ABOUT THE EVENT
Welcome to our 2025 launch event titled: Business & Education in Texas!
Texas is the perfect launchpad for growth across any industry. With world-class educational institutions, cutting-edge research hubs producing a highly skilled workforce, business-friendly regulations, and a dynamic start-up ecosystem tackling the technology challenges of tomorrow, the state offers unparalleled opportunities for companies to thrive.
At the heart of it all is education—a cornerstone of Texas’s innovation and workforce development success. Meet top academic leaders, industry trailblazers, and government experts from across the state to discuss the future of workforce development and innovation as we move rapidly into the era of AI and automation.

FEATURED GUESTS

Dr. Justin Lonon
Dallas College

Norman Garza, Jr.
Texas Space Commission

Lauren Harper
Kodiak

Ollie Chandhok
Dallas Business Journal

Christina Robinson
Houston Community College

Robert Ahdieh
Texas A&M - Fort Worth

Kevin Cox
Vertiports by Atlantic

Brian Korgel
University of Texas at Austin

Peter O'Neill
Texas A&M University

Jason Day
Department of Public Safety

John Goodman
Goodman Institute for Public Policy

Jeremy Vickers
Baylor University

Lee Bratcher
Texas Blockchain Council

Byron Williams
NFL Players Association

Deirdre Prince
Lone Star Community College

Jason Arms
STEM Education

David Foster
Island Pharmaceuticals

Joseph Kopser
Grayline Group

Dr. Veronique Tran
Dallas College

Crystal Latham-Alford
SkillsUSA
AGENDA
8:00am – 9:00am: Registration
- Registration
- Coffee & Breakfast
- Networking
9:00am: Opening Keynote Address
- Welcome Remarks
- Fireside Chat: Regional Collaboration
- Dr. Justin Lonon and Robert Ahdieh
9:30am – 10:00am: Breakout Sessions
- Room 1: Advanced Manufacturing
- Room 2: Energy: Powering Texas
10:00am – 10:15am: NETWORKING BREAK
10:15am – 10:45am: Breakout Sessions
- Room 1: Space, National Security & Defense
- Room 2: Healthcare & Biosciences
10:45am – 11:00am: NETWORKING BREAK
11:00am – 11:30am: Breakout Sessions
- Room 1: Transportation & Logistics
- Room 2: Sports & Entertainment
11:45am – 1:00pm – Luncheon: Building a Stronger, More Connected Texas – Featuring Baylor University & Texas A&M
- Fireside chat: Jeremy Vickers, Baylor University & Peter O’Neill, Texas A&M
- Keynote presentation: Texas Instruments: Lauren Alder
1:30pm – SPONSORS ONLY: Tour of HATCO Cowboy hat factory + outlet. Includes steam fitted Stetson or Resistol Cowboy hat
SPONSORS ONLY: Reception, Tuesday June 18: 6-8pm
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK: Hilton at The Harbor, Rockwall, Texas
Sponsor Reception
