Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) invites you to the 68th Annual NGAT Conference, taking place from February 25-28, 2027, at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
This event is designed for members of the Texas National Guard and their families, providing a platform for networking, education, and collaboration.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and fellow service members, enhancing their professional development and community ties.
TL;DR
- 1Dates: February 2027 in Corpus Christi, Texas; confirm the exact conference dates and registration window at ngat.org before booking travel.
- 2Venue: Hilliard Center in downtown Corpus Christi, within walking distance of the Marina district hotel cluster used by most attendees.
- 3Scale and Focus: Annual conference of the National Guard Association of Texas, convening Texas Army and Air National Guard leaders, unit representatives, family program staff and defense industry partners for professional development
- 4Who Attends: Guard officers and enlisted leaders, command teams, retirees, Family Readiness and survivor-support staff, and suppliers serving military readiness, benefits and family programs.
- 5Access: Conference and exhibit participation is arranged through NGAT; check ngat.org for registration categories, exhibitor terms and the published agenda.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from valuable networking opportunities with military personnel and industry leaders. Dates and Venue: The 68th Annual NGAT Conference takes place from February 25-28, 2027, at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Scale and Focus: This conference serves the Texas National Guard community, providing networking and educational opportunities. Buyer Authority: Attendees include military personnel, veterans, and industry professionals involved.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain visibility among key decision-makers in the military sector, showcasing their products and services to an engaged audience. Buyer Authority: Attendees include military personnel, veterans, and industry professionals involved with the National Guard. Entry: Registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Active and retired members of the Texas National Guard
Military families seeking support and resources
Veterans looking for networking opportunities
Industry professionals serving the military sector
Government officials involved with military affairs
Students and educators interested in military programs
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Companies providing military equipment and services
Organizations offering educational resources for service members
Vendors of health and wellness products for military families
Technology firms specializing in defense solutions
Insurance providers catering to military personnel
Non-profits supporting veterans and their families
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Military equipment and supplies
Educational resources for service members
Health and wellness products
Technology solutions for defense
Insurance services for military personnel
Veteran support programs
Location & Facilities
Venue
Hilliard Center
Corpus Christi, TX
Facilities
Parking
Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX in Corpus Christi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX in Corpus Christi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
National Guard Association of Texas
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Corpus Christi, United States
Why it matters
Attending National Guard Association of Texas - NGAT Conference on 2027-02-25 to 2027-02-28 in Corpus Christi lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Corpus Christi International Airport
Regional airport with connecting service through major Texas hubs. Rideshare, taxi and rental cars are the practical onward options because there is no rail link to the venue district
Closest airport to downtown Corpus Christi and the Hilliard Center; confirm current drive time with the airport or your hotel
to venue
TBA
by car
San Antonio International Airport
Useful when CRP connections or fares are poor. Plan a rental car or a pre-booked shuttle for the road leg into Corpus Christi
Larger-hub alternate west of Corpus Christi; a longer road transfer, so confirm drive time before booking
to venue
TBA
by car
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Consider only if it materially improves your flight schedule; the road leg adds cost and time versus CRP
Larger-hub alternate north of Corpus Christi; a longer road transfer, confirm drive time and shuttle options
to venue
TBA
by car
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Best used for international arrivals that cannot connect to CRP. Arrange a rental car or shuttle in advance
Major international hub northwest of Corpus Christi; a long road transfer, confirm drive time before booking
to venue
TBA
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
4-star
Downtown / Marina district900 m from Hilliard Center to venueApproximate February night rate; guest rating about 4.2 and described as an excellent location for the Marina district and venue walk.
Breakfast (paid), Wi-Fi (paid), Parking (paid), Outdoor pool, Hot tub, Air conditioning, Pet-friendly, Fitness center
DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront
4-star
Beachfront / Marina district1.2 km from Hilliard Center to venueApproximate February night rate; guest rating about 4.0, Eco-certified, with free parking and beach access.
Breakfast (paid), Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Outdoor pool, Hot tub, Air conditioning, Fitness center, Beach access
Holiday Inn Corpus Christi Downtown Marina by IHG
3-star
Downtown Marina1.1 km from Hilliard Center to venueApproximate February night rate; guest rating about 3.6 but described as an excellent location within walking distance of the venue.
