Capital Conference Program-Tue June 30, 2026

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Session 2100. Total Team Management: Running a UIL Program made simple. Room: Bergstrom D
  A guide through resources and systems to help you run your team. Cody Morris, Pocket Coach Academy.

ACADEMICS

• Session 2101. Accounting Basics – Recruiting, Resources, Results. Room: Del Valle
  Come get ideas about how to start a successful accounting program and build that program over time, not overnight! We’ll discuss books, concepts, and online resources for study materials, archived exams, and more. Kay Whitton, State Contest Director.
• Session 2102. Spelling: Becoming Legitimate Logophilic Laureates. Room: Chennault
  Strategies for upping your spelling game. Linda Berrey, State Contest Director.
• Session 2103. Feature This. Room: Violet Crown #2
  A powerful lead is everything. In this session, we’ll look at how UIL judges pick winning Feature Writing entries and show you the key to the all-important lead. Margaret Edmonson.

STEM

• Session 2104. High School Mathematics Overview. Room: Bergstrom C
  Rules, topics on the test, coaching strategies, and more. Cliff McCurdy, State Contest Director.
• Session 2105. Small School, Big Impact: Building Computer Science Opportunities for Every Student. Room: Goldenrod
  Computer Science education can transform opportunities for students in rural and small-school communities. This session explores how educators can create engaging Computer Science pathways that develop problem-solving skills, leadership, and career readiness while supporting UIL academic competition. Learn how to overcome common obstacles, maximize limited resources, and create a program that empowers students to achieve success both inside and outside the classroom. Allison Martin, Aspermont HS. 

A+

• Session 2106. A+ Chess Beginner. Room: Lantana
  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.
• Session 2107. Introducing Debate in Middle School/Junior High. Room: Wildflower
  Come learn what UIL offers middle school students in debate! Rich Edwards, State Contest Director.

SPEECH

• Session 2108. Intro to CX Policy Debate. Room: Live Oak
  Hear a simplified explanation of Cross-Examination Debate. Bring your questions for understanding. For novice and new coaches.  Nicole Cornish, Quitman ISD.
• Session 2109. Training for the New Speech Coach: Seeing the Big Picture. Room: Bergstrom B
  Hear all about the UIL Speech program, what it has to offer students, and what the deadlines and calendar are like to keep up with successfully!! As a brand new coach, get the Big Picture! Jana Riggins, UIL Speech & Debate Director.
• Session 2107. Introducing Debate in Middle School/Junior High. Room: Wildflower
  Come learn what UIL offers middle school students in debate! Rich Edwards, State Contest Director. 

THEATRE

• Session 2110. First Season for New ONE-ACT PLAY Directors. Room: Bergstrom A 
  Taking on a theatre program for the first time can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. From selecting a season to managing budgets, rehearsals, technical elements, and student expectations, new directors are tasked with balancing artistry and logistics from day one. This session provides a practical guide for navigating that critical first year. The session will also address technical theatre integration, community and administrative support, and preparing for UIL One Act Play competition. Christopher Dickson, Pine Tree HS and Paula Rodriguez, UIL Theatre Director. 
• Session 2111. What is Theatrical Design and How to Get Started? Room: Violet Crown #1
  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. Rachael Gomez, State Contest Director.
• Session 2112. Getting Started with the UIL Film Festival. Room: Red Bud 
  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. Getting Started with the UIL Film Festival. Rodrigo Sanchez, UIL Film Consultant. 

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Session 2200. Focus Forward: Leading with Intention & Impact – Part I. Room: Bergstrom D
  Julie helps leaders identify and strengthen their focus as well as brainstorm the core priorities that unify their team, decisions, and direction. This session blends reflection and strategy to help you turn your vision into daily leadership that inspires, empowers, and helps build alignment to make the most impact. This workshop is built on strategies to support your team, tools to help you make the kind of impact you’re aiming for, and ideas to bring your people together as a more unified team. Julie Schniers, Special Guest. 

