Event overview

Overview

The TAHPERD Annual Convention is Texas’s premier professional learning event for K–12 & College physical education, health, recreation, & dance teachers, students and administrators, bringing together educators who are passionate about student wellness, movement, and lifelong health.

This multi-day convention offers high-quality, standards-aligned sessions led by experienced teachers and experts, featuring practical strategies, engaging activities, and ready-to-use resources you can take straight back to your gym or classroom

TL;DR

1Texas’s premier professional development event for K–12 and college health, physical education, recreation,
2Features high-quality, standards-aligned sessions with practical, ready-to-use strategies for the classroom or gym
3Opportunity to connect with educators from across Texas and explore the latest equipment
4Attendees leave energized and equipped to elevate physical education and health programs for every
5Held at the Hilliard Center (formerly American Bank Center) in Corpus Christi, TX, from

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

K–12 physical education teachers

Health educators

Recreation and dance educators

College-level physical education, health, recreation, and dance faculty

School and district administrators (principals, curriculum directors, superintendents)

Pre-service teachers (college students in HPERD-related fields)

Retired educators and professionals

Individuals from government, private agencies, business, and healthcare sectors with an interest in school health and physical activity

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Suppliers of physical education equipment and gear

Curriculum and instructional resource providers

Educational technology and software companies

Fitness and wellness program vendors

Recreation and dance program providers

Health education and student wellness service organizations

Publishers of HPERD-related books and materials

Nonprofit and government agencies promoting physical activity and health

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Physical education equipment and supplies

Health education curriculum and resources

Recreation and dance program materials

Fitness and wellness technology

Adapted physical education resources

Instructional materials and books

Sports apparel and footwear

Student assessment tools

Professional development services

School health and wellness programs

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

Exhibit HallExhibit Hall AExhibit Hall BHenry Garrett BallroomWatergarden

Hilliard Center (Formerly American Bank Center)

1901 N. Shoreline Blvd, 78401 Corpus Christi, USA

Entrances & gates

Main Entrance

Exhibit HallHenry Garrett BallroomWatergarden

N Shoreline Blvd

Facilities

Parking

Hilliard Center, 2,500. ParkMobile. $5-$20. ADA

2,500 spaces · $10.00/day

Accessibility

Hilliard Center ADA,., ADA ( 1 + 1 )

On-site shuttle

The venue does not provide an internal shuttle bus. There is free shuttle service between the venue and convention hotels such as the Omni and Holiday Inn

Food options

In-venue catering, Surrounding restaurants

On-site dining

Parking: Hilliard Center 10, ParkMobile. ADA,,. 2025 7 1

Gate: N Shoreline Blvd. Shoreline Blvd Resaca Street

Attend

Entry & tickets

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

daily schedule typically9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Central Time) based on prior editions

Professional/Associate Member – Early Bird
August 15 – October 1, 2026
$170.00
Professional/Associate Member – Pre-Registration
October 2 – November 1, 2026
$190.00
Professional/Associate Member – Late
November 2 – December 2, 2026
$210.00
Retired Member – Early Bird
August 15 – October 1, 2026
$55.00
Retired Member – Pre-Registration
October 2 – November 1, 2026
$55.00
Retired Member – Late
November 2 – December 2, 2026
$65.00
Student Member – Early Bird
August 15 – October 1, 2026
$45.00
Student Member – Pre-Registration
October 2 – November 1, 2026
$45.00
Student Member – Late
November 2 – December 2, 2026
$55.00
Out-of-State Attendee – Early Bird
August 15 – October 1, 2026
$170.00
Out-of-State Attendee – Pre-Registration
October 2 – November 1, 2026
$190.00
Out-of-State Attendee – Late
November 2 – December 2, 2026
$210.00
Non-Member Professional/Associate
Flat rate
$290.00
Non-Member Student
Flat rate
$95.00

Ticket info

Badge collection

Badge collection details not specified; registration is online-only with printable form available, but all registrations must be completed online

