Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo is one of Texas’ premier health care events, bringing together nearly 1,000 leaders each year.
Hosted by the Texas Association of Health Plans, this conference convenes health plan leaders, policymakers, regulators, providers, and innovators to discuss the pressing issues shaping health care in Texas.
Attendees can expect expert panels, policy discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: 2026 TAHP Annual Conference at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas; registration closes October 23, 2026.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by the Texas Association of Health Plans (TAHP); official site tahpconference.com.
- 3Scale and Focus: Texas health plan, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and health policy conference featuring CMS updates, CEO panels and elected officials.
- 4Entry / Access: Tickets USD 800 for TAHP members and USD 1,200 for non-members; register before the October 23, 2026 deadline.
- 5Who Attends: Health plan executives, Medicaid and CHIP leaders, policy staff, pharmacy benefit managers, benefits consultants and health technology vendors from across Texas.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and policies affecting health care in Texas. Dates and Venue: The TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo takes place from November 2-4, 2026, at the Austin Marriott Downtown. Buyer Authority: Attendees include health plan leaders, policymakers, regulators, and providers.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have direct access to key decision-makers in the health care sector, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase their solutions and innovations. Scale and Focus: This leading health care event gathers nearly 1,000 leaders from across Texas to discuss critical health care issues. Buyer Authority: Attendees include health plan leaders, policymakers, regulators, and providers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Health plan executives and CEOs of Texas and national insurers
Medicaid and Medicare Advantage programme leaders
Commercial insurance and benefits managers
State regulators, legislators and policy advisers
Providers, health systems and care organizations
Health technology, data analytics and pharmacy benefit partners
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Health insurance carriers and managed care organizations
Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plan operators
Health technology, EHR and data analytics vendors
Pharmacy benefit managers and clinical services providers
Policy, advocacy and consulting firms serving health plans
Care management, telehealth and member engagement suppliers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Health plan operations and member services technology
Medicaid and Medicare Advantage programme solutions
Claims, coding and payment integrity platforms
Pharmacy benefit management and clinical programme services
Data analytics, risk adjustment and population health tools
Policy, compliance and regulatory advisory services
Care management, telehealth and member engagement platforms
Location & Facilities
Venue
Austin Marriott Downtown
304 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78701
Facilities
Parking
Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin 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: Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin 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 Austin Marriott Downtown for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
TAHP Members
800General admission
Non-Members
1200
Who runs the show
Organisers
Texas Association of Health Plans
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Austin, United States
Why it matters
Attending TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo on 2026-11-02 to 2026-11-04 in Austin 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.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Health Insurance News | Today's Latest Stories | Reuters
ReadHealthcare Reform News Updates | Healthmarkets
ReadHealth Insurance Breaking News and Press Releases - Business Wire
ReadHealthcare News - Modern Healthcare
ReadHealth Insurance News - Modern Healthcare
ReadUnited States Health Insurance News Monitoring
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Austin-Bergstrom International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Austin Marriott Downtown
4-star
Downtown Austin (host hotel, 330 m from venue)Approx. nightly rate for the conference period; Marriott Bonvoy property. Breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking are chargeable. Confirm rates and availability.
Courtyard by Marriott Austin Downtown/Convention Center
3-star
Downtown AustinApprox. nightly rate; breakfast and parking chargeable; free Wi-Fi. Confirm rates and availability.
Aloft by Marriott Austin Downtown
3-star
Downtown Austin (650 m from Austin Marriott Downtown)Approx. nightly rate; pet-friendly; breakfast available; parking chargeable. Confirm rates and availability.
citizenM Austin Downtown
4-star
Downtown AustinApprox. nightly rate; breakfast chargeable; free Wi-Fi; outdoor pool. Confirm rates and availability.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forAustin-Bergstrom International (AUS) to downtown Austin hotels
Uber and Lyft operate in Austin. Pickup at AUS in the designated rideshare area. Fares vary by time and demand.
public bus
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forAustin-Bergstrom International (AUS) to Austin Marriott Downtown
CapMetro Route 20 provides direct service between AUS and downtown Austin. Schedules vary; check CapMetro site.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 18-35 daily venue parking
Best forDowntown Austin garages near Austin Marriott Downtown
Parkopedia lists garages around downtown Austin, including Austin Convention Center 2nd Street Garage, One Eleven and hotel parking, with rates in the USD 12-28 range for short stays.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
November in Austin is mild and generally dry; average daytime highs are 21-24°C (70-75°F) and average lows are 10-13°C (50-55°F). Rain is possible but November is one of the drier months. Check the forecast shortly before travel and pack layers for cooler evenings.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Venue Wi-Fi is typically available at the Austin Marriott Downtown; confirm access details with the organiser. US mobile networks use GSM/4G/5G; international visitors should check roaming or buy a local eSIM/SIM. Power outlets are 120V, Type A/B plugs; bring a universal adapter if needed.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual or business attire is typical for the TAHP conference. Texans often dress formally for professional events; a suit or blazer is appropriate for executives.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in the US: 15-20% at restaurants, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and USD 2-5 per day for hotel housekeeping.
Greetings
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are standard. Use titles and last names unless invited otherwise.
Punctuality
Meetings and sessions start on time; arrive early for registration and networking.
Local flavor
Austin is known for live music, barbecue and outdoor activities; downtown is walkable and generally safe, but use normal city precautions.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: AUS
Book flights to Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) early for the conference period. Multiple major US carriers serve AUS. If fares are high, consider flying into Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Houston (IAH) and driving, but allow 3-4 hours of drive time. Confirm baggage and transfer details before booking.
