Advancing Merit Shop Construction in Texas.
For 50 years, ABC Texas has been the voice of merit shop construction at the Texas Capitol. This year's Legislative Conference celebrates that legacy while looking ahead to the next generation of advocacy. Join merit shop contractors and industry leaders from across Texas to meet with your legislators, advocate for the policies that matter most to our industry, and hear from the experts driving ABC Texas' advocacy efforts. Through legislative briefings, policy discussions, and firsthand insight from our government affairs team, contract lobbyists, and state leaders, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the issues impacting merit shop construction and the relationships needed to help shape Texas' future.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
GOVERNOR’S CIRCLE
CAPITOL ADVOCATE
LEGISLATIVE LEADER
TEXAS TRAILBLAZER
REGISTER
AGENDA
Monday, January 25, 2026
Tuesday, January 26, 2026
Wednesday, January 27, 2026
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Young Professionals Legislative Academy
9:30 AM - Registration Opens
10:30 AM - Bill Talk 101
Bill Talk 101 is an interactive introduction to the Texas legislative process. Join ABC Texas General Counsel Ben Westcott of Andrews Myers and the ABC Texas Government Affairs team as they break down how a bill becomes law, explain the legislative process, and walk through ABC Texas' legislative priorities and the key bills shaping this legislative session. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking for a refresher before heading to the Capitol, this session will give you the foundation to make the most of Legislative Conference and your meetings with lawmakers.
12:00 PM - Luncheon
Join fellow ABC Texas members for our keynote luncheon as we welcome a distinguished speaker to share insights on the issues, leadership, and policies shaping Texas today. This featured program offers an opportunity to hear from one of the state's leading voices while networking with merit shop contractors and industry leaders from across Texas.
2:00 PM PM - Legislator Panel
Hear directly from members of the Texas Legislature as they discuss the issues shaping the current legislative session and the future of Texas. This interactive panel will provide firsthand perspectives on key policy debates, legislative priorities, and the outlook for the remainder of the session, followed by an in-depth question-and-answer discussion with attendees.
4:00 PM - Legislative Reception
Join ABC Texas for an evening of networking at the Capitol as we welcome members of the Texas House and Senate, legislative staff, constitutional offices, and state leaders to connect with our members. Invitations are extended to every legislative office, creating a unique opportunity to build relationships, continue conversations from the day, and engage directly with the policymakers shaping Texas' future. Whether reconnecting with longtime allies or making new connections, the Legislative Reception is the perfect way to conclude the conference.
6:30 PM - 50th Anniversary Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 50 years of ABC Texas and five decades of advocacy at the Texas Capitol. This signature event will honor the leaders, members, and partners whose dedication has helped shape policies that strengthen Texas' merit shop construction industry. Hear stories and reflections from ABC Texas Past Chairman and alumni, enjoy a special keynote address from a distinguished guest, and celebrate the legacy that has positioned ABC Texas as one of the state's leading voices for free enterprise and the construction industry. Together, we'll honor our past while looking ahead to the next 50 years of leadership, advocacy, and building a stronger Texas.
7:30 AM - Legislative Breakfast
Start the day with fellow ABC Texas members as we prepare to take our message to the Texas Capitol. This energizing breakfast features a special keynote speaker who will offer insight, inspiration, and a call to action before attendees meet with their Texas House and Senate members. Hear final updates from the ABC Texas Government Affairs team, review our legislative priorities, and leave ready to advocate with confidence for the merit shop construction industry.
10:00 AM - Legislative Meetings (by Chapter)
Join your fellow chapter members for scheduled meetings with the Texas House and Senate members who represent your region. Guided by ABC Texas' legislative priorities and talking points, your chapter delegation will engage directly with legislators and their staff to advocate for policies that strengthen the merit shop construction industry. Together, you'll build relationships, share your industry's perspective, and demonstrate the collective voice of ABC Texas at the State Capitol.
HOTEL
The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
701 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel places attendees just steps from the Texas State Capitol, Congress Avenue, Sixth Street, and many of Austin's most iconic restaurants and attractions. This historic hotel has welcomed Texas leaders and visitors for nearly a century, making it the perfect home for the ABC Texas Legislative Conference.
ABC Texas has secured a special conference room rate for Legislative Conference attendees. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are expected to sell out.
Conference Room Rate: $289/night
Reservation Deadline: January 4, 2027