It's coming soon…of course!

Attendees tell us the conferences offer great insight into upcoming issues, trends and changes to expect as well as budgetary matters. One attendee wrote in an evaluation, "If I could attend only one CE (continuing education) conference each year, this would be it."

In the past, the conference has featured speakers and panel discussions that included legislators, statewide elected officials, legislative committee chairs, representatives from key state agencies and chiefs of staff from the offices of the state's leadership. The last panel of the day features members of the media who cover the legislature. This last session is always a favorite because this group discusses politics, makes predictions and dissects every conceivable issue that might impact participants.

Attendees can expect to hear candid insider information they're not likely to hear anywhere else. Panelists and speakers are asked to take questions from the audience and this year, for the first time, attendees also will be encouraged to submit questions in advance.

The state budget is always a hot topic. Prior conferences have featured keynote addresses from the House Appropriations Committee chair and the Senate Finance Committee chair, heads of the two key committees involved in writing the state's biennial budget.

Each participant receives a notebook filled with valuable information. Following the conference, links to speaker presentations also will be posted online.

The conference will be held at The Commons, J.J. Pickle Research Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A continental breakfast and a hot lunch will be served. Snacks are made available during the afternoon break.

Registration is limited to the first 300 people to register. Don't risk being left out. Registrations will be accepted beginning next week.

The Texas Government Insider will be providing additional information on the conference, including a link to a registration form, in upcoming editions. Speakers and panelists and their topics will be announced as they are confirmed

But for right now - mark your calendar for Tuesday, Oct. 7. This is a conference you won't want to miss!