Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The THSBCA Coaches Convention is set for January 14th to 16th, 2027, at Hilton Waco, Texas. This event is a key gathering for high school baseball coaches, featuring over 3,000 attendees and more than 150 vendors showcasing the latest products and services in baseball.
Attendees will benefit from expert speakers and networking opportunities, making it a must-attend for anyone involved in high school baseball. THSBCA Coaches Convention takes place in Waco, USA.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The 2027 THSBCA Coaches Convention takes place from January 14th to 16th at Hilton Waco, Texas.
- 2Scale and Focus: This convention is one of the largest gatherings for high school baseball coaches in the USA, attracting over 3,000 attendees.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association, dedicated to promoting baseball at all levels.
- 4Buyer Authority: Coaches from across Texas attend, representing various high school teams and programs.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is available online, with early bird rates encouraged for vendors and attendees.
Why visit
Attending the THSBCA Coaches Convention provides invaluable networking opportunities with fellow coaches and industry experts. Gain insights from top speakers and learn about the latest trends and techniques in baseball coaching. This event is essential for enhancing your coaching skills and staying updated on the latest developments in the sport.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the THSBCA Coaches Convention allows vendors to showcase their products to a targeted audience of over 3,000 high school baseball coaches. This is a unique opportunity to connect with decision-makers in the baseball community and increase brand visibility. Engage directly with potential customers and demonstrate your products in a dynamic environment.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Texas high school head baseball coaches planning next season's practice calendar, district schedule and playoff run
Assistant coaches and pitching or hitting coordinators looking for drill progressions, bullpen routines and arm-care protocols
Athletic directors and district administrators evaluating programme-wide equipment, cage and facility purchases
Booster club officers and programme fundraisers sourcing uniforms, spirit wear, signage and training aids
Strength and conditioning staff and athletic trainers building in-season and off-season baseball development plans
College recruiters and player-development staff scouting Texas high school prospects at clinics and the exhibit hall
Coaching-education students and first-year coaches attending the THSBCA clinic track for certification and mentoring
Indoor facility and batting-cage operators equipping training spaces for Texas high school programmes
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Pitching machine and batting cage manufacturers running live demos in the dedicated Pitching Machine Area
Hitting and pitch-tracking technology vendors selling launch monitors, video analysis and player-data platforms
Team uniform, apparel and spirit-wear suppliers selling directly to Texas school programmes and booster clubs
Arm-care, recovery and sports-nutrition brands targeting high school athletic trainers and pitching coaches
Infield mix, mound clay, grooming tools and field-maintenance equipment suppliers
Coaching education, certification and clinic providers serving Texas high school coaches
Programme-management software, fundraising platforms and booster-club service vendors
Indoor facility and cage builders equipping off-season training spaces for Texas high schools
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Pitching machines, batting cages and portable practice nets
Hitting tees, front-toss screens and swing-training aids
Launch monitors, video analysis and pitch-tracking systems
Protective screens, L-screens and pitcher safety equipment
Team uniforms, practice apparel and spirit wear
Catcher's gear, mitts and position-specific equipment
Arm care, recovery and sports-nutrition products
Infield mix, mound clay and field-maintenance tools
Programme software, fundraising services and booster-club support
Coaching education materials and certification courses
Batting gloves, helmets and on-field training accessories
Cage netting, turf and indoor facility build-out supplies
Location & Facilities
Venue
Hilton Waco
Waco, USA
Facilities
Parking
Hilton Waco in Waco 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: Hilton Waco in Waco 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 Hilton Waco for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Regular booth space
650General admission
Wall Premium booth
700General admission
Premium Booth/End Cap
750General admission
Pitching Machine Area
1600
Who runs the show
Organisers
Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Waco, USA
Why it matters
On 2027-01-14 to 2027-01-16, THSBCA Coaches Convention in Waco covering Baseball training equipment and gear, Coaching software and analytics tools, Athletic apparel and uniforms, Sports nutri gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published 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.
