Capital Conference Program-Thursday, June 26, 2025

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• A Welcome from UIL Academic Staff. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4
  Optional for first-time attendees or anyone wanting to know what to expect and the highlights about navigating this conference.

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• UIL is Family: Lending a Helping Hand. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4
  Congratulations, you have joined the amazing family of UIL Academic Coordinators. We’ll go over tips and tricks on not only surviving but also how to help all events prepare and building that championship culture, student/community involvement, innovative recruiting tools, fundraising opportunities, and hear a first-hand account from students of their “why”. Tyler Sullivan.

ACADEMICS

• Winning Headlines: A Hands-On Workshop. Room Pecos
  We'll take a deep dive into headline writing where participants will practice writing headlines alongside the presenter, gain valuable tips and feedback and also learn what judges look for in contest. Also, take advantage of the opportunity to submit headlines for further and personalized critique following the session. Cindy Berry, Slidell HS.
• Current Issues & Events: Getting Started. Room Room 103
  For newer coaches in this contest, we'll go over the form of the contest and tips and tricks for success. We'll also share ideas from winning schools about how to study. Andy Bates, state contest director & Bradley Wilson, past state contest director.

STEM

• Looking Back at the 2025 HS Calculator Contests. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 3
  This session will focus on contest problems from the 2025 tests written by Dr. David Bourell, and how to solve them. Bring your questions about specific problems and we’ll attempt to produce a solution for you! Andy Zapata, UIL math consultant.
• How to Create a Successful Computer Science Program. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 1
  Includes how the contest works, where to get materials, how to recruit, how to run an after-school practice, where to find additional competitions other than district, the UIL Java Topic List, and more. Delta McFarland, Needville HS 

A+

• Music Memory for Grades 2-8. Room 107
  Participants will learn how to prepare students for the Music Memory Contest for Grades 2-8. The UIL list of music selections for 2025-26 will be distributed. Sample preparation materials will be shown as well as a discussion of test taking strategies. Deborah Tannert, Mighty Music Publishing.

SPEECH

• Training for the New Speech Coach: Seeing the Big Picture. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 2
  For novice coaches. Meet your UIL Speech, Debate and Congress Director to share with you an overview of the UIL speech and debate high school forensic program. Rules and important dates will be reviewed. Share your questions to get the answers you need for a successful start to your coaching career! Jana Riggins, UIL Speech Director.
• How to Advocate for Your Speech Program. Room Comal
  For all coaches. Professional approaches to advocate for weighted honor status and gaining respect for your students’ achievements. JP Fugler, Lindale HS; Lee Branson, Pine Tree ISD.
• Learning SpeechWire. Room Brazos
  For speech coaches. SpeechWire, the official tournament management system of UIL, is essential for coaches to know. This discussion will focus on how to access your students’ ballots for verification, judging with e-ballots, and tips for hosting a meet on SpeechWire.  Bring your laptop for hands-on instruction. Dr. Rich Edwards, UIL Debate consultant, Baylor University. 

THEATRE

• What I've Learned Working OAP State Meet. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 5 
  (Double Session) A Contest Manager Session for the OAP Director. Veteran OAP State Stage Supervisors Amy Jordan and Travis Poe will share photos from past State Meet contests showing set designs, technical tricks, and theatrical elements. They will share some answers to the question, "How did they do that?" Amy Jordan, Texas Thespians and Travis Poe, TTAO Contest Manager. 
• Acting is REacting. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 6
  Are rehearsals feeling repetitive? Are your actors more focused on memorizing lines than telling the story? Do your students struggle with eye contact and emotional vulnerability? Then this is the workshop for you! Carter Ridge, Navarro ISD
• Navigating the OAP Contest: Resources and Strategies for the New OAP Director. Room Guadalupe 
  Meet your UIL State Theatre Director who will share valuable information for starting the contest year right. An overview of the UIL OAP contest, including calendar deadline, play selection, permissions, resources... Bring your questions! Paula Rodriguez, UIL Theatre Director. 

