Join the County and District Clerks’ Association of Texas at the 126th Annual CDCAT Conference on June 6-10 at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex.
This year’s conference theme is an extension of the fall and winter conference theme, “Preserving Our Past, Embracing Our Future.” Conference sessions and speakers will offer comprehensive information on popular topics, upcoming changes that affect you directly and areas of high interest in the clerk profession.
County clerks, district clerks and combination clerks can earn continuing education credits to help fulfill their annual continuing education requirements.
An integral part of this meeting is the opportunity to network with your fellow clerks and exchange ideas that are helpful to you and your county.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from great speakers and to see what Amarillo has to offer!
Registration Fees
Full conference registration includes all education sessions, meals and breaks.
| Description |
Early Registration (postmarked on or before May 9) |
Registration (postmarked after May 9) |
| Clerk/Deputy Registration (Members and deputies) |
$250 |
$275 |
| Clerk/Deputy Registration (Nonactive members) |
$275 |
$300 |
| Retired Clerk Package |
$100 |
|
| Corporate Attendee |
$500 |
|
| On-Site Registration (Members) |
$275 |
|
| One-Day Registration |
$90 |
|
| Evening Event Tickets - Ages 13 & Over |
Price |
| Texas Musical in Palo Duro Canyon |
$50 |
| Denim and Diamonds Banquet |
$25 |
| Evening Event Tickets - Ages 12 & Under |
Price |
| Texas Musical in Palo Duro Canyon |
$30 |
| Denim and Diamonds Banquet |
$20 |
The host hotel is the Embassy Suites Amarillo Downtown. You must register for the conference to obtain hotel reservation information.
Embassy Suites Amarillo Downtown HOTEL FULL
550 S. Buchanan St.
Amarillo, TX 79101
Room rate: Traditional Suites $164 per night plus tax
Check-in time: 4 p.m.
Checkout time: Noon
Overflow Hotels
Courtyard Amarillo Downtown
724 S. Polk St.
Amarillo, TX 79101
Reservations: (806) 553-4500
If you need special accommodations, please contact Luz Hinojosa at (800) 456-5974.
Host Hotel Room Cancellations
If you need to cancel a room reservation, please do not cancel directly with the hotel. Contact Sam Burke at (800) 456-5974 to cancel your host hotel room reservation. This will help move fellow attendees off the waitlist. We kindly request that you not post your reservation on the CDCAT listserv because this hinders waitlist management.
Parking at Host Hotel
Validated parking: $5 per car, per day.
| Sunday, June 6 |
| 6-9 p.m. |
President's Welcome Reception at Starlight Ranch
Sponsored by iDocket.com
Dinner and transportation included • Buses depart from Embassy Suites Hotel |
| Monday, June 7 |
| 7-9 p.m. |
Off-Site Event: Clerk-of-the-Year Nominees
Let's Go Out to the Ballpark!
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc. and Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council
Don’t miss out on the fun to celebrate the 2021 nominees for the CDCAT Clerk of the Year Award. Join us at HODGETOWN Ballpark, home of the
Amarillo Sod Poodles, for an evening of good food and great company. |
| Tuesday, June 8 |
| 6-10 p.m. |
Off-Site Event: Texas Outdoor Musical in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Sponsored by Data Preservation Solutions
Dinner and transportation included • Buses depart at 5 p.m.
Food • Entertainment • Prizes |
| Wednesday, June 9 |
| 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. |
BANQUET • OFFICERS SWEARING-IN • CLERKS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc.
Denim and Diamonds Theme—Throw on your favorite jeans, add some sparkle and bling, and join us to celebrate those who make CDCAT shine—the
clerk of the year winners! |
| Sunday, June 6 |
| Noon-6 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk Open |
| 1-5 p.m. |
Exhibits Setup |
| 6-9 p.m. |
President’s Welcome Reception at Starlight Ranch
*Clerk Nominees Recognized
Sponsored by iDocket.com
Dinner and transportation included • Buses depart from Embassy Suites Hotel |
| Monday, June 7 |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. |
Coffee With Vendors |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk Open |
| 8:30-9:15 a.m. |
Welcome
National Anthem
Presentation of Colors
Pledge of Allegiance
Recognition of Dignitaries |
| 9:15-10 a.m. |
Introduction of Retired Clerks, Regional Directors, Past Presidents, Retirees, Sponsors |
| 10-10:30 a.m. |
Refreshment Break With Vendors |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon |
Business Session |
| Noon-1:30 p.m. |
Lunch on Your Own |
| 1:30-3 p.m. |
Keynote: Courthouse Security-Active Shooter
Mr. Aristides "Harry" Jimenez, Security Consultant, HJ Security Solutions
Participants will learn about disaster responses: how to prepare for and respond to being trapped in a building during an active shooter event, and steps that will assist responding law enforcement and limit casualties. The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004, provides strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. The topics include the history and prevalence of such events, civilian response options, medical issues and considerations for conducting drills. The terminology of Avoid, Deny, Defend is preferred, because it is more in line with human resources department and educational standards. |
| 3-3:30 p.m. |
Refreshment Break With Vendors |
| 3:30-5 p.m. |
Keynote: Courthouse Security-Active Shooter (continued)
Mr. Aristides "Harry" Jimenez, Security Consultant, HJ Security Solutions |
| 7-9 p.m. |
Off-Site Event: Reception: Clerk-of-the-Year Nominees
Let’s Go Out to the Ballpark!