Breakfast (paid), Free Wi-Fi, Parking, Pools, Hot tub, Air conditioning, Pet-friendly, Fitness center
Hampton Inn & Suites Corpus Christi
3-star
Corpus Christi (citywide listing)Confirm exact property location and drive to Hilliard Center to venueApproximate February night rate; guest rating about 4.1, Eco-certified, and a value option if you have a car or use rideshare.
Free breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Outdoor pool, Air conditioning, Pet-friendly, Fitness center, Accessible
Residence Inn by Marriott Corpus Christi Downtown
3-star extended stay
DowntownDowntown; confirm walk or short rideshare to Hilliard Center to venueApproximate February night rate; guest rating about 4.1, and kitchen-equipped suites suit exhibitors staying several nights.
Free breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, Parking (paid), Outdoor pool, Air conditioning, Pet-friendly, Fitness center, Kitchen in rooms
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forDowntown and Marina district hotels to Hilliard Center
Omni Corpus Christi Hotel about 900 m, Holiday Inn Downtown Marina about 1.1 km and DoubleTree Beachfront about 1.2 km from the venue; the walk is practical in mild February weather but confirm sidewalk routes and evening lighting.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDowntown or Marina hotel to Hilliard Center
Short hops within the downtown and Marina district are usually the cheapest rideshare use case. Surge pricing is possible around session start and end times.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 25-40 one way; confirm the metered or flat rate with the driver
Best forCorpus Christi International Airport (CRP) to Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
No rail link exists between CRP and downtown. Book a licensed taxi or pre-arranged car if you are carrying display materials or arriving late.
Public bus (Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority)
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.25-2.00 single ride; confirm current RTA fares and routes
Best forLocal RTA fixed-route service toward downtown Corpus Christi
RTA operates local bus service, but routes and frequencies may not match conference start and end times. Use the bus only after checking the current map and schedule.
Rental car
Estimated costApprox. USD 40-75 per day plus fuel and downtown parking; confirm current rates
Best forCRP airport pickup to downtown hotels and Hilliard Center
Useful for regional travel or exhibitor logistics, but downtown parking is paid at most hotels and you may not need a car if you stay in the Marina district.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 per day at downtown lots or hotel garages; confirm venue event rates
Best forHilliard Center and downtown Marina district
The venue has on-site parking, and hotels in the Marina district charge for parking or include it depending on the property. Confirm event-specific rates and gate access before driving.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from SAT to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forSan Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Useful when CRP connections or fares are poor. Plan a rental car or a pre-booked shuttle for the road leg into Corpus Christi.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from AUS to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forAustin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Consider only if it materially improves your flight schedule; the road leg adds cost and time versus CRP.
Weather
February is winter on the Texas Gulf Coast, but Corpus Christi is usually mild rather than cold. Expect daytime highs in the mid 60s to low 70s F (18-23 C) and overnight lows in the upper 40s to mid 50s F (8-12 C), with sharp changes when a cold front or strong coastal wind arrives. February is generally one of the drier stretches of the year, but fronts can still bring rain and wind. Check the National Weather Service Corpus Christi forecast in the final week and confirm conditions before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks cover downtown Corpus Christi well, and visitors from outside the United States should arrange roaming or a US eSIM before arrival. Hotel Wi-Fi varies: the DoubleTree Beachfront, Holiday Inn Downtown Marina and Hampton Inn & Suites listings show free Wi-Fi, while the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel listing shows paid Wi-Fi. Ask the venue or organiser about exhibitor internet, press Wi-Fi and any separate charge for dedicated connections in the hall.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Military and civilian dress
The NGAT audience mixes serving Texas National Guard members with civilian association staff, retirees, family program staff and exhibitors. Business casual is a safe default for civilian visitors and exhibitors; serving members should follow their unit or command guidance on uniform and grooming.
Protocol around rank
Conference sessions may include senior officers and command sergeants major. Address speakers by rank if it is shown in the program, keep questions concise in open forums and avoid interrupting official ceremonies or award presentations.
Registration and security
Expect badge checks at session rooms and the exhibition floor. Carry a government or company photo ID that matches your registration, and confirm any bag or screening policy with the organiser before you arrive.