Waco Regional Airport
Closest airport to the venue; American Eagle regional service connects through DFW. Confirm current flight schedules and ground transport before booking
TBA
to venue
Approx. 15 min by taxi or rideshare
by car
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Largest gateway for out-of-state coaches; rental car or shared shuttle recommended, rideshare one way is expensive
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 h 40 min by car on I-35
by car
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Useful alternative if Austin fares are lower; allow extra time for I-35 traffic through Temple and Waco
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 h 45 min by car on I-35
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hilton Waco
3-star
Downtown Waco (University Parks Dr)USD 139–189 / night
On-site host hotel at 113 S University Parks Dr; breakfast for a fee, free Wi-Fi and free parking, outdoor pool, fitness center, bar and restaurant. Book early because the block is the most convenient to the clinic rooms.
sourceHampton Inn Waco
3-star
WacoUSD 119–159 / night
Hilton Honors limited-service property with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking; a short drive or rideshare to the Hilton Waco venue.
Tru by Hilton Waco South
3-star
South WacoUSD 99–139 / night
Budget-friendly Hilton-family option with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and pet-friendly rooms; about a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Waco.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco
3-star
WacoUSD 129–169 / night
All-suite property with in-room kitchens and free breakfast, practical for exhibitor teams staying multiple nights; free parking and outdoor pool.
Hilton Garden Inn Waco
3-star
WacoUSD 125–165 / night
Full-service Hilton-family hotel with on-site dining and fitness center; confirm current parking policy and drive time to University Parks Dr.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Waco Transit fixed-route bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.00-2.00 per single ride; confirm current fare with Waco Transit
Best forDowntown Waco routes serving University Parks Dr and the Hilton Waco area
Waco Transit publishes route maps and schedules through the City of Waco; buses are cheapest but slower than a rideshare for most convention trips.
Rideshare (Uber or Lyft) - short downtown trip
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-15 per trip within downtown Waco
Best forWaco hotels to Hilton Waco, 113 S University Parks Dr
Surge pricing is likely around opening and closing clinic blocks; walking is faster if you stay downtown.
Taxi or rideshare - airport transfer
Estimated costApprox. USD 20-35 one way; confirm with the driver or app before booking
Best forWaco Regional Airport (ACT) to Hilton Waco
ACT is about 7 miles from downtown; pre-book a return trip because airport curb availability can be limited.
Rideshare or shuttle - DFW to Waco
Estimated costApprox. USD 130-190 one way by rideshare; shared shuttles and rental cars may be cheaper
Best forDallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Hilton Waco
DFW is roughly 95 miles north; a rental car is often more economical for teams of two or more.
Rental car
Estimated costApprox. USD 40-75 per day plus fuel and parking; confirm one-way fees
Best forACT or DFW pickup to Waco
Useful if you plan to visit multiple Waco hotels, the convention and off-site practice facilities; check the hotel's parking policy first.
Walking
Estimated costFree
Best forDowntown Waco hotels to Hilton Waco
Practical if you stay at the host hotel or another downtown property near University Parks Drive; allow extra time in rain.
Parking (self-drive)
Estimated costApprox. USD 0-10 per day depending on the lot; hotel guests should confirm the current policy
Best forHilton Waco and downtown Waco lots or garages
Hilton Waco lists free parking for guests; day visitors should check downtown garage rates and arrive early on the first morning.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from AUS to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forAustin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Hilton Waco
Approx. 1 h 45 min by car on I-35; Useful alternative if Austin fares are lower; allow extra time for I-35 traffic through Temple and Waco.
Weather
Waco in mid-January: climatological normals run roughly 36 F overnight to 60 F in the afternoon (about 2-16 C). Cold fronts can push temperatures to or below freezing, and January rain averages around 2-3 in for the month. No official organiser weather reading was captured for this run; check a forecast 48 hours before travel and pack layers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks (AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile) cover Waco and the I-35 corridor. Travellers from outside the United States should arrange roaming or an eSIM before arrival. Hilton Waco lists free Wi-Fi; exhibitors running live demos should confirm meeting-room bandwidth, wired options and any AV fees with the hotel in advance.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Texas coaching conventions are business casual: polo or button-down with khakis is common, and team-branded apparel is widely accepted in the clinic rooms and exhibit hall.
