128th Annual County and District Clerks' Association of Texas Conference

June 19 - 23, 2023

McAllen Convention Center
700 Convention Center Blvd.
McAllen, TX 78501

Online registration is closed. You may register onsite.

For more information contact Luz Hinojosa or Sam Burke at (800) 456-5974.

Join the County and District Clerks' Association of Texas (CDCAT) for its 128th annual conference June 19-23 at the McAllen Convention Center. All education meetings and registration will take place at this venue.

County clerks, district clerks and combination clerks can earn continuing education credits to help fulfill their annual CE requirements. An integral part of this meeting will be the opportunity to network with your fellow clerks and exchange ideas that are helpful to you and your county. 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.

This year's conference theme is an extension of the fall and winter conferences' theme: Unlocking Your Potential — Within the Association, Your County and Yourself. The focus will be unlocking your potential within yourself, and sessions will provide skills to help attendees take care of themselves so they can be productive team members.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from exceptional speakers and explore McAllen!

Grant Reimbursement Reminder
Elected clerks can submit a form to receive reimbursement for a portion of their travel and lodging expenses.

Registration Fees
Full conference registration includes all education sessions, meals and breaks.

REGISTRATION FEES
DESCRIPTION Early Registration
(by May 19)
Registration
(after May 19)
Clerk/Deputy Registration $250 $275
Retired Clerk Package $100  
Corporate Attendee $500  
On-Site Registration $275  
One-Day Registration $90  

 

EVENING EVENT TICKETS – AGES 13 & OLDER
EVENTS PRICE
Fiesta and Banquet Dinner $25

Hotel Information
This year, we have several hotels that are near the convention center. They are the Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center and La Quinta by Wyndham McAllen Convention Center. There is no designated host hotel. All are the same distance from the convention center, and all offer complimentary breakfast. You must register for the conference before you can receive instructions for booking your hotel room.

Payment Information
Please make checks payable to the Texas Association of Counties.

Mail checks to:
CDCAT Annual Summer Conference
c/o Texas Association of Counties
P.O. Box 2711
San Antonio, TX 78299

Association Officers
Hon. Patti L. Henry, President
District Clerk – Chambers County

Hon. Julie Smith, Vice President
County Clerk – Potter County

Hon. John F. Warren, Treasurer
County Clerk – Dallas County

Hon. Sandra Roblez, Secretary
District Clerk – Yoakum County

Hon. Stacey Kemp, Immediate Past President
County Clerk – Collin County

This year, we have several hotels that are near the convention center. They are the Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center and La Quinta by Wyndham McAllen Convention Center. There is no designated host hotel. All are the same distance from the convention center, and all offer complimentary breakfast. You must register for the conference to obtain hotel reservation information.

Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center (Room Block Sold Out)
701 S. Ware Rd.
McAllen, TX 78501
Room rate: King/queen rooms $109 per night plus tax
Complimentary Breakfast

La Quinta by Wyndham McAllen Convention Center
801 S. Ware Rd.
McAllen, TX 78501
Room rate: King/queen rooms $119 per night plus tax
Complimentary Breakfast

Overflow Hotel
Home 2 Suites by Hilton
525 S. Ware Rd.
McAllen, TX 78501
Room rate: King rooms $138 per night plus tax; double queen rooms $144 per night plus tax
Complimentary Breakfast

If you need special accommodations, please contact Luz Hinojosa at (800) 456‑5974.

Please note: As in years past, CDCAT anticipates that the room block will fill quickly. In the event the block becomes full, a waitlist will be kept on a first-come, first-served basis. To be placed on the waitlist, contact Sam Burke at samb@county.org or (800) 456‑5974. You will be contacted when a room becomes available.

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 hotel reservation. This will help move fellow attendees off the waitlist. We kindly request that you not post your reservation on the CDCAT Mobilize, because this action hinders waitlist management.

Parking at Hotels
Complimentary self-parking at all hotels and the McAllen Convention Center.

Monday, June 19
3:30-6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
3:30-4:30 p.m. Border Buttermilk Welcome at Embassy Suites
Sponsored by Visit McAllen
4:30-6:30 p.m. Poolside Chippin' Dippin' and Margarita Sippin' at the Cambria Hotel
6:30 p.m. Dinner On Your Own
Tuesday, June 20
6:30-7:30 a.m. Fitness Class-Sunrise Yoga by Quiet Mind Yoga
Sunset Stage
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Complimentary Professional Headshots (for elected clerks only)
Sponsored by Certified Payments
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Complimentary Massages
Sponsored by Sponsored by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLC
7-10 p.m.

President's Welcome Reception at University Drafthouse
Sponsored by iDocket
Transportation provided to and from hotels

*Clerk Nominees Recognized

Wednesday, June 21
6:30-7:30 a.m. Fitness Class-Sunrise Yoga by Quiet Mind Yoga
Sunset Stage
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Complimentary Professional Headshots (for elected clerks only)
Sponsored by Certified Payments
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Complimentary Massages
Sponsored by Sponsored by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLC
8-10 p.m.