Local conversation and tipping
Corpus Christi is a coastal Texas city with a relaxed, friendly tone. Tipping 15-20 percent at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel or taxi service is standard; confirm service charges on your bill.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: CRP
Price Corpus Christi International (CRP) first, then compare connections through Dallas, Houston or Austin if fares or schedules are poor. CRP is a regional airport, so many itineraries involve one connection and limited evening arrivals. The flight cards captured alongside this listing were US domestic fare examples that did not actually price CRP routes, so treat them only as an indication of US domestic fare levels and price your own origin and dates. Book six to ten weeks out for February 2027, avoid tight connections when you are carrying exhibit materials, and confirm baggage allowances before paying for a fare class upgrade.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP): Regional airport with connecting service through major Texas hubs. Rideshare, taxi and rental cars are the practical onward options because there is no rail link to the venue district; San Antonio International Airport (SAT): Useful when CRP connections or fares are poor. Plan a rental car or a pre-booked shuttle for the road leg into Corpus Christi; Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Consider only if it materially improves
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Hilliard Center: Downtown / Marina district: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel; Beachfront / Marina district: DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront; Downtown Marina: Holiday Inn Corpus Christi Downtown Marina by IHG.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in Corpus Christi, and rideshare is the simplest way to cover the short trip between downtown or Marina hotels and the Hilliard Center. Use the app to compare a short downtown hop, typically an approximate USD 8-15 fare, against the airport run from CRP, which is a longer trip. Confirm availability at your arrival hour, set the venue as the pin rather than the street address, and expect possible surge pricing when sessions end.
Public transit: Corpus Christi has no metro, subway or commuter rail link to the Hilliard Center or the Marina district. The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority operates local fixed-route buses, but routes and frequencies may not align with conference start and end times, so check the current RTA map and fare before relying on it. Most attendees walk from downtown and Marina hotels or use rideshare and taxi. Confirm any event shuttle directly with NGAT or the venue.
Parking: The Hilliard Center has on-site parking, but daily event rates, gate access and exhibit-hall loading rules should be confirmed with the venue or organiser before you drive. Downtown and Marina hotels may include parking or charge for it: the DoubleTree Beachfront listing shows free parking, while the Omni and Residence Inn listings show paid parking. If you are towing a display or driving a larger vehicle, ask about clearance and oversize parking in advance.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: Daytime highs typically in the mid 60s to low 70s F (18-23 C); overnight lows in the upper 40s to mid 50s F (8-12 C). These are approximate February normals for the Texas Gulf Coast, not a forecast; confirm current conditions before travel.
Seasonality: February usually falls in a relatively dry stretch of the Gulf Coast year, but cold fronts can bring rain, wind and short cool spells. Check the National Weather Service Corpus Christi forecast in the week before departure and pack a compact rain shell rather than relying on a dry forecast.
Packing: Bring light layers for mild days, a warm outer layer for cool evenings and heavily air-conditioned session rooms, a compact umbrella or rain shell, and comfortable walking shoes for the Marina district and venue floor. Add sunscreen and sunglasses for clear coastal afternoons, and a refillable water bottle for long exhibit-hall days.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at National Guard Association of Texas - NGAT Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
Confirm your registration category and badge pickup instructions on ngat.org, and check whether your unit or command requires any additional reporting.
T-14
Book your hotel in the downtown or Marina district and confirm the cancellation policy, since February is a normal business travel period but rates move.
T-12
Price flights into Corpus Christi International (CRP) first; compare connections through Dallas, Houston or Austin if CRP fares are high.
T-10
Arrange ground transport from CRP to your hotel and note the venue drop-off point for rideshare or taxi.
T-10
Review the conference agenda for sessions relevant to your role, such as command, family readiness, benefits or retiree affairs.
T-7
Download the NGAT app or print the agenda, and note any off-site receptions or association meetings.
T-7
Check the National Weather Service Corpus Christi forecast and pack layers, a rain shell and comfortable walking shoes.
T-5
Confirm mobile roaming or a US eSIM, and save the venue address and your hotel front desk number offline.
T-3
Prepare business cards and a short list of exhibitors or association contacts you want to meet.
T-2
Reconfirm your flight and hotel, and check for any organiser email about parking, security screening or schedule changes.
T-1
Set out clothing and credentials, charge devices and plan to arrive early on day one for badge pickup.
Day 1
Arrive 30-45 minutes before the first session to clear registration and walk the exhibition floor before meetings begin.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2National Guard Association of Texas - NGAT Conference registration concourse
Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether National Guard Association of Texas - NGAT Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the NGAT Conference in Corpus Christi?
It is the annual conference of the National Guard Association of Texas, the association that represents Texas Army and Air National Guard officers and their units. The event combines association business, professional development sessions and an exhibition of companies and organizations that serve Guard members, families and retirees. Confirm the current program and registration categories at ngat.org.