Tipping
US tipping norms apply in Waco: 15-20 percent at sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink at the bar. Rideshare drivers typically receive a small in-app tip.
Arrival
Arrive early on day one for badge pickup at Hilton Waco and to find parking in downtown Waco if you are driving; University Parks Drive gets busy around opening sessions.
Driving
Traffic moves on the right and distances in Texas are large; I-35 is the main north-south corridor between Waco, DFW and Austin. Allow extra time for construction zones and rush hour.
Local food and drink
Waco is known for Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex and the downtown restaurant strip near the Hilton; reservations help during convention week when coach traffic fills nearby tables.
Weather etiquette
January mornings can be near freezing and afternoons near 60 F; locals dress in layers and keep a light rain jacket in the car or bag.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ACT
Book into Waco Regional (ACT) for the shortest transfer, or compare fares into Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) if ACT connections are thin or expensive. Mid-January is a normal business-travel period in Texas; book four to eight weeks out, keep the airfare and ground transfer separate, and treat the flight bands in this listing as illustrative estimates rather than quotes.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Waco Regional Airport (ACT): Approx. 15 min by taxi or rideshare; Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Approx. 1 h 40 min by car on I-35; Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Approx. 1 h 45 min by car on I-35. Allow road or rail time to Hilton Waco; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Hilton Waco: Downtown Waco (University Parks Dr): Hilton Waco; Waco: Hampton Inn Waco; South Waco: Tru by Hilton Waco South.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Waco, with pickup at the Hilton Waco porte-cochère on University Parks Dr. Expect surge pricing around the opening and closing clinic blocks, and pre-book a return trip if you are staying outside downtown. Confirm app coverage and pricing on arrival.
Public transit: Waco Transit runs the city's fixed-route bus network, including downtown service near University Parks Dr; route maps and schedules are published by the City of Waco. For most THSBCA attendees staying at or near the Hilton Waco, walking or a short rideshare is faster than the bus, which is best used as a low-cost backup.
Parking: Hilton Waco lists free on-site parking for hotel guests. Day visitors should confirm current rates at downtown Waco lots and garages near University Parks Dr, where convention-week demand can fill spaces early. Allow 15-20 extra minutes on the first morning.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: January normals in Waco run roughly 36-60 F (about 2-16 C): near-freezing mornings are possible and afternoon highs often reach the upper 50s to low 60s. Pack layers and check a forecast before travel.
Seasonality: January is one of the cooler months in central Texas, with roughly 2-3 in of rain across the month and occasional strong cold fronts. Ice is uncommon but possible during a hard freeze, so monitor forecasts for the I-35 corridor before driving.
Packing: Bring a warm jacket for mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes for moving between Hilton Waco meeting rooms, a light rain layer and an umbrella. A sweater or quarter-zip works for air-conditioned session rooms, and team-branded layers fit the coaching crowd.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at THSBCA Coaches Convention usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
14 days out
Confirm your attendee registration on thsbca.com and review the clinic schedule at thsbca.com/schedule, then book flights into Waco Regional (ACT) or a Dallas-area gateway such as DFW.
10 days out
Reserve Hilton Waco at 113 S University Parks Dr or a nearby Hilton-family property; confirm whether free parking and breakfast are included in your rate.
7 days out
Download the Waco Transit route map and set up an Uber or Lyft account so you have a backup plan for any hotel outside downtown.
5 days out
Mark the clinic sessions, speaker blocks and exhibit-hall hours you want to attend, especially any pitching, hitting or arm-care talks that overlap.
3 days out
Pack layers for mid-January in Waco: mornings can be near freezing and afternoons near 60 F, so bring a warm jacket and a light rain layer.