Ticket notes

Registration prices vary by membership status and registration period. All registrations include digital handouts. Cancellations subject to $40 fee

Who runs the show

Organisers

Lisa Fall

TAHPERD Staff Contact

Email Call Website

Britt Klein

Director of Exhibits and Member Engagement

Email Call Website

What's on

Programme

Speakers

Anne Daily

TAHPERD President @ Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD)

2026 Presidential Theme: SOAR (Strengthen Outreach and Retention)

Cate Bedard

Lecturer @ Department of Human Performance, The University of Texas Permian Basin

Brainstorming Solutions for Additional Communication Options with Non-Native Speaking Students

Topic tracks

SOAR (Strengthen Outreach and Retention)

Awards

David K. Brace Award

Annual

For individuals who are clearly outstanding in the profession, who exemplify the best in service, teaching, and/or administration, who are recognized by members as noteworthy leaders, and whose lives and contributions inspire others. Criteria include 20 years of service in Texas HPERD, 10 years of TAHPERD membership, and having received the Honor Award

source

Honor Award

Annual

For significant contributions to health education, physical education, recreation, and/or dance. Criteria include 10 years of service in Texas, 5 years of TAHPERD membership, and excellence in teaching, administrative achievement, research, or professional leadership

source

TAHPERD Scholar Award

Annual

Recognizes individuals based on training, experience, and scholarly activity in publications and presentations at the state and national level. Nominees must have been TAHPERD members for the five years preceding nomination

source

Educator/Professional of the Year Awards

Annual

TAHPERD recognizes outstanding educators and professionals in health, physical education, recreation, and dance across multiple categories

source

Emerging Professional Award

Annual

Recognizes emerging professionals in the HPERD fields who demonstrate promise and early-career excellence

source

Pathfinder Award

Annual

Recognizes individuals who have pioneered new paths or made significant innovative contributions to the HPERD profession

source

Administrator of the Year Award

Annual

Recognizes administrators who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and support for health, physical education, recreation, and dance programs

source

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026

Exhibitor and visitor data for the 103rd Annual Conference have not yet been announced

Forecast — not final

Visitors

2,600

Exhibitors

100

Floor area (sqm)

3,716

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Digital handouts fully included
A new feature of the 2026 conference: All registered participants will receive digital handouts for free, replacing the previous need for additional purchases or downloads
Source
2
NEW TAHPERD MOBILE APP
Launched a new TAHPERD mobile application (supports Apple and Android), integrating digital membership cards, learning management systems, event photos and automatic renewal functions to enhance member participation and event registration experience
Source
3
SOAR theme and membership expansion plan
The 2026 chairman's theme "SOAR" (Strengthen Outreach and Retention) launches basic membership options and non-member activity rates, aiming to lower the participation threshold and expand participation
Source

Next edition outlook

2026

High

TAHPERD's 103rd Annual Meeting will be held December 2, 2026 at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi. The conference will continue to serve as the premier professional learning event in the health, physical education, recreation and dance fields in Texas. Based on the successful experience in 2025 and TAHPERD's new initiatives, it is expected that this conference will continue high-quality professional development content and further expand member participation

The 2026 chairman's theme "SOAR" (Strengthen Outreach and Retention) will launch basic membership options and non-member activity rates to lower the participation threshold and expand participation The comprehensive promotion of digital handouts will continue to improve learning efficiency and resource accessibility for attendees The new TAHPERD mobile application will integrate digital membership cards, learning management systems and other functions to enhance the conference experience Hot topics such as sports education technology, SEL, and youth health are expected to be key topics on the conference agenda

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

102TAHPERD20251236, 2,600K,,,.100,., 15. sessions, networking,, HPERD

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors showcased the latest teaching equipment, curriculum resources and technology solutions, directly reaching decision-makers and front-line teachers at the K-12 and university levels. Exhibitor showcase proposals sold out early, reflecting the high level of exhibitor interest in participating in the show. Interaction between exhibitors and educators builds long-term relationships and helps exhibitors understand the changing needs of educators

