70th Annual TCA Professional Growth Conference

November 11–13, 2026
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Round Rock

Stronger Together | Every Person. Every Power. Every Story Matters.

Join us for a milestone celebration at the 70th TCA Annual Professional Growth Conference PGC where we honor seven decades of advancing the counseling profession and step boldly into the future together.

This year’s superhero inspired theme, Stronger Together, celebrates the incredible diversity and strength found in every individual, counselor and client alike. In a world where every journey is different, counselors shine a light on the unique powers that make people who they are. Just as heroes come from all backgrounds, we recognize that every story holds potential, every difference brings value, and every person has a power waiting to be seen.

PGC 2026 embraces inclusivity, compassion, and courage, reminding us that when we come together, our shared strengths make us unstoppable.

Why Attend?

  • Dynamic keynote speakers and breakout programs
  • Innovative tools and strategies to strengthen your impact
  • Meaningful networking with counseling professionals from across the state
  • Opportunities to recharge, reflect, and reignite your passion

Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned leader, this conference is designed to empower you to return to your community inspired and equipped.

Celebrate 70 years of growth.
Discover your power.
Amplify the power in others.

We will see you November 11–13, 2026 at the Kalahari in Round Rock.

Now accepting volunteer sign-ups here!

Paying with a credit card? 

(Individual or group)

Register Now

Paying by check?

Download the PDF registration form below. Be sure to send registration forms with the check to ensure registrations are processed appropriately. If you're paying for a group, please fill out a registration form for each individual. If you need an invoice, please email registration forms to info@txca.org.  

PDF Reg Form

Conference Registration Rates (Check postmark deadline 10/21/2026)

TCA Membership Required to attend the conference.

Professional (member price): $325

Professional with 12 months TCA membership: $515

Retired (member price): $250

Retired with 12 months TCA membership: $340

Student (member price): $250

Student with 12 months TCA membership: $340

New Professional* (member price): $275

New Professional* with 12 months TCA membership: $375

Affiliate* (member price): $225

Single Day (Thursday or Friday): $215

Pre-Conference Programs
Full Day Learning Institute (Wed. 11/11/26): $175
3-Hour Hot Topic (Wed. 11/11/26): $50

Other Ticketed Items
Conference Bag: $15
Conference T-Shirt (S–3XL): $25
Graduate Student Headshot + Event (students only): $25
TCA Leadership Academy Luncheon: $30
Awards Ceremony & Dinner: $60


Not a member? Join here.

*New professional Master’s/Doctorate Graduates (within past 12 months); applicable for 36 months or upon completion of internship/supervision requirements

*Affiliate – Non student/non counselor. Open to any person who supports the mission of the Texas Counseling Association, its chapters and divisions.

Need help making the case to attend?

Download our customizable letter to share with your employer outlining the value of PGC 2026.

Need a Refund?

The deadline for refund requests was September 30th. If you’re unable to attend in person, some recorded programs will be available for viewing.

Can’t make it? Don’t worry—your ticket includes recorded sessions you can watch later!

Keynote Speaker: Ruth Simmons

Program Title: Holding Fast to Hope in a Time of Challenge

Date: Thursday, November 12th, 2026

Program Summary: 

Ruth Simmons explores the power of resilience, courage, and hope in the face of adversity. Drawing from her remarkable life and leadership journey, she shares how perseverance, purpose, and unwavering optimism can help individuals navigate difficult times, overcome obstacles, and emerge stronger while inspiring positive change in others.

Simmons served as the eighth President of Prairie View A&M University from 2017 to 2023 and as President of Brown University from 2001 to 2012, where she also held professorships in Comparative Literature and Africana Studies. After earning her Ph.D. from Harvard University, she held faculty and administrative roles at the University of Southern California, Princeton University, and Spelman College before becoming President of Smith College in 1999, where she launched the first engineering program at an American women's college.

Keynote Speaker: Matt Bellace

Program Title: Life is Disappointing and Other Inspiring Thoughts

Date: Friday, November 13th, 2026

Matt Bellace brings the perfect blend of interaction, humor, and science to the TCA Professional Growth Conference. In this energetic and uplifting keynote, he explores how simple, natural practices — including laughter, mindfulness, exercise, cold water immersion, connection, and helping others — can strengthen emotional resilience, reduce stress, and reignite joy in both personal and professional life.

Drawing from his background in clinical neuropsychology and more than two decades as a nationally touring speaker and comedian, Dr. Bellace delivers evidence-based strategies in a highly relatable and interactive format. Participants will leave inspired to recognize their own strengths, amplify the strengths in others, and return to their communities with renewed compassion, energy, and purpose.