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc. and Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council
Don’t miss out on the fun to celebrate the 2021 nominees for the CDCAT Clerk of the Year Award. Join us at HODGETOWN Ballpark, home of the Amarillo
Sod Poodles, for an evening of good food and great company |
| Tuesday, June 8 |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. |
Coffee With Vendors |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk Open |
| Breakout 1: County Clerks |
Breakout 2: District Clerks |
8:30-10 a.m. Recording and Indexing
Hon. Joyce G. Hudman, Brazoria County Clerk
Session will review key concepts of recording and indexing for county clerks. |
8:30-9:15 a.m. Protective Order Registry Q&A
Ms. Kimberly A.F. Piechowiak, Domestic Violence Resource Attorney, State Office of Court Administration
Ms. Sheri Woodfin, Court Consultant, Office of Court Administration
It is often said that a protective order is just a “piece of paper.” However, detailed information about the existence of such a document is the key that starts the engine of enforcement, protection, safety and accountability.
9:15-10 a.m. Judicial Bypass: From Filing to Appeal
Mr. Blake Rocap, Legal Director, Jane’s Due Process
This session will familiarize you with the rules and forms of judicial bypass cases and help your office be prepared to handle them. We will discuss best practices for assigning these cases to judges, explain the requirements of the bypass rules, including confidentiality and expeditiousness, and review how to process orders for payment and appeals. |
| 10-10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors |
10-10:30 a.m. Delayed Birth Records
Hon. Anthony Monico Tom Green County District Clerk
Session will review key concepts of delayed birth records for district clerks. |
10:30 a.m.-noon DBA's /UCC/Commissioners Court-Standing Up for Yourself
Hon. Nancy E. Rister, Williamson County Clerk
This session will be a review of DBA/assumed name filings, uniform commercial code (UCC) filings and commissioners court procedures, and it will offer a lesson on standing up for yourself. |
10:30-11 a.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors |
| 11 a.m.-noon DBAs/Marriage Licenses (continued) |
11 a.m.-noon Writs
Hon. Anthony Monico, Tom Green County District Clerk
Hon. Clarissa Webster, Ector County District Clerk
Writs, writs and more writs. Criminal, civil and family. All you wish you could remember "writ' down" for you, in one convenient location. |
| Noon-1 |
Lunch on your own |
| General Session |
| 1-2:30 p.m |
Preservation & Restoration Grant
Hon. Marilyn Burgess, Harris County District Clerk
Hon. Mark Davidson, Judge, Texas Bar Historical Foundation
Presenters will discuss the legal and policy reasons for preserving historic court records, the uses of those records and the program that counties can apply to for a grant to help preserve your county's heritage. They will provide specific examples from Harris County. |
| 2:30-3 p.m. |
Refreshment Break With Vendors |
| 3-4 p.m. |
Ector County: Digitization Project
Hon. Jennifer Martin, Ector County Clerk
Hon. Clarissa Webster, Ector County District Clerk
Records archive preservation gets a digital face-lift. Ready, set, shred! What we wish we had known from the start, and what we learned along the way. |
6-8 p.m. Dinner
8:30 p.m. Musical Show |
Off-Site Event: Texas Outdoor Musical in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Sponsored by Data Preservation Solutions
Dinner and transportation included • Buses depart at 5 p.m.
Food • Entertainment • Prizes |
| Wednesday, June 9 |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. |
Coffee With Vendors |
| 8 a.m.-noon |
Registration and Information Desk Open |
| 8:30-10:15 a.m. |
Legislative Discussion
Ms. Nanette Forbes, Legislative Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Hon. Heather H. Hawthorne, Chambers County Clerk
Hon. Patti L. Henry, Chambers County District Clerk
Hon. Joyce G. Hudman, Brazoria County Clerk
Mr. Cary Roberts, Partner, Casteel & Roberts
Panelists will discuss the results of the 87th legislative session and give a brief overview of the legislation that affects the clerks of Texas. |
| 10:15-10:45 a.m. |
Refreshment Break With Vendors |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. |
Administrative Plan in Case of Emergency
Hon. Velva Price, Travis County District Clerk
Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk
Hon. Dwight Sullivan, Galveston County Clerk
So your day didn’t end up as planned. Now what? This panel of clerks will share best practices within their offices and how they keep their offices running before, during and after a disaster. |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |
Roundtable Discussions: County Clerks
Hon. Kari French, Walker County Clerk
Hon. Karen McQueen, Brazos County Clerk
Hon. Teresa Kiel, Guadalupe County Clerk |
Roundtable Discussions: District Clerks
Hon. Melisa Miller, Montgomery County
Hon. Anthony Monico, Tom Green County
Hon. Velva Price, Travis County |
Roundtable Discussions: Combo Clerks
Hon. Melissa Mead, Hartley County Combo Clerk
Hon. Mary Ann Gonzalez, Schleicher County Combo Clerk
Hon. Laura Rogers, Sherman County Combo Clerk |
| 12:30-6:30 p.m. |
Lunch and afternoon on your own |
| 6:30-11 p.m. |
BANQUET • OFFICERS SWEARING-IN • CLERKS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc.