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

North America (United States, with primary focus on Texas and national HPERD community)

Why it matters

The TAHPERD Annual Conference is one of the most important professional events in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance in Texas and across the country. Against the background of the rapid growth of the sports education technology market (expected to reach US$6.4 billion in 2032), the explosive growth of the social-emotional learning market (expected to reach US$4.76 billion in 2026), and the policy dividends for youth sports training and school health services, the exhibition provides a key communication platform for educators, managers, and product and service suppliers. Attendees can learn about the latest equipment, curriculum solutions and technology trends, while exhibitors have direct access to decision makers and front-line teachers at the K-12 and university levels. At the same time, TAHPERD actively adapts to the needs of industry digitization and member service upgrades through innovative initiatives such as SOAR themes and new mobile applications

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

The sports education technology market is growing rapidly

The global sports education technology market will be valued at approximately US$3.6 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach US$6.4 billion in 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%-. Trends emphasizing skill mastery and physical literacy, hybrid/flipped physical education curriculum models, culturally responsive content, and data visualization progress tracking. The application of wearable devices, fitness trackers, gamification and VR/AR technology is expanding market opportunities

Source

The social-emotional learning (SEL) market is exploding

The global social-emotional learning market is expected to grow from US$3.9 billion in 2025 to US$4.76 billion in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 22%. Policy integration, mental health awareness, digital learning tools and the need for measurable learning outcomes are driving this change. SEL is moving from independent courses to a comprehensive model that integrates classroom teaching, extracurricular activities and behavioral support systems

Source

Market opportunities for youth sports training and campus health services are highlighted

The wave of policies surrounding the physical health of more than 200 million teenagers is accelerating the formation of an incremental market for campus sports services. From the shortage of teachers on campus to the influx of off-campus professional training institutions, from the "re-employment" of retired athletes to the "ice and snow courses on campus" and other unique needs, the youth sports training industry is facing unprecedented commercialization opportunities in 2026

Source

Digitalization and healthy transformation of dance education

The dance training market has entered a new phase of strong growth, blending artistry with technology and health. The global online dance education and training market is expected to be approximately US$2.15 billion in 2025 and will reach US$3.72 billion in 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%-. Trends include AI-assisted motion feedback, motion/pose estimation, AR mirrors, and gamified training

Source

Dance studio expands recovery and cross-training services

Source

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

TAHPERD launches new mobile application to enhance member experience

Read

TAHPERD 2026 Chairman’s Theme ‘SOAR’ Released, Focusing on Outreach and Member Retention

Read

Dance studios add recovery, cross-training services to compete

Read

TAHPERD 42nd Summer Meeting held in Denton

Read

Annual conference and exhibition ecology in HPERD field

October 2026 – April 2027

The TAHPERD Annual Conference is at the core of the American Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (HPERD) professional conference ecosystem. The ecosystem includes national flagship conferences (such as SHAPE America National Convention), annual conferences of state/regional associations (such as CAHPERD, NYS AHPERD, SCAHPERD, etc.), and professional subdivision conferences (such as the National Adapted Physical Education Conference). These conferences form an intensive window of activity from fall through spring, providing ongoing professional development, networking, and business expansion opportunities for educators, researchers, administrators, and vendors

Late Fall / Early Winter 2026

NYS AHPERD 88th Annual ConferenceTAHPERD 103rd Annual ConventionNC SHAPE Annual Convention 2026

Mid-November to early December is the peak period for state-level HPERD meetings, with multiple state associations holding annual conferences during this window

Winter / Spring 2027

CAHPERD27 State ConferenceSHAPE America National Convention & Expo 2027

The end of February to early April is the intensive holding period for national and state-level flagship conferences such as California

The above dates and locations are based on information released by the official websites of each association and trusted third-party event platforms (such as 10times, eMedEvents). Some 2027 meeting dates are announced planned dates