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Building a Championship Program: A Macro-Level Approach. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4
  For all coaches. This session will unveil a comprehensive framework for program building at the macro level, dissecting the four essential pillars of a successful program: Coaches, Competitors, Resources, and Strategy. This knowledge provides a clear, structural approach to establishing these pillars within your district, empowering you to cultivate a program you can truly be proud of. Cody Morris, Mt. Pleasant HS. 

ACADEMICS

• Spelling: Building Legitimate Logophilic Laureates (Part I). Room Zlotnik Ballroom 6
  Strategies for upping your spelling and vocabulary game to improve for contest. Linda Berrey, state contest director.
• Accounting Secrets of Success. Room Guadalupe
  While medals and plaques may be the goal, there are many levels of success. Come get ideas about how to start a successful accounting program and build that program over time, not overnight! Kay Whitton, state contest director.

STEM

• Computer Science – How Do I Make it to State? Room Zlotnik Ballroom 3
  A 90-minute in-depth session providing answers to that question with a systematic approach to preparation that will help you guide and coach your students. Dr. Shyamal Mitra, state contest advisor. 
• Introduction to UIL Robotics. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 1
  An overview of program structure, options and guidelines for participation, and more. David Trussell, UIL STEM Director. 

A+ 

• Be an Effective UIL Coordinator. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 2
  Practical for new coordinators.  Extending an invitation for veteran coordinators to share their tips. Annie Priolo, Sharyland ISD. 
• A+ Chess Beginner. Room 107
  This hands-on workshop introduces educators to the basics of chess and how it can be used in the classroom to boost focus, strategic thinking, and student motivation.  Based on the Introduction to Chess course at Texas Tech University, the session offers a clear, practical starting point for teachers of all experience levels - no chess background needed. You’ll learn how to set up the board, how each piece moves, and important special rules like en passant and castling.  We’ll also introduce you to the Opening Principles that guide early-game decisions and give players a strong foundation to build on.  Whether you’re brand new to the game or just a little rusty, we’ll walk through everything step by step in a relaxed, supportive setting.We’ll also explore how to find and use chess resources that make teaching easier, how to start a chess club at your school, and where to look for tournaments and other playing opportunities your students can enjoy.  If you’re looking for a smart, simple way to challenge students and build community, come join us!  
  Dr. Jeff Day, Texas Tech Chess.

SPEECH

• Prose & Poetry: Where Does a New Coach Begin? Room Pecos
  For novice high school oral interpretation coaches. Join us for a discussion of contest rules, fundamentals for turning students into interpretive readers and tips, tricks and timelines for preparation that can make you a confident coach. Shawn Duthie, Holliday HS, State Advisory Committee member.
• An Introduction to Coaching Value Debate. Room Comal
  For novice debate coaches. Get familiar with Lincoln Douglas debate, including the format, speaker responsibilities, and case construction of LD Debate. JP Fugler, Lindale HS.
• Building a Championship Program: A Macro-Level Approach. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4  
  For all coaches. This session will unveil a comprehensive framework for program building at the macro level, dissecting the four essential pillars of a successful program: Coaches, Competitors, Resources, and Strategy. This knowledge provides a clear, structural approach to establishing these pillars within your district, empowering you to cultivate a program you can truly be proud of. Cody Morris, Mt. Pleasant HS. 

THEATRE

• Getting Started with the UIL Film Festival. Room Brazos 
  Are you new to UIL Film? This session will give you a jump start. Get informed about the categories & rules, view examples of past winners, and find the inspiration. Rodrigo Sanchez, Midland College. 
• What I've Learned by Working OAP State Meet. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 5
  (Double Session) A contest manager session for the OAP director. Veteran OAP state stage supervisors Amy Jordan and Travis Poe will share photos from past State Meet contests showing set designs, technical tricks, and theatrical elements. They will share some answers to the question, "How did they do that?" Amy Jordan, Texas Thespians; Travis Poe, TTAO Contest Manager. 
• Theatrical Design: What is Theatrical Design and How to Get Started. Room 103 
  Introducing the basics for beginning teachers and incorporating the contest into your classwork. For those looking to start in the contest and strategies for building a successful overall program. Jacqueline Zepeda, PSJA North HS; Rachael Gomez, UIL contest director. 