ACADEMICS

• Session 2201. Current Issues & Events Introduction and Discussion. Room: Del Valle
  Review the rules and contest format while discussing how to approach the UIL CI&E Contest with strategies for consuming, studying, and analyzing the news. Andy Bates, State Contest Director.
• Session 2202. Spelling: A Roundtable Question & Answer with the State Contest Director. Room: Chennault
  Linda Berrey, State Contest Director.
• Session 2203. Your Opinion Matters. Room: Violet Crown #2
  In this session, participants will unpack the editorial and learn how to coach contestants to take an issue and use their voice to construct a concise and effective argument. And don’t forget the stance! Margaret Edmonson.

STEM

• Session 2204. HS Mathematics – Breaking Down the 2026 District Test – Part I. Room: Bergstrom C
  Bring your calculator and we will work through problems 1-30. Cliff McCurdy, State Contest Director. 
• Session 2205. Introduction to UIL Robotics. Room: Goldenrod
  An overview of program structure, options and guidelines for participation, and more. David Trussell, UIL STEM Director. 

A+ 

• Session 2206. A+ Chess Advanced. Room: Lantana
  Ready to take your chess game - and your students' - to the next level?  This fun, hands-on workshop explores essential Tactical tools: forks, pins, skewers, discovered checks, and more.  Together, we’ll look at real game examples, solve puzzles, and discover how these seemingly small moves can lead to big breakthroughs.  We’ll also dive into the world of pawn structure - isolated, doubled, backward, and passed pawns - and how these unsung heroes shape strategy from start to finish.  Whether you're hoping to bring Chess into your classroom for the first time or looking to build a thriving school Chess club from the ground up, this session will offer practical tips, fresh ideas, and inspiration to share the game you love. Dr. Jeff Day, Texas Tech Chess. 
• Session 2207. Directing Middle School One Act Play. Room: Longhorn
  Directing a middle school OAP doesn't have to be some big scary monster. In many ways it's no different than directing at any other level. In this session, Kinzy and Cody will let you in on their process of directing their One Act Plays that has led them to a currently on going streak of 7 district championships in a row. Cody Beseda and Kinzy Kewley, Cele Middle School, Pflugerville ISD.
• Session 2208. Middle School Debate Share Session. Room: Winecup
  Come and share your best ideas of how to adapt policy debate instruction to middle school age students. How do we tailor-fit coaching CX debate to this age group? Sue Jane Sullivan, Borden County ISD.

SPEECH

• Session 2209. AI Education: The Not-so-Good: Guiding the Next Generation of Debaters. Room: Bergstrom B
  How to effectively use artificial intelligence in a debate round. Rich Edwards, State Contest Director.
• Session 2210. From There to Here: Growing a Program in a Culture of Success. Room: Live Oak
  There’s nothing better than growing a program in a culture of success – the sky is truly the limit! Mark Tribett, Dilley HS.
• Session 2211. Making Good Choices: Recognizing Media Biases. Room: Mountain Laurel  
  This discussion will focus on good and bad sources for Informative and Persuasive Speaking. Help your students recognize media biases and what sources to use most effectively in their speeches. Cody Morris, Pocket Coach Academy.
• Session 2212. Prose & Poetry: Where does a New Coach Begin? Room: Wildflower  
  Rules and requirements that make Oral Interpretation events unique are discussed for newbies to make them much less daunting to handle! Shawn Duthie, Holliday HS.
• Session 2208. Middle School Debate Share Session. Room: Winecup
  Come and share your best ideas of how to adapt policy debate instruction to middle school age students. How do we tailor-fit coaching CX debate to this age group? Sue Jane Sullivan, Borden County ISD.