Visa
Business visitors to the United States typically enter on a B-1 temporary business visitor visa or under the Visa Waiver Program if eligible; check the US Department of State business visa pages for the current rules for your nationality.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Sources: US Department of State business visa page (travel.state.gov) and USCIS B-1 Temporary Business Visitor page. Confirm current requirements and current processing times with your nearest US embassy or consulate before travel.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS). Allow road or rail time to Austin Marriott Downtown; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Austin Marriott Downtown: Downtown Austin (host hotel, 330 m from venue): Austin Marriott Downtown; Downtown Austin: Courtyard by Marriott Austin Downtown/Convention Center; Downtown Austin (650 m from Austin Marriott Downtown): Aloft by Marriott Austin Downtown.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Austin, including pickups at Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) in the designated rideshare area. Fares to downtown are approx. USD 25-50 depending on demand. Confirm live rates in the app before requesting.
Public transit: CapMetro operates local buses and the Red Line rail. Route 20 connects Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) to downtown for approx. USD 1.25 single ride. Downtown is also walkable. Confirm schedules and fares on the CapMetro website before travel.
Parking: Parking is available at the Austin Marriott Downtown and in downtown Austin garages. Rates are typically USD 18-35 daily; hotel valet may be higher. Confirm rates and availability with the venue or Parkopedia.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Average November highs in Austin: 21-24°C (70-75°F); average lows: 10-13°C (50-55°F).
Seasonality: November is relatively dry in Austin, with average rainfall around 50-75 mm (2-3 inches) for the month. Occasional rain days are possible; confirm the live forecast before departure.
Packing: Pack light layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Business casual attire for sessions; evenings can be cool, so bring a sweater or jacket.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm the final 2026 conference dates, venue and agenda on tahpconference.com.
T-2
Complete your registration before the October 23, 2026 deadline to secure the member or non-member rate.
T-3
Book a downtown Austin hotel; the Austin Marriott Downtown is the host venue, with Courtyard, Aloft and citizenM nearby.
T-4
Arrange flights into Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), allowing extra time for peak traffic to downtown.
T-5
Check US business visa or Visa Waiver Program/ESTA requirements for your nationality on travel.state.gov.
T-6
Download the conference app or save the schedule PDF for offline use on site.
T-7
Review the 2025 post-show recap on tahp.org to set your meeting and session priorities.
T-8
Identify sponsors, exhibitors and speakers from the tahpconference.com directory to target on the expo floor.
T-9
Request meetings with health plan, Medicaid and policy contacts before you arrive in Austin.
T-10
Confirm your badge pickup hours and registration desk location at the Austin Marriott Downtown.
T-11
Plan ground transport: rideshare/taxi from AUS is approx. USD 25-50; CapMetro bus Route 20 is approx. USD 1.25.
T-12
Pack light layers, comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket for mild November days and cooler evenings.
T-13
Save your session shortlist and any presentation materials offline for reliable access.
T-14
Check the live weather forecast for Austin a few days before departure and adjust packing.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Austin Marriott Downtown
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo registration concourse
Austin Marriott Downtown
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Austin Marriott Downtown
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.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 800 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 800 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo 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 Texas Covered Health Care Conference + Expo?
It is the annual conference and expo of the Texas Association of Health Plans (TAHP), bringing together health care and policy experts for conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing Texas health care. The 2026 edition follows the November 2025 programme that included a CMS and CEO panel and elected officials.
Where and when is the 2026 edition held?
The event is held in Austin, Texas, with the Austin Marriott Downtown serving as the host hotel for the conference programme. Confirm the exact 2026 dates on the official tahpconference.com agenda and plan-your-trip pages.
Who attends Texas Covered?
Attendees include health plan leaders, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage professionals, commercial insurance leaders, regulators and policymakers, and providers and care organizations, alongside sponsors and exhibitors such as health technology providers, insurers and data analytics firms.
How do I register or sponsor?
Registration and sponsorship are handled through tahpconference.com - see the sponsorship opportunities and request-to-sponsor pages, plus the sponsorship agreement pages for health plans and other partners.
Which sponsors and exhibitors take part?
Official sponsor and exhibitor directories are published for each edition at tahpconference.com/sponsors-exhibitors, with pages for 2024, 2025 and 2026 listing companies such as Clearlink Partners, MTM, Edifecs, HealPros, Navitus Health Solutions and others.
Glossary
- TAHP
- Texas Association of Health Plans, the trade association representing health insurers operating in Texas and the host of this annual conference.
- Medicaid
- Joint federal-state health coverage program for low-income individuals and families; Texas Medicaid is a major topic at the conference.
- CHIP
- Children's Health Insurance Program, providing coverage for children in families with modest incomes.
- Medicare Advantage
- Privately administered Medicare plans that cover hospital, medical and often prescription drug benefits.
- PBM
- Pharmacy Benefit Manager, a third-party administrator of prescription drug programs for health plans.
- CMS
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA marketplaces.
- Star Ratings
- CMS quality ratings for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, based on measures like chronic care and member experience.
- HEDIS
- Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, a set of performance measures used by health plans to gauge care quality.
- Risk Adjustment
- A payment methodology that adjusts capitation rates based on the health status of enrolled members.
- ACA Marketplace
- Health insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act where individuals can buy subsidized coverage.
- Value-Based Care
- Payment and care delivery models that reward providers for quality and outcomes rather than volume.
- Texas Department of Insurance
- State agency that regulates insurance in Texas, including health plan solvency and market conduct.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo
- TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo 2026
- TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo Austin
- TAHP Texas Covered Health Care Conference & Expo Austin 2026
- TAHP Texas Covered Health
- TAHP Texas Covered Health 2026
- TAHP Texas Covered Health Austin
- TAHP Texas Covered Health Austin 2026
- Care Conference
- Care Conference 2026
10 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.