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Beyond the Scoreboard: How UIL Shapes Rural Texas. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 1
  We will focus on how to build strong UIL academic programs in small schools (1A-3A) with an emphasis on 1A that will lead to student success. Competition strategies at this level will be discussed as well as ways to overcome obstacles unique to smaller schools. Allison Martin, Aspermont ISD.

ACADEMICS

• Literary Criticism for Absolute Beginners. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 2
  This is the absolute basics of the contest. Mark Bernier, state contest director.
• Spelling: Building Legitimate Logophilic Laureates (Part II). Room Zlotnik Ballroom 6
  This is a continuation of strategies for upping your spelling and vocabulary game to improve for contest. Linda Berrey, state contest director.
• Big Lede Energy. Room Pecos
  The first sentence does the heavy lifting in news, feature and editorial. If it’s weak, no one keeps reading. We’ll break down what works, roast what doesn’t and practice writing ledes that will land your students the check-plus we’re all looking for. Stephen Green, Conroe Caney Creek HS.  

STEM

• Computer Science – How Do I Make it to State? Room Zlotnik Ballroom 3
  Continuing from 10:00 a.m. Dr. Shyamal Mitra, state contest advisor.

A+

• A+ Science Contest Comparison. Room 107
  A comparison between the A+ Science test and the High School Science test will be discussed, as well as an overview of the A+ Science contest. In addition, participants will receive coaching hints as well as useful resources to help prepare and communicate with your team. Becky Arndt Key, UIL A+ Consultant. . 

SPEECH

• The Final Hurrah! A Review of the High School Prose & Poetry Literary Categories. Room Guadalupe
  For novice and veteran coaches. Come learn the details of each category and documentation requirements as well as hear explanations of the true intent behind them from those who authored them. M’Liss Hindman, state contest director; Jana Riggins, UIL Speech Director and members of the State Advisory Committee. 
• Demystifying The Affirmative in Policy Debate. Room Comal 
  For beginning and novice coaches. This introductory-level session is designed to provide a foundation for understanding the affirmative position and how to teach that understanding to new or inexperienced debaters. Topics covered will include the burden of proof, understanding the resolution, using a narrative framework to address the stock issues, the importance of advantages, and other key concepts. There will be opportunities to ask questions, and you will leave with a student-friendly resource about the affirmative.  Though this session is designed for beginners, all levels of coaching proficiency are welcome! Chad Flisowski, Pasadena ISD. 
• Coach Connection, Collaboration, & Conversation. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4
  For all coaches. Join fellow speech and debate coaches from large and small schools across the state for an engaging session focused on connection, collaboration, and conversation. This informal meet-and-greet offers the perfect opportunity to build your network, exchange ideas and strategies, find mentors for the upcoming school year, and get answers to your pressing questions. Whether you are a seasoned coach or just starting out, this is an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and strengthen your place in the UIL speech and debate community. Kimberly Sloane, Center HS; Cody Morris, Mt. Pleasant: Chapel Hill HS; Emily Sowell, Shelbyville HS. 