THEATRE

• Session 2213. What I Learned by Working at State – Part I. Room: Bergstrom A
  Come learn and understand the why and what behind scenic elements seen at State Meet and other contest from 2025. Amy Jordan and BK Goodman, Texas Thespians 
• Session 2207. Directing Middle School One Act Play. Room: Longhorn
  Directing a middle school OAP doesn't have to be some big scary monster. In many ways it's no different than directing at any other level. In this session, Kinzy and Cody will let you in on their process of directing their One Act Plays that has led them to a currently on going streak of 7 district championships in a row. Cody Beseda and Kinzy Kewley, Cele Middle School, Pflugerville ISD.
• Session 2214. Guiding the Lens: Coaching Docs & Narrative Films. Room: Red Bud
  Learn tips for creating a Narrative and/or Documentary film for beginning Film Students and Coaches. Dustin Swatzell, Vernon HS.
• Session 2215. Theatrical Design Focus: THE CONTEST PROMPT – A TALE OF TWO CITIES – Part I. Room: Violet Crown #1 
  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

• Session 2300. Focus Forward: Leading with Intention & Impact – Part II. Room: Bergstrom D
  This is a continuation of Part I. Julie Schniers, Special Guest.
• Session 2301. 10 Things That Are Vital for a Successful Meet. Room: Del Valle
  Whether you are serving as the meet director or attending as a coach or coordinator, these ten essential practices help avoid adult mistakes to ensure that every meet runs smoothly, efficiently, and successfully. David Stevens, UIL Academics Director. 

ACADEMICS

• Session 2302. Literary Criticism Tips and Tricks. Room: Chennault
  Emphasis in this session will consist of specific, tried and true methods of teaching students how to: manage the historical information and literary terminology for part one of the test; analyze the topics for the current year for part two of the test; evaluate new and unfamiliar literature for part three of the test; and prepare for the tie-breaking essay. Additionally, strategies for developing teams, covering the material, time management, and building UIL traditions will be discussed. Bonnie Crisp, Lit Crit Coach, LLC.
• Session 2303. Winning Headlines. Room: Violet Crown #2
  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. Cindy Berry, Lindsay HS.
• Session 2304. Guiding Greatness: Coaching Students for the UIL Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition. Room: Winecup
  This session gives coaches the essential tools to help students select a topic, research, write, and compete successfully in the UIL Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition. Participants will learn how to guide students in selecting impactful topics, developing strong arguments and meeting all contest requirements. You’ll leave with clear strategies to support student success from brainstorming to submission. Lisa Parker, UIL Essay Contest Director.  
• Session 2305. From Evidence to Insight: Winning Analysis Methods for Ready Writing. Room: Wildflower
  Writers often know they need examples–but even students with robust "example toolboxes" can struggle to make their ideas shine. Join a state judge for an exploration of how to center evidence-backed insight without relying on mere lists, excessive summaries, or rigid "idea-evidence-analysis" formulas. Cameron Hurta, Ready Writing Judge.

STEM

• Session 2306. HS Mathematics – Breaking Down the District Test – Part II. Room: Bergstrom C
  Bring your calculator and we will work through problems 31-60. Cliff McCurdy, State Contest Director.
• Session 2307. Computer Science: The NEW Topic List. Room: Goldenrod
  What has changed and why? How to navigate the new topics and where to go to prepare. Stacey Armstrong, Cypress Woods HS.

A+

• Session 2308. Stand & Deliver: Coaching A+ Modern Oratory & Impromptu. First-Time Harmonizing. Room: Lantana
  Learn to LEAN IN by building confident communicators who think critically, speak with purpose, and respond with impact. Explore coaching techniques that strengthen preparation, delivery, and student leadership through speech. Gary Brister, Hico ISD.
• Session 2309. Building Performers: Practical Acting Strategies for High and Middle School Theatre. Room: Longhorn
  High and middle school actors are full of energy, creativity, and potential, but helping them turn that potential into strong performances can be a challenge. In this session, we'll share practical, rehearsal-ready activities that we use to build ensemble, develop focus, encourage authentic acting choices, and create confident performers. Participants will experience theatre games, movement exercises, character-building activities, and acting strategies that can be used immediately in the classroom or rehearsal. Whether you're directing a UIL One-Act Play or teaching beginning theatre students, you'll leave with ideas and tools you can put to work right away. Cody Beseda and Kinzy Kewley, Cele Middle School, Pflugerville ISD. 