Denim and Diamonds
Throw on your favorite jeans, add some sparkle and bling, and join us to celebrate those who make CDCAT shine—the clerk of the year winners! |
| Thursday, June 10 |
| 8-11 a.m. |
Information Desk Open |
| 8:30-9:15 a.m. |
Public Records Posting Requirements: Physical & Virtual
Hon. Sharena Gilliland, Parker County District Clerk
Mr. Paul Miles, Associate General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties
Hon. Beth Rothermel, Washington County Clerk
Panelists will discuss statutory requirements for posting public records and practical tips for complying with the law. |
| 9:15-10 a.m. |
Open Records and Redactions
Hon. Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County District Clerk
Hon. Sasha Kelton, Clay County Clerk
Hon. Tammy Kneuper, Bandera County District Clerk
Presenters will briefly address the requirements of a governmental institution under the Texas Public Information Act, in addition to those statues that govern access to judicial records, court records and the redaction responsibilities of clerks. |
| 10-10:45 a.m. |
Civil Exhibits
Hon. Barbara Sucsy, Lubbock County District Clerk
Hon. Kelly Pinion, Lubbock County Clerk
We will cover the acceptance and preservation of paper, physical, weaponry and biological exhibits presented in court. We will cover storage conditions, basic and enhanced, and have PowerPoint presentations on the laws and State Library schedules. Also covered will be destruction pursuant to applicable State Library guidelines. We will look at specific examples of "what not to do,” and if it's done, what can be done to correct it. Forms will be provided to be used by court reporters. |
| 10:45-11 a.m. |
Drawing of Prizes (Badge Winners)
Closing Remarks |
Application will be made for continuing education credit for county, district and combination clerks. Please check back here for approval updates.
| Continuing Education Type |
Hours |
| County, District and Combination Clerks |
17.5 |
Conference registration is transferable to another person within your organization without an additional charge. Cancellation refund requests received in writing (email and fax acceptable) by Monday, May 10, will be granted, minus a $10 administration fee. We are unable to honor refund requests received after May 10.
Please contact Sam Burke for cancellations at samb@county.org or by fax at (512) 477-1324.
Please contact Sarah Lazarowitz, events director with County Progress, for questions about exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, at (325) 673-4822, ext. 2121.
You can also visit the County Progress CDCAT conference page for exhibitor registration details.
2021 Clerk of Year Nominees
Region 1
Hon. Melissa Mead, Hartley County Combination Clerk
Hon. Sherri Jones, Wheeler County District Clerk
Region 2
Hon. Kim Carter, Terry County Clerk
Hon. Sandra Roblez, Yoakum County District Clerk
Region 3
Hon. Larry Bevill, Taylor County Clerk
Hon. Clarissa Webster, Ector County District Clerk
Region 4
Hon. Nancy E. Rister, Williamson County Clerk
Hon. Beverly Crumley, Hays County District Clerk |
Region 5
Hon. Sharena Gilliland, Parker County District Clerk
Region 6
Hon. Jennifer Lindenzweig, Hunt County Clerk
Region 7
Hon. Schelana Hock, Polk County Clerk
Hon. Lisa Teinert, Lee County District Clerk
Region 8
Hon. Sara Montemayor, Maverick County Clerk
Hon. Leopoldo Vielma, III, Maverick County District Clerk |
2021 CDCAT Secretary Candidates
Hon. Sharena Gilliland, Parker County District Clerk (View Sharena’s video)
Hon. Velva Price, Travis County District Clerk (View Velva’s video)
2023 Conference City
McAllen, Texas (Hidalgo County) View McAllen promo video
Voting
Elected clerks in good standing with their membership dues will receive a virtual ballot on Monday, May 17 at 8 a.m. (central time). Clerks will be able to vote for a district and a county clerk of the year, a CDCAT secretary candidate, and for the 2023 host city. The virtual ballot will remain open until Friday, May 21 at 6 p.m. (central time). If you did not receive a virtual ballot, please contact Hon. Julie Smith, CDCAT secretary at juliesmith@co.potter.tx.us.