1 day out
Confirm your badge pickup point inside Hilton Waco, check the downtown parking map if you are driving, and plan your first morning arrival ahead of the opening clinic block.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Hilton Waco
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2THSBCA Coaches Convention registration concourse
Hilton Waco
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Hilton Waco
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 650 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 650 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether THSBCA Coaches Convention fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For THSBCA Coaches Convention, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Baseball training equipment and gear and Coaching software and analytics tools solutions and benchmarking suppliers at THSBCA Coaches Convention in Waco.
Min. budget
$2,128.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Baseball training equipment and gear and Coaching software and analytics tools products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$9,576.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Waco show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is the Hilton Waco baseball coaches event held?
The host property is Hilton Waco at 113 S University Parks Dr in downtown Waco, Texas, near Baylor University. Sessions and the exhibition area are inside the hotel's meeting space.
Which airport should I fly into for Waco, Texas?
Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is the closest gateway. Many attendees compare fares into Dallas-area airports and drive to Waco; confirm transfer times before booking.
Where should I stay for the Waco coaches convention?
Hilton Waco itself puts you in the venue building. Hampton Inn Waco, Tru by Hilton Waco South, Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco and Hilton Garden Inn Waco are the other Google Hotels results for the area, most with free parking and free breakfast.
Is there parking at Hilton Waco?
Hilton Waco lists free parking among its amenities for the property. Downtown Waco parking lots and a parking map are also published by Destination Waco if the hotel lot fills.
How do I get around Waco without a car?
Waco Transit runs the city bus network, and rideshare or taxi covers short hops between downtown hotels and the venue. Walking works if you stay at Hilton Waco or another downtown property.
Glossary
- THSBCA
- The Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association, the organiser of this Waco convention and the body behind the state coaches clinic, all-star games and coaching awards.
- UIL
- University Interscholastic League, the governing body for Texas public school athletics. Its realignment, eligibility and pitch-count rules shape every coach's season planning.
- Pitch count
- The UIL-mandated limit on pitches thrown in a game and the required rest days that follow. It is a recurring clinic topic at THSBCA because it drives pitching rotations and arm-care routines.
- Arm care
- The between-outing routine of band work, long toss, shoulder strengthening and recovery that coaches build into a high school pitching plan.
- Front toss
- A controlled underhand toss from behind a screen used in cage work to train timing and barrel accuracy without a full pitching distance.
- Tee work
- Hitting drills off a batting tee that isolate swing mechanics before live pitching and are a staple of high school practice plans.
- Fungo
- A lightweight coach's bat used to hit fly balls and grounders during defensive practice; fungo work is a core part of infield and outfield drills.
- Bullpen
- The relief-pitcher warm-up area and the structured side session where a pitcher prepares for an outing, often tracked with a pitch count.
- Pop time
- The time from the catcher's catch to the fielder's glove at second base. It is a key evaluation metric for high school catchers and a common demo in the exhibit hall.
- Exit velocity
- Batted-ball speed measured by a launch monitor. It is used in high school player development and at showcases to compare hitters.
- Launch monitor
- A radar or camera device that measures exit velocity, spin rate and pitch movement. Vendors demonstrate these systems in the THSBCA exhibit hall.
- Booster club
- A Texas school's parent-run fundraising organisation that often pays for uniforms, cages, travel and equipment beyond the district budget.
- Realignment
- The UIL's biennial redrawing of districts and classifications. Coaches use the new alignments to rebuild non-district schedules and scout future opponents.
- District play
- The regular-season schedule within a UIL district that decides playoff seeding and is the backbone of a Texas high school baseball season.
- Pitching machine area
- A dedicated exhibit zone at the convention where pitching machine and cage vendors run live demos for coaches comparing equipment.
- Showcase
- An off-season evaluation event where high school players perform in front of college recruiters. Coaches use showcases to help players get recruited.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Texas High School Baseball Convention
- Waco baseball convention 2027
- baseball coaches convention USA
- THSBCA 2027
- THSBCA Coaches Convention 2027
- THSBCA Coaches Convention Waco 2027
- THSBCA Waco 2027
- Waco USA
- Sports Convention Waco 2027
- Baseball training equipment and gear
6 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.