THEATRE

• Theatrical Design: Vertical Teaming to Build Depth of Succes. Room 103 
  How to combine efforts in A+ middle school theatrical design alongside the high school program. Work smart (as well as hard) to create exponential success over 7 years instead of 4. Jacqueline Zepeda, PSJA North HS; Rachael Gomez, state contest director. 
• The 5 Keys: Getting Started in the UIL Film Contest. Room Brazos 
  Rodrigo will offer strategies in teaching a student-centered workshop that outlines how to create a successful short film. Based on Filmmaking for Teens by Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols, this session provides essential tips and strategies for students aiming to start in the UIL Film Contest. Rodrigo Sanchez, Midland College. 
• Unlock Your Lighting Potential: A Beginner-Friendly Workshop. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 5
  Join Cole Rickman as he shares strategies on creating a positive relationship with UIL contest lighting. Learn about UIL Lighting area lighting plots, instruments and how to make the best use of your tech rehearsal. Bring your questions and scenarios. Even if you do not have a lighting system, this session is for you! Cole Rickman, Production Supervisor, Austin ISD, PAC. 

Lunch Break 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

ALL ATTENDEES

• Additional Study Resources Panel Discussion. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 3
  There are additional resources available when you want to go beyond the tests and answer keys provided by UIL to prepare students for competition. This panel will be a discussion of some of the resources available out there. Various Panelists.

ACADEMICS 

• It's Showtime! Introducing the New Ready Writing Scoring Guide. Room Brazos
  Participants will be introduced to the new Ready Writing Scoring Guide and ancillary materials. Ruben Rodriguez, state contest director, Marsha Pool, Brittney Rodriguez, and Terri Davis, state judges.
• Social Studies: Introduction to Contest. Room Guadalupe
  Discuss the basics of how to approach the UIL Social Studies. Andy Bates, state contest director.

STEM

• High School Mathematics Overview. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 6
  Rules, topics on the test, coaching strategies, and more. Cliff McCurdy, state contest director. 
• Robotics – Introduction to FIRST. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 5
  A guide to FIRST Robotics competition, including FTC and FRC- the basics you need to know, helpful resources, and the benefits for your students and school community. Erica Diggs and Joe Varnell, FIRST in Texas.  

A+

• Run a Successful Invitational or District Meet for Middle School and High School. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 1
  Practical for new coordinators. Extending an invitation for veteran coordinators to share their tips. Annie Priolo, Sharyland ISD.

SPEECH

• New Extemp Coach: What Do I Do Now? Room Pecos 
  For novice coaches. What is Informative and Persuasive Speaking and how do you teach your new competitors about them? This session covers the contest rules and procedures, as well as strategies for coaching Extemporaneous Speaking. Ann Shofner, state contest director.
• Demystifying The Negative in Policy Debate. Room Comal
  For beginning and novice coaches. This introductory session is designed to help provide a foundation for understanding the negative position and how to teach that understanding to new or inexperienced debaters. Topics covered will include the burden of clash, status quo versus a counter plan, debating the plan versus the resolution, off-case versus on- case arguments, the importance of disadvantages, and other key concepts. There will be opportunities to ask questions, and you will leave with a student-friendly resource about the negative. Though this session is designed for beginners, all levels of coaching proficiency are welcome! Chad Flisowski, Pasadena ISD. 
• Oral Interpretation Categories: To Be or Not to Be Roundtable. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4
  For veteran coaches. Join your state director and oral interp consultant in meaningful conversation about prose and poetry categories. Share your thoughts and concerns. Jana Riggins, UIL Speech Director; M’Liss Hindman, Prose & Poetry consultant; member of the State Advisory Committee. 
• Texas Speech Communication Association: Benefits In and Out of the Classroom. Room 107 
  An informative discussion with the current Vice President-Elect on how membership in this professional speech organization benefits teachers. Learn how TSCA opportunities build your teaching toolbox. Heather Soltero, Tascosa HS. 

THEATRE

• Theatrical Design: How to Evaluate Your Students’ Work Like a Judge. Room 103
  Learn what the judges are looking for to better assist your students. What makes a truly successful design presentation of the highest level. Knowing the goal makes it easier to obtain! Jacqueline Zepeda, PSJA North HS and Rachael Gomez, state contest director.
• Preparing for your OAP Site Rehearsal. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 2
  Learn some tricks for making your official OAP site rehearsal easy and smooth for you and your students. What to pack, how to unpack, spike, strike, test cues. BK Goodman, Texas Thespians. 

