Convention & Trade Show general sessions to cover current industry issues

In addition to vendors showcasing the latest in technology and services, this year’s TPA Convention and Trade Show offers general sessions covering important topics in the newspaper industry.

Events are scheduled June 18 - 20 at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport Hotel.

A special bonus session is the Texas Open Government Seminar set for 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Hosted by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the seminar will address timely topics related to the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act, as well as updates on recent changes to the laws.

The program provides detailed training and is directed toward government employees, attorneys, journalists and anyone wanting to learn more about open government laws.

The course has been approved as meeting the requirements for open government training for public officials. State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education credits are also available.

General sessions on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning will feature speakers and panels on a variety of topics.

Speakers include Guy Tasaka, managing partner at Tasaka Digital and Editor & Publisher’s technology columnist; Nicki Purcell, artificial intelligence consultant; and Linda White, senior vice president of GlobeRunner digital marketing, a consulting firm.

On Friday afternoon, Tasaka will discuss producing newsletters using AI, while White will address AI guardrails in advertising and Purcell will demonstrate AI tools.

Friday afternoon panel discussions will cover licensing editorial content and digital vs. print options for publishers.

Following the general membership meeting Saturday morning, Tasaka will discuss “The Sovereign Community Nexus” for the newspaper industry. There also will be a panel discussion on covering natural disasters such as last year’s deadly Guadalupe River flooding and a question-and-answer panel on legal topics.

In addition to the industry sessions, the convention features opportunities for networking, celebrations and award presentations.

The trade show and silent auction open with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by a hospitality reception after the trade show closes for the evening.

The Hall of Fame awards luncheon Friday will feature the 2026 Texas Newspaper Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and recognition of Golden 50 Award recipients.

An offsite event Friday evening includes a tour of the American Airlines CR Smith Flight Museum.

Saturday’s closing event is a luncheon during which new officers will be installed and awards presented in the Texas Better Newspaper Contest.

Registration for the 2026 TPA Convention and Trade Show is open now. Visit the TPA website at www.texaspress.com for more information and registration forms.