinner and line dancing
Sponsored by Jostens
Location: Scholz Garten
Attire: Texas casual (cowboy boots encouraged!)
8:45 p.m. – Return to The Otis Hotel or visit West Sixth Street
Transportation: Provided to The Otis Hotel and West Sixth Street only. We recommend calling an Uber or Lyft to return from downtown Austin.
Wednesday, July 29
7:50-8:10 a.m. – Depart for Etter-Harbin Alumni Center
Location: The Otis Hotel lobby
Transportation: Provided. Shuttles will depart at 7:50 a.m., 8 a.m., and 8:10 a.m.
8:15-10 a.m. – Breakfast and keynote – "Learning to Work With AI," presented by Dr. Julie Schell, assistant vice provost of academic technology and director of the Office of Academic Technology
Sponsored by Aimbridge Hospitality
Location: Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, Connally Ballroom
Attire: Business casual with company-branded apparel.
10-11 a.m. – Vendor marketplace and morning treat
Location: Etter-Harbin Alumni Center main concourse
Transportation: Shuttles will depart at 10:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. to The Otis Hotel.
11 a.m. – Conference ends
11 a.m. – The Otis Hotel checkout
Location: The Otis Hotel
Please note: transportation will be provided to/from The Otis Hotel to all conference activities listed above.
FAQ
Where should I stay?
- A hotel room block has been secured at The Otis Hotel (1901 San Antonio St., Austin, TX 78705) for attendees of the 2026 APSEC Conference for the nights of July 26-28, 2026. The Otis Hotel is conveniently located near campus and the Alumni Center. Reservations can be made online.
Is parking available?
- Parking at The Otis Hotel is available for discounted self parking at $35 a day.
- Transportation to and from The Otis Hotel will be provided for all conference activities.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
- Please reach out to Courtney Roehling, Vice President of Engagement, at courtney.roehling@texasexes.org.