SPEECH

• Session 2310. Coaching the “Art” of Oral Interpretation. Room: Bergstrom B
  Taking the time to teach the elements of Oral Interpretation allows your student the understanding of how to paint a true performance of “Art”. Jana Riggins, UIL Speech & Debate Director.
• Session 2311. Big Impact in a Small School: Cultivating a Policy Powerhouse. Room: Live Oak
  Small-school debate programs (1A–3A) often face unique hurdles, from limited budgets to scheduling conflicts with sports and agriculture events. This presentation outlines the "Dilley Blueprint" for building a highly competitive, sustainable CX program in a smaller district.  Key Takeaways: Strategies for optimizing a limited travel budget, using peer-to-peer mentoring, and making policy debate accessible and attractive to multi-activity students. Mark Tribett, Dilley HS.
• Session 2312. What Do I Know? Intro to Extemp for New Coaches. Room: Mountain Laurel
  This session will cover the rules of both Informative and Persuasive Speaking and offer some ideas for preparation and coaching. For the new coach. Ann Shofner, State Contest Director.

THEATRE

• Session 2313. What I Learned by Working at State – Part II. Room: Bergstrom A
  Come learn and understand the why and what behind scenic elements seen at State Meet and other contests from 2025. Amy Jordan and BK Goodman, Texas Thespians. 
• Session 2314. Animation Nation: A Beginner's Guide to Animated Films for the UIL Film Contest. Room: Red Bud 
  Discover the magic of animation! This beginner-friendly workshop introduces the fundamentals of storytelling, character design, and some basic principles of animation. You’ll learn how to take an idea from a rough sketch to a finished, animated scene. Bryan Honl, PSJA North HS. 
• Session 2309. Building Performers: Practical Acting Strategies for High and Middle School Theatre. Room: Longhorn
  High and middle school actors are full of energy, creativity, and potential, but helping them turn that potential into strong performances can be a challenge. In this session, we'll share practical, rehearsal-ready activities that we use to build ensemble, develop focus, encourage authentic acting choices, and create confident performers. Participants will experience theatre games, movement exercises, character-building activities, and acting strategies that can be used immediately in the classroom or rehearsal. Whether you're directing a UIL One-Act Play or teaching beginning theatre students, you'll leave with ideas and tools you can put to work right away. Cody Beseda and Kinzy Kewley, Cele Middle School, Pflugerville ISD.
• Session 2315. Theatrical Design Focus: THE CONTEST PROMPT – A TALE OF TWO CITIES – Part II. Room: Violet Crown #1
  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. 

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Session 2400. Why UIL Matters to Me. Room: Wildflower
  This session will focus on what UIL offers and how to advocate to all stakeholders (administrators, parents, students) for your program and student participation in UIL academic, speech, and debate events. Melissa Witt, Pine Tree HS, Sami Womack, West Texas HS, Shawn Duthie, Holliday HS.
• Session 2401. Additional Resource Study Materials Panel. Room: Bergstrom D
  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 

• Session 2402. Ready Writing: A Review & Discussion Concerning the New Scoring Guide: One Year Later. Room: Chennault
  Participants will review and discuss the new Ready Writing Scoring Guide introduced during the 2025-2026 school year. Participants will also review scored essay samples and accompanying comments. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to score, calibrate, and discuss scoring strategies and suggestions on sample essay(s) using the new scoring guide in order to become a trained judge. Ruben Rodriguez, state contest director and Terri Davis, Pine Tree HS.
• Session 2403. Introduction to the Social Studies Contest. Room: Del Valle
  Review the rules and contest format while discussing the basics of how to approach the UIL Social Studies Contest with strategies for studying, practice, and recruitment. Andy Bates, State Contest Director.

