TEXPERS welcomes two new sponsors of its 2026 Legislative Advocacy Workshop: WCM Investment Management as a Leadership Partner and William Blair as a Workshop Partner. The sponsors support TEXPERS’ efforts to help public pension trustees, administrators, and system leaders prepare for the 90th Texas Legislature, which convenes Jan. 12, 2027. The workshop, themed “Making Your Pension’s Story Impossible to Ignore,” takes place Oct. 27-28 at the Hyatt Centric Congress Austin, 721 Congress Ave. in Austin.

Why System Members Should Attend

Public pension policy decisions can affect system governance, funding, and the retirement security of public employees. System leaders need to be prepared to explain what their pension provides, who it serves, and why it matters to their communities.

The workshop will include an overview of the TEXPERS Pension Advocacy Toolkit and a brief introduction to telling a pension system’s story in ways that resonate with policymakers and other stakeholders.

Attendees will learn about the legislative process, hear perspectives on public pension advocacy, and explore ways to communicate system information clearly. The program also provides an opportunity to connect with other trustees, administrators, and pension professionals preparing for the upcoming legislative session.

Every TEXPERS System Member should consider sending a representative. The workshop gives pension leaders time to begin preparing their messages, identifying useful system information, and considering how they will engage with policymakers before the legislative session begins.

What Is Included in the Advocacy Toolkit

Registered attendees will receive a thumb drive containing practical resources they can use after the workshop. The event will provide an overview of the toolkit and explain how its materials can support a system’s advocacy planning.

The toolkit includes:

• Step-by-Step Advocacy Planning Guide: A resource to help systems identify priorities, develop key messages, assign responsibilities, and plan outreach and follow-up.
• Customizable One-Page System Explainer: A template that systems can use to present their story, statistics, and key facts in a concise, printable format for meetings with policymakers and other stakeholders.
• 2026 TEXPERS Legislative Guidebook: A digital educational resource covering defined-benefit retirement plans and the economic impact of public pensions in Texas.

After saving any internal planning materials and printing the customized System Explainer, attendees may leave the thumb drive—and the Legislative Guidebook it contains—with a legislative office as an educational resource.

Workshop Program

The program begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, and concludes at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. Planned activities include:

• An introduction to effective pension storytelling.
• An overview of the TEXPERS Pension Advocacy Toolkit.
• Advocacy instruction featuring Joe Gagen.
• A legislative update featuring Eddie Solis of HillCo Partners and a member of the TEXPERS Legislative Committee.
• A panel discussion on moving a public pension issue from the system level to the Texas Capitol.
• Opportunities to exchange ideas with pension trustees, administrators, and system leaders.
• A networking reception from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 27 at The Independent Condominiums.

The workshop offers up to two hours of training that may apply toward the Texas Pension Review Board’s Minimum Educational Training requirements.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

TEXPERS recognizes the organizations supporting the workshop:

• Campion Research & Associates — Leadership Partner
• WCM Investment Management — Leadership Partner
• William Blair — Workshop Partner
• Dimensional Fund Advisors — Reception Sponsor

Register Now

Registration is $150 for TEXPERS System and Employee Group Members. Registration for representatives of nonmember retirement systems is $195.

Registered attendees will receive access to the event hotel room block. Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register for the 2026 Legislative Advocacy Workshop and make sure your system is prepared to tell its story clearly, confidently, and effectively.

View complete workshop details.

About the Author: Allen Jones is the director of communications and event marketing for TEXPERS, where he leads editorial strategy, member communications, conference marketing, and digital engagement initiatives for Texas public employee retirement systems. He began his journalism career in 1998 and has worked in journalism and communications for more than 25 years.