2021 Annual TAEA Conference

President's Message

We are so excited to be bringing this fall Central Texas Conference to you live and in person. We all know things can change in a heartbeat, but teachers are both resilient and flexible. It is our sincere hope that nothing will stand in the way of having this conference at the Kalahari Resort and Convention in Round Rock, Texas.

TAEA understands how badly members want and need the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends. We have always prided ourselves on gifting members with a quality conference experience. However, as we see increases in COVID numbers along with obstacles in running the conference, the quality experience may not be the same as in the past. Please note that our volunteer base will probably be stretched thin, transportation to and from experience institutes and tours might be limited and/or non-existent, and as we get closer, some presenters and vendors may have to cancel. Even with conditions beyond our control, we will do our best to make this an exciting and worthwhile experience.

The fall conference is manned by volunteers whose hearts are filled with the desire to share their expertise, to provide a caring environment where members can collaborate and learn from each other, and to lift up your spirits in these uncertain times. To make this all happen for the best possible outcome, we all have to lend a hand and pitch in to help where needed. Come prepared to have fun, to learn and to be among fellow, like-minded individuals who will help rejuvenate your creativity and joy of teaching.

Much love and respect,

Jami Bevans

PS — Please be sure to check out our COVID Safety Protocols and information about bringing your own supplies.

For a brief glimpse of this wonderful event, please watch the video:

TAEA Conference Pre-Registration Closed

Online registration is closed, but you may register on-site.

We're almost there. Our first in-person conference in two years will be held at the brand new Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Round Rock, TX, November 4-6! We have scheduled over 250 workshops, meetings, Tours, and Experience Institutes in addition to all that the resort has to offer.

Good news — conference fees will remain the same as 2019. The fee structure and dates to have your registration completed are listed below. Registration will open on September 15th. We'll be publishing a workshop schedule and providing additional information by September 10th so you will have a chance to see what is available. If you are planning to use a purchase order now is the time to begin the process.

You must be a current member or guest of a current member to attend.

	Early Registration Through 10/24	Normal Registration 10/25-10/31	On-Site Registration After 10/31
Active Member	$130	$145	$170
Associate Member	$130	$145	$170
Retired Member	$124	$139	$139
Full-Time College/ University Student ¹	$0	$0	$0
Institutional Member	$275	$275	$275
TAEA Fellow	$70	$70	$70
Saturday Sessions Only	$99	$99	$99

¹ Pre-Service Students are required to attend the Student Division meeting on Saturday. Also, pre-service students must volunteer for two hours of service while attending. Contact Chris Cooper at , or call her at (512) 757-4070 to sign up for a time.

We are excited to be back together and hope to see you there.

Hotel Information

Kalahari Resort & Conventions
Round Rock, Texas

Make your hotel reservations soon for the 2021 TAEA Conference to be held November 4-6 at the new Kalahari Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas! Click here to book your room now at the TAEA rates.

Great news — TAEA has negotiated a $10 rate (down from $34.95) for the mandatory resort fee which gives access to resort facilities. Note: This is not included in published room rates.

Make Your Reservation

Unfortunately, it appears that the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center is almost fully booked at this point. We are sorry if you are not able to get a room there. However, there are many hotels within a few miles of it. Check out this Google Maps link for additional options.

While we cannot endorse any particular hotel, below is a list of hotels that TAEA staff have used in the past that are near the Kalahari:

Hilton Garden Inn North
12400 N. I-35
Building C
Austin, TX 78753
512-339-3626

Courtyard by Marriott Austin North/Parmer Lane
12330 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78753
512-339-8374

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott/TECH Ridge
12536 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78753
512-821-0376

Comfort Inn & Suites Round Rock
609 Chisholm Trail
Round Rock, TX 78681
512-244-2246

Hampton Inn Austin North I-35
7619 North I-35
Austin, TX 78752
512-452-3300

Keynote Speakers

Join us Friday, November 5 at 2:00 for the TAEA Fall Central Texas Conference at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, TX.

Scott Rolfe

Scott Rolfe brings his unique perspective regarding the challenges and rewards of working in the unique medium known as assemblage. This medium, in which found objects steer the course of the art, requires flexibility and problem-solving skills in order to create engaging and dynamic art. Having to depend on randomly discovered objects may seem like a limitation at first, but it also encourages one to not become overly reliant on a specific material or idea, and thus can open up new and exciting avenues for exploration in art. Along with the idea of the unexpected, he will also discuss the challenges of making and living off art, especially through the Covid era.

Stan Herd

Stan Herd uses art to bring attention to a multitude of issues showcasing the environment, science, sustainable agriculture and the humanities which all connect on a common theme regarding the "human condition" in the world today. Come hear him talk about his current involvement with companies and campaigns and how he is steering towards his "major art project" wish list which includes China, Brazil, Cuba, and Qatar. Essentially, why he thinks his art can, at its best, become a platform for discussions regarding the land, man's relationship to the land, as it is affected by the arts, humanities, and activism.