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Academic Recruiting & Motivation. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 3
  Tips and tricks will be shared on not only recruiting students and coaches but also different motivational strategies/resources to help move towards those beautiful championships. Tyler Sullivan.

ACADEMICS

• Accounting Rocks! Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4
  An organized game plan using concepts and resources from the website to help coaches both learn and teach UIL accounting. Kay Whitton, state contest director.
• Ready Writing Sample Essays. Room Brazos
  Sample student essays will be scored using the new scoring guide.  Ruben Rodriguez, state contest director, Marsha Pool, Terri Davis, and Brittney Rodriguez, state judges.

STEM

• HS Mathematics – Breaking Down the 2025 District Test Part 1. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 6
  Bring your calculator and we will work through problems 1-30. Cliff McCurdy, state contest director.
• Robotics – Introduction to RECF-VEX. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 2
  Learn about VEX Robotics competition- how it works, what you need, how to get started, helpful resources, and strategies for success. Raul Torres, Robotics Education and Competition Foundation. 

A+

• A+ Social Studies and Maps, Graphs, and Charts. Room 107 
  We will discuss the A+ Social Studies contest and A+ Maps, Graphs, and Charts contest by analyzing the contest rules, test structure, and study/test taking tips for students. Kelsey Bates, Fort Bend ISD. 

SPEECH

• Cut The Confusion! Mastering Documentation. Room Zlotnink Ballroom 1
  Designed for new and experienced coaches alike.  This session breaks down the documentation requirements and category rules for both Category A and B in Prose and Poetry. Lear how to help students select eligible material, avoid common pitfalls, and organize the documentation judges expect – without the stress! Leave with clear checklists, practical coaching tips, and a confident understanding of UIL literary documentation. Gary Brister, Hico HS, State Documentation reviewer. 
• Developing a Foundation of Knowledge for Extemporaneous Speaking. Room Pecos
  For novice and veteran coaches. Wondering how to prepare your students for Extemp contests and all the information they need to know about what is happening around the world? This session will offer ideas about helping your students learn about current events and maybe even have a little fun. Ann Shofner, UIL Extemporaneous Speaking consultant; Heather Soltero, Tascosa HS 
• CX Debate Topic Analysis: A Focus on the Affirmative Position – Part I. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 5
  For novice and veteran coaches. Hear a comprehensive introduction to this year’s policy debate resolution on the Arctic, including a discussion of the terms in the topic and potential affirmative cases. Resource materials provided. Dr. Rich Edwards, Baylor University. 

THEATRE

• Theatrical Design: Tools of the Trade. Room 103
  Supplies and resources for success and program building. Learn from experienced Theatrical Design coaches; what has worked for them and where they turn for ideas and inspiration. Jacqueline Zepeda, PSJA North HS Rachael Gomez, state contest director. 
• Acting is Reacting Part 2. Room Guadalupe
  Part 2 of this popular workshop begins with a purposeful warm-up that encourages strategic thinking in rehearsal. Then, we’ll introduce a highly effective lesson that helps students retain lines more quickly and develop self-motivated, story-driven blocking.
• Contest Manager? Following rules, encouraging students, and holding directors' hands. Room Comal
  This session will provide valuable reminders and timelines for directors, resources for rules (not FACEBOOK), organization of the contest, what to expect from your contest manager. Maribeth Harlow, Medina ISD. 

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Academic Invitational Meets Can Be Fun! Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4
  84% of schools participating in the state academic meet attended one or more invitational meets before district. You can build your own and run not only a successful invitational, but a memorable one for all parties involved. Tyler Sullivan.