Who normally attends the NGAT annual conference?
Attendance is built around Texas National Guard leadership: officers, enlisted leaders, command teams, unit representatives, retirees and Family Readiness or survivor-support staff. Defense industry partners, benefit providers and service organizations exhibit because they work with Guard units and families. Civilian visitors without a Guard or exhibitor connection should check with NGAT before planning to attend.
Where is the conference held and how close are the hotels?
The listing places the event at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi. Several hotels used by attendees sit in the downtown and Marina districts, including the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel about 900 m away, the Holiday Inn Downtown Marina about 1.1 km away and the DoubleTree Beachfront about 1.2 km away, so walking is realistic for many attendees. Confirm the venue address and any event shuttle on ngat.org.
How do I register for the NGAT conference or reserve exhibit space?
Registration and exhibitor sign-up are handled by the National Guard Association of Texas rather than through this listing. Use ngat.org to find the current registration form, exhibitor prospectus and payment terms, then confirm deadlines directly with the association. Rates and deadlines change by edition, so do not rely on prior-year figures.
How do I get to the Hilliard Center from Corpus Christi International Airport?
Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) is the closest airport to the venue. There is no rail link, so the practical options are rideshare, taxi, a rental car or a hotel shuttle if your property offers one. Approximate taxi or rideshare fares and drive-time guidance appear in the transport sections; confirm live fares and the venue drop-off point before you travel.
Is there public transit or parking at the venue?
Corpus Christi has no metro or commuter rail to the venue district. The Regional Transportation Authority runs local bus service, and walking works well from downtown and Marina hotels. The Hilliard Center has on-site parking, but daily rates and event-specific access rules should be confirmed with the venue or organiser before arrival.
What should I wear and pack for a February conference in Corpus Christi?
February on the Texas Gulf Coast is mild by day but can turn cool and windy in the evening, so bring layers, a warm outer layer for air-conditioned halls and a compact rain shell. Business casual is a safe default for civilian attendees and exhibitors; serving Guard members should follow their unit or command guidance on uniform.
Can companies outside Texas exhibit at NGAT?
The exhibition is aimed at organizations that serve National Guard members, units and families, including defense suppliers, benefit and financial providers, health and wellness services, education partners and technology vendors. Out-of-state companies do exhibit when their offer fits the Guard audience, but space, eligibility and booth terms are set by NGAT. Request the current exhibitor prospectus at ngat.org.
Glossary
- NGAT
- National Guard Association of Texas, the state-level association that represents Texas Army and Air National Guard officers and advocates for Guard members, units and families.
- National Guard
- The reserve military component of the United States armed forces, organized under state and federal authority. Texas maintains both Army National Guard and Air National Guard elements.
- Texas Military Department
- The state agency that oversees the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard; its leadership commonly appears at NGAT events.
- The Adjutant General (TAG)
- The senior military official who commands the state's National Guard forces. In Texas the TAG leads the Texas Military Department and is a regular speaker at association events.
- NGAUS
- National Guard Association of the United States, the national counterpart to NGAT. State associations such as NGAT feed into NGAUS policy and legislative work.
- Family Readiness
- The National Guard program network that supports families during deployments, mobilizations and separations, covering communication, financial counseling and crisis support. Family program staff are a distinct attendee group at NGAT.
- Unit command team
- The commander and senior non-commissioned officers responsible for a Guard unit. Command teams attend association conferences to hear policy updates and meet suppliers.
- Drill weekend
- The scheduled training assembly when Guard members report for unit training. Conference dates are often planned around drill calendars, so confirm availability with your unit before registering.
- Defense industry partner
- A company that supplies equipment, technology or services to military organizations. At NGAT these exhibitors focus on readiness, training, communications, medical support and family services rather than general consumer products.
- Retiree affairs
- Association work focused on retired Guard members, including benefits counseling, legislative representation and reunion activities. Retirees are a regular segment of NGAT conference attendance.
- Exhibitor prospectus
- The document that sets out booth options, pricing, rules and deadlines for companies that want to exhibit. For NGAT it is issued by the association, and current terms must be requested from ngat.org.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- NGAT Conference 2027
- NGAT Corpus Christi 2027
- National Guard Association of Texas 2027
- NGAT annual conference
- Texas National Guard conference
- Texas Military Department conference 2027
- NGAT exhibitor registration
- NGAT conference schedule
- Corpus Christi military conference
- Hilliard Center Corpus Christi event
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.