TGCPA convention set May 6-8

The 2021 Texas Gulf Coast Press Association Conference May 6-8 at Tejas Camp & Retreat in Giddings will be a family event with outdoors entertainment supplementing informative industry sessions and networking opportunities.
Speakers include Concordia University Professor Dr. Mike Wallace, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and other officials.
TCGPA officers invite newspapers throughout the area to consider attending and to check out the information available on the TGCPA website, www.txgulfcoastpress.com.
Tejas Camp & Retreat is a large place with ample space for social distancing.
Activities kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 6, with the president’s reception at Weise Farms. According to TGCPA First Vice President Becky Weise, World Champion barbecue winner Curt Harbers will serve Wagyu barbecue brisket with all the trimmings. Ralph Fisher’s Beverage Burros will serve refreshments. Farm animals will be on hand to meet children and for photo opportunities. In addition, children will enjoy a playscape.
Friday activities begin with discussions about COVID coverage and a roundtable of revenue ideas. Concordia University Professor Dr. Mike Wallace, former journalism teacher at La Grange High School, will speak on the importance of journalism in schools, how COVID-19 has affected education and reading and how to write to future audiences. His presentation may also include a video interaction with Wallace’s uncle, Dan Rather.
The annual TGCPA awards luncheon follows the morning sessions, with the afternoon open for those attending to enjoy facilities at the camp, including staff-assisted zip-lining, rock climbing, fishing, hiking and other activities.
Friday’s activities conclude with a Cuban-style, roasted whole hog and live music by the Czechaholics.
The brunch on Saturday will feature a panel of speakers, including Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Texas A&M University System Chancellor and former Texas Comptroller John Sharp and Fayette County Judge Joe Weber, the former executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation. The three were classmates together at Texas A&M in the early 1970s and each has served in various capacities in state government in the past 40-plus years, including elected and appointed positions. In addition, Perry recently served as secretary of energy during the Trump Administration.
Registration information is available on the website, www.txgulfcoastpress.com. Deadline for reservations is April 30.