STEM

• Session 2404. An Informal Chat with the Calculator Applications Contest Director. Room: Bergstrom C
  An opportunity to meet with the State Contest Director to discuss anything you would like to talk about. Dr. Bourell will be prepared to share contest trivia as well. Dr. Dave Bourell, State Contest Director. 
• Session 2405. Robotics – Introduction to BEST. Room: Violet Crown #2
  Learn the basics and benefits of BEST robotics competition, including the fall season structure, available resources, and opportunities to engage your school community. Charles Logston, BEST of Texas Robotics.  

A+

• Session 2406. Preparing for the A+ Science Test. Room: Lantana
  Explore the fundamentals of the A+ Science Contest, examine the similarities and differences between A+ Science and High School Science UIL, and learn effective coaching strategies to help students succeed. Becky Arndt Key, Robinson ISD, A+ Contest Director.
• Session 2407. A+ Middle School Theatrical Design. Room: Violet Crown #1
  Introducing the Middle School Theatrical Design Contest Prompt and how to get your students ready to compete. Racheal Gomez, State Contest Director and Jacqueline Zepeda, PSJA North HS.

SPEECH

• Session 2408. AI Education: What is Good: Guiding the Next Generation of Debaters. Room: Bergstrom B 
  Taking a look at the advantages of using artificial intelligence for good. Emily Sowell.
• Session 2409. Knowing the Facts. Room: Mountain Laurel
  This session will help develop a foundation of knowledge for Informative and Persuasive Speaking. Through various activities, help your extemp team learn where to find practice topics, sources to consider using, and how to learn about the world. Ann Shofner, State Contest Director 
• Session 2410. Feeding the Pack: Building a Middle School Program Sustains High School Success. Room: Live Oak
  The secret to a dominant high school debate team is a thriving middle school pipeline. This session details how Dilley integrates middle school speaking events to build a seamless transition into high school competition.  Key Takeaways: Structuring an entry-level curriculum using high school varsity debaters as mentors and assistant coaches. Mark Tribett, Dilley HS. 

THEATRE

• Session 2411. Cultivating Good Technical Theatre: Tools, Time, and the Power of Recognition. Room: Bergstrom A
  Behind every great production is a team of student technicians who show up early, stay late, and rarely get a curtain call. This session explores the three pillars every theatre director needs to support a thriving technical theatre program: Tools & Resources, Time, and Positive Reinforcement. We'll walk through the software, hardware, and apps that equip student technicians for success — from the ETC ecosystem and QLab to practical mobile tools — and discuss how to advocate for the time your team needs to actually use them. We'll also dig into the human side of tech theatre: why recognition matters, why silence from a director can be more damaging than criticism, and why for many students, the tech booth is the most important place in the building. Leave with practical strategies and a renewed commitment to the people who make the magic happen. Eric Campbell, Olden Lighting.
• Session 2412. The Small School Theater Playbook. Room: Goldenrod
  Small schools may face many unique challenges, but they also have many unique strengths. Join this session for a candid and encouraging look at the One-Act Play journey for the small school. We'll discuss finding the right play, stretching limited resources, fundraising effectively, motivating students, and celebrating successes along the way. Whether you're a new director or a seasoned veteran, you'll leave with fresh ideas and practical tools to help your program thrive. Kara Barbee, UIL Sponsor Excellence Award winner, Clyde HS.
• Session 2413. Blocking Obstacles: Blocking as Action for Your Actors. Room: Longhorn
  Blocking is 40% of the UIL OAP rubric. But it is often overlooked. We end up having our actors look like ping-pong balls just going back and forth. This is a collaborative session with examples from previous one-act plays. We will discuss how blocking obstacles can make your show great. Rodrigo Sanchez, Midland College.
• Session 2414. Documentary Bootcamp: Shoot & Edit Your First Doc for the UIL Film Contest. Room: Red Bud
  Stop waiting and start filming! Learn the essentials of non-fiction storytelling in this workshop. Learn strategies for pre-production planning, camera setup, sound recording, and editing techniques. Turn a simple idea into a polished, professional short documentary. Bryan Honl, PSJA North HS.
• Session 2407. A+ Middle School Theatrical Design. Room: Violet Crown #1
  Introducing the Middle School Theatrical Design Contest Prompt and how to get your students ready to compete. Racheal Gomez, State Contest Director and Jacqueline Zepeda, PSJA North HS.

