Session topics and times are subject to change without notice.

Thursday, March 2

7:45–8:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30–9:45 a.m. Insights from the Science of Influence
Do you ever wish you had more influence with people? How would it make your job easier if people instantly liked you and trusted you? Now, imagine what an advantage it would be if you knew what they were thinking, feeling, or intending to do by reading their body language and speech patterns.In this memorable and actionable presentation, you’ll discover how to positively influence the way people respond to you and your ideas.
Melinda Marcus, MA, CSP, Influence Advisers
9:50-10:30 a.m. The Future of Texas
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will discuss the state’s economic outlook for 2023, efforts to expand high-speed internet access, and the impact on cities.
Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller
10:30-10:45 a.m. Refreshment Break
10:45-11:30 a.m. The State of Water in Texas
As the Texas population and economy continue to grow, it is increasingly critical to expand infrastructure to help manage and improve our water supply statewide. TWDB Board Member George Peyton will discuss Texas’ plan to provide water for a growing population and discuss tools to support better planning and create tangible benefits for our communities and residents.
George B. Peyton V
, Board Member, Texas Water Development Board
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
1:00–2:00 p.m. Place and Prosperity, How Cities Help Us Connect and Innovate
Place and prosperity lie at the heart of what a city is and, by extension, what our society is all about. Places are created in order to further a political or economic agenda. Better cities emerge when the people who shape them think more broadly and consciously about the places they are creating.In this session, urban planning expert William Fulton will discuss how, over time, a successful place creates enduring economic assets that don’t go away and lay the groundwork for prosperity in the future. He says that, for urbanism to succeed for everyone, we all have to participate in making cities great places. Because cities, imposing though they may be as physical environments, don’t work without us.
Bill Fulton, William Fulton Group
2:05-2:45 p.m. The Future of Transportation: Keep Texas Moving
The growing Texas population underscores the need to build and strengthen transportation in our state so it’s safe, reliable, and intelligent. Learn about the policies, technologies, and funding strategies that will drive the future of Texas transportation.
Nicole Katsikides, Ph.D., TTI Research Scientist, Mobility Analysis, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
2:45-3:00 p.m. Stretch Break!
3:00-4:00 p.m. Disaster and Emergency Management in Texas
Over the past decade, Texas has experienced some of the worst disasters the state has ever faced. In this session, the Texas Division of Emergency Management will discuss how Texas prepares for, responds to, recovers from, and mitigates against disasters, and provides resources to serve local leaders in emergency management.
Suzannah Jones, Deputy Chief, and Warren Weidler, Deputy Chief, Texas Department of Emergency Management
4:00-4:30 p.m. Wrap-Up and Important Take-Aways
Let’s tie together today’s events, and discuss the important take-aways.