Movie Night
McAllen Convention Center, Room 101 ABC (Inside event)
Sponsored by U.S. Imaging

Featured Movie: "Coco"
Dinner and drinks provided.

Thursday, June 22
6:30 p.m.-midnight

BANQUET • OFFICERS SWEARING-IN • CLERKS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc.
Entertainment: Satellite Band

Dress code: Festive
Attire: Fiesta attire (not mandatory)

Monday, June 19
Noon-5 p.m. Registration & Information Desk Open
McAllen Convention Foyer
1-5 p.m. Exhibits Setup
McAllen Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A
3:30-6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
3:30-4:30 p.m. Border Buttermilk Welcome at Embassy Suites
Sponsored by Visit McAllen
4:30-6:30 p.m. Poolside Chippin' Dippin' and Margarita Sippin' at the Cambria Hotel
6:30 p.m. Dinner On Your Own
Tuesday, June 20
6:30-7:30 a.m. Fitness Class-Sunrise Yoga by Quiet Mind Yoga
Sunset Stage
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
8 a.m.-5 p.m. CDCAT Store
8-8:30 a.m. Coffee With Vendors
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Complimentary Professional Headshots (for elected clerks only)
Sponsored by Certified Payments

Complimentary Massages
Sponsored by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLC

8:30-9:15 a.m.
  • Welcome
  • Invocation
  • Presentation of Colors
  • National Anthem
  • Pledges of Allegiance
  • Recognition of Dignitaries
  • Children's Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties
9:15-10:30 a.m. Introduction of Retired Clerks, Regional Directors, Past Presidents, Retirees, Committee Members, Sponsors, Sponsor Videos
10:30-11 a.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
Sponsored by Vista Solutions Group
11 a.m.-noon Business Session
Hon. Patti L. Henry, Chambers County District Clerk; President, CDCAT
Noon-1:30 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Keynote: Renew. Refocus. Be Your Best Every Day!
Mr. Larry Weaver, Comedian

In this interactive and engaging presentation, comedian and keynote speaker Larry Weaver uses clean humor and show-business anecdotes to illustrate the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. Key points include:

  • Energy – Improve health and wellness, live a balanced life, prioritize self-improvement.
  • Attitude – Become more positive, embrace change, and reduce stress.
  • Motivation – Increase ability, commit to lifelong learning, and overcome obstacles.

These skills are crucial to success in any venture, whether your focus is on leadership, customer service, sales, change, safety, stress reduction, or simply having more fun at work.

Prepare to laugh, learn and leave equipped to become more positive in your personal and professional life.

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Legislative Update Part 1
Panel

The CDCAT legislative gurus will share key updates from the 88th legislative session.

3:30-4 p.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
Sponsored by Journal Technologies
4-5 p.m. Legislative Update Part 2
Panel
7-10 p.m.

President's Welcome Reception at University Drafthouse Townlake McAllen
Sponsored by iDocket
Transportation provided to and from hotels. Transportation sponsored by Visit McAllen.

*Clerk Nominees Recognized

Wednesday, June 21
6:30-7:30 a.m. Fitness Class-Sunrise Yoga by Quiet Mind Yoga
Sunset Stage
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
8 a.m.-5 p.m. CDCAT Store
8:30-9 a.m. Coffee With Vendors
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Complimentary Professional Headshots (for elected clerks only)
Sponsored by Certified Payments

Complimentary Massages
Sponsored by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLC

General Session
9-10:30 a.m.

Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
Mr. Drew Lambert, Auditor II, CRD Compliance and Training Bureau, Texas Department of Public Safety

What is NICS? The National Instant Criminal Background Check System. NICS provides information to federal firearm licensees on whether a prospective purchaser is eligible to receive or possess firearms.

10:30-11 a.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc.
11 a.m.-noon

Senate Bill 6: A Year Later
Ms. Sheri Woodfin, Court Consultant, Office of Court Administration

This session is a review of bail reform and the Public Safety Reporting System.

Noon-1:30 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
Noon-1:30 p.m. Board Appreciation Lunch (for current CDCAT board members)
General Session
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Office of Court Administration Reporting
Ms. Sheri Woodfin, Court Consultant, Office of Court Administration

This session will provide a detailed review of all things related to reporting for county and district clerks and include any changes or additions that may be required from the legislative session. 

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Everything Jury
Hon. Patti L. Henry, Chambers County District Clerk
Hon. Velva Price, Travis County District Clerk

An overview of the jury system and laws, including but not limited to the practical ways to implement laws that apply to jury trials. 

3:30-4 p.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
Sponsored by Vista Solutions Group
4-5 p.m.

Protecting Your Data Gold Mine
Mr. Brandon Armstrong, Cybersecurity Risk Consultant, Texas Association of Counties

You have a mountain of data in your office that is a gold mine for would-be cyberthreat actors.  Attendees will be introduced to the cybersecurity triad and learn how your data should be secured. This session will provide an overview of best practices to secure data using the concepts of access control, least privilege, and encryption.

8-10 p.m.

Movie Night
McAllen Convention Center, Room 101 ABC (Inside event)
Sponsored by U.S. Imaging

Featured Movie: "Coco"
Dinner and drinks provided.