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

CRP

Corpus Christi International Airport

Southwest, American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier., Hilliard Center 12. $17

9 miles

to venue

about 12 minutes

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Headquarters Hotel

Bayfront / Downtown

USD 159 / night

Omni Corpus Christi Hotel,: 900 North Shoreline Blvd./ 159 /. 0.6

Convention Hotel

Bayfront / Downtown

USD 134 / night

Holiday Inn Corpus Christi Downtown Marina,: 707 N. Shoreline Blvd./ 134 /

Mid-Range

Bayfront / Downtown

USD 130–190 / night

Best Western Corpus Christi (300 N Shoreline Blvd), Residence Inn by Marriott Corpus Christi Downtown (309 S Shoreline Blvd), DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront. 2

Budget / Economy

Downtown / South Shoreline

USD 80–120 / night

Budget Inn & Suites (801 S Shoreline Blvd), Econo Lodge Inn & Suites. 2.12, $41

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Public Bus (CCRTA)

Estimated cost$0.75 per ride

Best forRoutes 76 (Downtown Shuttle) and 78 (North Beach)

Bus lines 76 and 78 stop at 1513 Chaparral (Heritage Park), approximately 300 meters (4-minute walk) from the Hilliard Center. Route 76 operates daily from 06:10 to 19:25, and Route 78 operates daily from 06:00 to 18:27

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

Estimated costVaries by distance and demand

Best forCity-wide, including airport and venue

Uber and Lyft are widely available in Corpus Christi. Lyft is the official rideshare partner of the Hilliard Center, with a dedicated drop-off and pick-up location off N Shoreline Blvd. New Lyft users can use code HILLIARDCENTER for 50% off first 2 rides (up to $10/ride)

Taxi

Estimated costAirport to downtown ~$17; minimum fare ~$2.50

Best forCity-wide, including airport and venue

Taxis are available outside the baggage claim area at Corpus Christi International Airport. After events at the Hilliard Center, taxis line up along Shoreline Boulevard for departing patrons. Local providers include Gulf Coast Taxi (361-949-0850), Green-N-Go Cabs (24/7), and Arriba Taxicab Service (361-728-7575)

Hotel Shuttle

Estimated costComplimentary (at select hotels)

Best forFrom select downtown hotels to airport and venue

Many downtown hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service. The Omni Corpus Christi Hotel and Holiday Inn Downtown Marina both provide complimentary airport transportation for guests. Some hotels also offer shuttles within a limited radius, which may include the Hilliard Center

Private Vehicle / Parking

Estimated costOn-street: $2/hour; Lots: $5-$10; Event parking varies

Best forHilliard Center and surrounding lots

The Hilliard Center owns and operates 10+ parking areas with approximately 2,500 spaces. Advance parking reservations are recommended via ParkMobile. Nearby options include on-street parking ($2/hour), Marina Arts District Lot ($5), Bayfront Plaza Garage ($8), and City Lot ($10). The venue is cashless as of July 1, 2025

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa	(TAHPERD),,, VWP	$185.00	It varies by embassy and consulate, usually weeks to months; expedited service is available for a fee in some locations (approximately 10 working days, additional fee of US$750)
B-1/B-2 Combined Visitor Visa	57	$185.00	Same as B-1 visa
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	VWP, 90	$21.00	Apply online, usually approved within 72 hours

VWP(≤90):,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, [1],.ESTA(https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov)

ATA Carnet, /- 48.Carnet,.(USCIB)

Official visa page

Weather

December in Corpus Christi is mild, with warm days and cool nights. The average maximum temperature is about 20°C (68°F) and the minimum temperature is about 11°C (53°F). Rainfall occurs occasionally, with an average of about 7 rainy days in December. It is recommended to dress in layers: T-shirts, shorts or skirts during the day, and jeans, long-sleeved shirts, light coats or jackets for nighttime and morning and evening. The UV index is about 6, so sun protection is still required during the day