ACADEMICS

• Coaching Literary Criticism. Room Brazos 
  Sharing suggestions for creating a successful Literary Criticism team and developing the tradition for a team from year to year; strategies for covering the vast amount of material involved in this contest; concrete ideas for studying the specific plays, poems, and novel each year; time management in preparing for competition; and methods of building and maintaining team spirit. Bonnie Crisp, Lit Crit Coach, LLC.
• What Makes a Winning Journalism Paper? Room Comal
  (Double Session) Come for a discussion of News, Feature and Editorial papers that earned first-place honors at the 2025 Academic State Meet. In this analysis of state prompts and successful responses, attendees will recognize the characteristics of a winning paper and receive tips for helping their own students emulate these practices. Note: This in-depth session is double-blocked. Gail Herman and Madison Millsap, Sulphur Springs HS.

STEM

• HS Mathematics – Breaking Down the District Test Part 2. . Room Zlotnik Ballroom 6
  Bring your calculator and we will work through problems 31-60. Cliff McCurdy, state contest director. 
• STEM Success in Small Schools. Room Zlotnik Ballrom 2
  A panel discussion on establishing, growing and maintaining successful STEM programs. Moderated by David Trussell, state STEM director.

A+

• A+ Coordinator Session. Room 107
  Coordinating a UIL program can be a challenge. Come, share, and take away some organization hacks that will make this job easier.  Nancy Garza, Pflugerville ISD

SPEECH

• CX Debate Topic Analysis: A Focus on the Affirmative Position – Part II. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 5 
  For novice and veteran coaches. Continued discussion of potential affirmative cases under the new policy topic over the Arctic. Resource materials provided. Dr. Rich Edwards, Baylor University.
• Getting Started in Congress and What You Need to Know. Room Pecos
  Receive guidance from a Region Clerk on why you want to build a team of congressional debaters at your school, how to recruit students, and the essence of what you need to know to soar to success. Gena Lea Smith, Van Vleck HS. 
• Maximizing Extemp Success: A Deep Dive into Digital Resources. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 3
  For novice and veteran coaches. Unlock the full potential of your extemporaneous speaking team in this in-depth presentation. We’ll explore the “ins-and-outs” of leading digital extemp resources, including PrepD and Extemp Genie. Discover how these powerful platforms can optimize your team’s preparation and provide invaluable support of UIL District, Region, and State tournaments, giving your competitors a distinct edge. Cody Morris, Mt. Pleasant: Chapel Hill HS. 

THEATRE

• Creating Magic without the Unit Set. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 1
  Have you ever wanted to create a set design that didn't use the unit set but still create interest and levels and give actors obstacles to work with?  In this session we will share some ideas of how to do that with found objects and your actors! Tonya Harper, Whitesboro ISD. 
• Write Your Own OAP! Room Guadalupe
  Tired of being nervous whether your play will be approved for OAP by publishers? If you want to feel like you can have more control over the creative process, Mr. Grimmett will bring his expertise in musical theatre writing and playwriting to help you start from the very beginning to craft stories that you can perform specifically for the UIL One Act Play process. All skill levels/abilities welcome! John Grimmett, Alvin ISD. 
• The Theatrical Design Contest Prompt for 2025-2026: The King Stag. Room 103
  (Double Session) Dig into what this year’s prompt is all about and focus on communicating it through writing and design. We will share strategies for how to explore the prompt with your students and help them to build their design voice. Rachael Gomez, state contest director. 

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• From Zero to Hero: Building Support for your UIL Academic Program. Room Pecos 
  A panel of experienced coaches will be talking about what has worked to build a successful program over the last 10+ years. Team building from administrators to the coordinator, to coaches, and finally to students to join forces and buy into a school-wide program. A school that went from having an occasional state entry to bringing home a trophy from the State Meet. Support from top to bottom has been a key factor in making the move forward for Olney ISD. Sherry Livingston, coordinator, Kathy Harper prose & poetry, Sabrina Laurent, computer science, Lani Caffey, speech, and Tim Orsak, calculator, Olney HS.