Thursday, June 22
8 a.m.-noon Registration and Information Desk Open
8 a.m.-noon CDCAT Store
8:30-9 a.m. Coffee With Vendors
General Session
9-9:45 a.m.

Clerk Bonds and Oaths
Hon. John F. Warren, Dallas County Clerk

The presenter will discuss the purpose of oaths and bonds and their importance and impact.

9:45-10:30 a.m.

HR Session: How Not To Get Sued
Ms. Cheraun Blankenship, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties

You've hired a new employee and now you are facing performance and behavior issues. How do you handle these problems to achieve the best outcome for the department and the county without getting sued? Attend this session to hear about best practices, and then test what you've learned in a game of Kahoot!

10:30-11 a.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
11 a.m.-noon Clerk General Roundtable
Hon. Loretta Cammack, Nacogdoches County District Clerk
Hon. Melissa Mead, Hartley County Combo Clerk
Hon. Kelly Pinion, Lubbock County Clerk
Noon-1 p.m. Bachata Dance Class
Noon-6:30 p.m. Lunch and Afternoon on Your Own
2-5 p.m. Get To Know McAllen Excursions
Choose from different excursions to get a taste of what McAllen has to offer.
6:30 p.m.-midnight

BANQUET • OFFICERS SWEARING-IN • CLERKS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc.
Entertainment: Satellite Band

Dress code: Festive
Attire: Fiesta attire (not mandatory)

Banquet Agenda

6:30 p.m. Doors Open
6:30-8:30 p.m. Dinner Food Stations
7:30-10 p.m. Dessert Stations
7:30-9 p.m. Banquet Program
Scholarship Recipients
Clerk of the Year
Installation of Officers
9 p.m.-midnight Dance-Satellite Band
Friday, June 23
8-11 a.m. Information Desk Open
9-10 a.m.

History of Texas Clerks
Dr. Francisco Guajardo, Director, Museum of South Texas History

This presentation will focus on the rich history that we share as county, district and combination clerks in Texas.

10-10:30 a.m.

Website, CE Tracker, Mobilize
Hon. Patti L. Henry, Chambers County District Clerk
Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk

Clerks have many resources at their fingertips to help them carry out their jobs. In this session, CDCAT executive board members review the association website, CE Tracker, Mobilize, and TAC website.

10:30-11 a.m.

Drawing of Prizes • Closing Remarks

Drawing — 2024 Conference Registration and Hotel Lodging
Elected clerks will have an opportunity to earn free registration and hotel accommodations for the next annual conference. Five winners will be selected in a random drawing. Must be present to win.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. New Full BOD Meeting (lunch provided)
1-5 p.m. Executive Board Onboarding

*Agenda subject to change

Continuing Education Type Hours
County, District and Combination Clerks 17

Conference registration is transferable to another person within your organization without additional charge. Cancellation refund requests received in writing (email and fax acceptable) by Friday, May 19, will be granted, minus a $10 administration fee. We are unable to honor refund requests received after May 19.

Please contact Sam Burke for cancellations at samb@county.org or by fax at (512) 477‑1324.

Please contact Jimi Coplen, events director with County Progress, for questions about exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, at (325) 673‑4822, ext. 2125.

You can also visit the County Progress CDCAT conference page for exhibitor registration details.

2023 Clerk of Year Nominees

Click on the name of the nominee to learn more about them.

Region 1
Hon. Brenda McKanna, Moore County Clerk
Hon. Sherri Jones, Wheeler County District Clerk

Region 2
Hon. Kelly Pinion, Lubbock County Clerk
Hon. Jamie Freeze Land, Young County District Clerk

Region 3
Hon. Alison Haley, Midland County Clerk
Hon. Tammy Robinson, Taylor County District Clerk

Region 4
Hon. Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk
Hon. Velva L. Price, Travis County District Clerk
Region 5
Hon. Lila Deakle, Parker County Clerk
Hon. Wanda Greer, Erath County District Clerk

Region 6
Hon. Sherry Dowd, Navarro County Clerk
Hon. Karen Wilson, Van Zandt County District Clerk

Region 7
Hon. Donece Gregory, Tyler County Clerk
Hon. Bobbye Christopher, Polk County District Clerk

Region 8
Hon. Ida Ramirez, Refugio County Clerk
Hon. Jennifer Whittington, Kleberg County District Clerk

2023-2024 CDCAT Secretary Candidate

Hon. Jennifer Wright, Jeff Davis County Combination Clerk

2025 Conference Cities

Odessa (Ector County)

Sugar Land (Fort Bend County)

Voting (May 22-26)

Elected clerks in good standing with their membership dues will receive a virtual ballot on Monday, May 22 at 9 a.m. CDT. Clerks will be able to vote for a district and a county clerk of the year, a CDCAT secretary candidate, and for the 2025 host city. The virtual ballot will remain open until Friday, May 26 at 6 p.m. CDT. If you did not receive a virtual ballot, please contact Hon. Sandra Roblez, CDCAT secretary, at sroblez@yoakumcounty.org.

 
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