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

12. Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority(CCRTA), 32.76 78 Heritage Park, 300 (4 )-.(Omni Holiday Inn),.Lyft, HILLIARDCENTER 50% ( $10).Limo/Taxi/Uber N Shoreline Blvd

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Business and Social Etiquette

The overall atmosphere in Corpus Christi is casual and friendly, but politeness and respect are still recommended in professional situations. For business meetings or formal dinners, it is recommended to choose dishes that are easy to eat (such as soups rather than salads or burgers), and salt and pepper should be passed together (usually in a counterclockwise direction)

Regulations for public places

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed workplaces in Corpus Christi, including restaurants and bars, and smoking is allowed on outdoor patios and seating areas based on their distance from doorways. Please do not step on the flower beds in the city center, and pay attention to steps and curbs

Local specialties and festivals

Local residents are passionate about outdoor activities and festivals, and Buccaneer Days (known locally as "Buc Days") is an important annual celebration. Texans generally love spicy food, and hot sauce is often on the table

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)

CRP Airport is served by four airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Frontier. It is recommended to book your tickets as early as possible to get better prices. A taxi from the airport to the city is about $17

Visa

International travelers require a valid B-1 business visa or ESTA authorization for participating countries

Processing: B-1 visa: Waiting time for visa interview appointment varies by location, ranging from days to months -; ESTA: usually approved within 72 hours

International attendees require standard B-1/B-2 visitor visas or ESTA authorization with Form DS-160 application

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Bayfront / Downtown (within walking distance to the venue, the most convenient) · North Beach (near the aquarium and USS Lexington, great scenery) · Corpus Christi International Airport area (close to the airport, suitable for participants with early or late flights)

Premium

$159+ / night

Mid-Range

$134 – $190 / night

Budget

$80 – $120 / night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) 9, 12.( $17), Lyft/Uber

Hotel → venue: (Omni) 0.6; (Holiday Inn Downtown Marina).Bayfront / Downtown

Ride-hail: Lyft is an official partner of Hilliard Center, and new users can enjoy 50% off the first two rides (up to $10 off each ride) by using the promo code HILLIARDCENTER. Uber and taxis have a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point at N Shoreline Blvd

Public transit: CCRTA 32. 76 78 1513 Chaparral (Heritage Park), 300 (4 )

Parking: Hilliard Center 2,500, ParkMobile. $5-$20.Omni Holiday Inn

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: December

Temperature: 11°C – 20°C (53°F – 68°F)

Seasonality: Rainfall occurs occasionally, with an average of about 7 rainy days in December

Packing: It is recommended to dress in layers: T-shirt, shorts or skirt for day; jeans, long-sleeved shirt, light coat or jacket for night morning and evening. Bring rain gear and sun protection (UV index approx. 6)

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

08:30Arrive at the venue and collect badges and conference materials
09:00Attend opening ceremony or keynote speech
10:30Attend breakout seminars or workshops
12:00Lunch (can be eaten at the venue or a nearby restaurant)
13:30Visit the exhibition hall and communicate with exhibitors
15:00Continue to participate in branch venue activities
17:00Attend a social event or reception

Plan your trip

Planning

Confirm meeting attendance goals and develop budget — Make it clear whether you want to visit and study or participate in exhibitions and promotions; formulate a total budget based on registration fees, hotels, transportation, catering, etc

Plan your schedule and download the official app — The agenda of the conference has not been announced yet. It is recommended to pay attention to the official website for updates. Download TAHPERD's new mobile app in advance (supports Apple and Android), integrating digital membership cards, learning management systems and other functions

Confirm travel arrangements and prepare items — /;,; 1210°C–20°C

Print/save registration confirmation information — Confirm registration status and save electronic receipt; check to see if digital handouts are included (new for 2026, included with all registrations)

Confirm booth location and logistics — Edlen

Visit the site and become familiar with the venue — Hilliard Center1901 N. Shoreline Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX 78401; N Shoreline Blvd

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day