ACADEMICS

• Literary Criticism: Explicating Poetry-The Sonnet. Room Brazos
  We will focus on the sonnet. Mark Bernier, state contest director.
• What Makes a Winning Journalism Paper? (Continued) Room Comal
  (Double Session) Come for a discussion of News, Feature and Editorial papers that earned first-place honors at the 2025 Academic State Meet. In this analysis of state prompts and successful responses, attendees will recognize the characteristics of a winning paper and receive tips for helping their own students emulate these practices. Note: This in-depth session is double-blocked. Gail Herman and Madison Millsap, Sulphur Springs HS.

STEM

• HS Science - Meet the New Biology Director. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 4
  Come meet the new Biology Contest Director and hear about her approach to writing questions, with a brief look ahead to the 2025–2026 season. Meghan Pavlicek, state contest director. 

A+

• Introducing Debate in Middle School/Junior High. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 5
  For all coaches. UIL is excited to sponsor a debate event for the middle school grade level! This session provides information on the modified version of policy debate designed to develop debate skills and challenge the best and brightest young students, and a review of the resources UIL provides to assist you in coaching. High school coaches, this is an amazing way to start a feeder program to increase future participation at your high school, as well. Join us for some fun and be able to take home tools to help get your MS/JH students up and running in debate! Melissa Witt, Pine Tree HS.
• A+ OAP. Room 107
  Description, TBA. Amy Medina, Magnolia ISD. 

SPEECH

• G.I.F.T.S. (Great Ideas for Teaching and Coaching Speech). Room Zlotnik Ballroom 3 
  For novice and veterans alike. An annual favorite, small groups carousel from one presenter to another as they share innovative lesson plans, classroom activities, and coaching techniques. Take home handouts with new activities to jumpstart or rejuvenate your curriculum and coaching practices. Audience participation and having fun is required! Ann Shofner, Facilitator; Kara Barbee, Clyde HS; Chad Flisowski, Pasadena ISD; Maribeth Harlow, Medina HS; James Kingsmill, Paetow HS.  
• Introducing Debate in Middle School/Junior High. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 5
  For all coaches. UIL is excited to sponsor a debate event for the middle school grade level! This session provides information on the modified version of policy debate designed to develop debate skills and challenge the best and brightest young students, and a review of the resources UIL provides to assist you in coaching. High school coaches, this is an amazing way to start a feeder program to increase future participation at your high school, as well. Join us for some fun and be able to take home tools to help get your MS/JH students up and running in debate! Melissa Witt, Pine Tree HS.
•  How to Train UIL Prose and Poetry Judges and Timekeepers. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 6
  It is essential that judges and timekeepers receive proper training in advance of the district and region meets. Tips for district officials on how to properly train them are provided through this discussion, including the resources provided by the UIL State Office. Jana Riggins, UIL Speech Director.

THEATRE

• Creating Characters through Controlled Chaos. Room Zlotnik Ballroom 1 
  This session will explore character building through a variety of techniques, from backstory writing to improv games to crazy chaotic dance to relationship scrutinization. Gena Lea Smith, Sponsor Excellence Award winner 2025, Van Vleck ISD. 
• Rehearsal Techniques for the UIL One Act Play. Room Guadalupe
  Success in UIL One Act Play depends on more than talent—it requires intentional structure, planning, and rehearsal pedagogy. This workshop offers practical strategies to streamline your rehearsal plans while building both individual acting skills and ensemble performance. Whether you're a seasoned director or new to UIL, this session will provide tools to create disciplined, dynamic rehearsals that result in confident, connected performances. John Grimmett, Alvin ISD. 
• The Theatrical Design Contest Prompt for 2025-2026: The King Stag. Room 103
  (Continued Double Session) Dig into what this year’s prompt is all about and focus on communicating it through writing and design. We will share strategies for how to explore the prompt with your students and help them to build their design voice. Jacqueline Zepeda, PSJA North and Rachael Gomez, state contest director