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Session 2500. Tips and Tricks from the Best of the Best. Room: Bergstrom D
  A panel discussion with individuals recognized as UIL Sponsor of Excellence Award winners.  Come hear war stories, successes, and how they have survived in order to be recognized for their outstanding work.  Assorted Panelists.
• Session 2501. Where do I start? A helpful guide for Novice Academic Coordinators. Room: Goldenrod
  Mr. Rogers taught us years ago to "Look for the helpers." In this session for novice academic coordinators, I want to offer you help. Many of the difficulties we face as new Coordinators stem from not knowing what we don't know. We will discuss the basics of being an Academic Coordinator and how to jumpstart a program. Participants will leave with tangible things to do at their respective campuses to prepare for a successful school year. Bobby Leshikar, Ingram Tom Moore HS.

ACADEMICS

• Session 2502. The Magic in a Worksheet. Room: Del Valle
  The Accounting cycle can be summarized in a simple 8-column worksheet; come learn about the dynamic duo: the Income Statement and Balance Sheet. Kay Whitton, State Contest Director.
• Session 2503. I'm the (NEW) Ready Writing Coach. Now What?  Understanding the Contest, Seeing the Bigger Picture, and Laying the Foundation for Writer Success. Room: Chennault
  In this session, participants – new and veteran coaches – will review and discuss the Ready Writing contest as well as coach and writer expectations. Participants will review composition skills and strategies that encourage young writers to see "the bigger picture" while understanding their place in a quickly changing and evolving world, as well as practical skills to use for coaching successful writers. Special focus will be given to rhetoric, rhetorical analysis, and close reading practices. Laying the foundation for writer success doesn't have to be complicated -- it just has to offer writers an opportunity for self-discovery and awareness that can be found through greater understanding of their writing and the writing of others. Ruben Rodriguez, state contest director and Terri Davis, Pine Tree HS.

STEM

• Session 2504. Calculator Applications - Those Hard Geometry Problems. Room: Bergstrom C
  Problems 60, 64, and 65 are all hard plane geometry problems. We will look at these, propose a systematic approach to handling them, and work some examples. Dr. Dave Bourell, State Contest Director.
• Session 2505. Robotics – Introduction to FIRST. Room: Violet Crown #2
  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. Joe Varnell, FIRST in Texas.

A+

• Session 2506. Mastering the Madness: A Blueprint for Stress-Free A+ Meets. Room: Lantana
  Hundreds of students, dozens of events, and a mountain of tests to grade—oh my! If the thought of hosting your next elementary or middle school A+ meet gives you hives, this session is for you. Learn how to pull off a flawless district competition without losing your sanity. We will dig into proven strategies, timeline management, and ready-to-use organizational tools refined over two decades of hosting. Whether you are a brand-new coordinator looking for a lifeline or a seasoned pro ready to trade tournament-day war stories and tips, you'll leave with everything you need to host with confidence. Kimberly Sloane, Center HS. 

SPEECH

• Session 2507. New Category A Introduction: Igniting the Imagination through Storytelling. Room: Wildflower
  Get an understanding of the latest categories, their purpose and their opportunity to delight your students into developing exciting characters. UIL Prose & Poetry Advisory Committee Members.
• Session 2508. The Swiss Army Squad: Cross-Training Competitors for Small-Team Survival. Room: Live Oak
  In a massive program, students specialize in exactly one event. In a small program, specialization can be a trap if someone gets sick or a partner drops. This presentation teaches coaches how to create a "fluid" team dynamic where every debater is cross-trained. Key Takeaways: How to use LD value frameworks to improve CX impact framing.  Creating a unified squad where students can pivot events smoothly to maximize UIL district sweepstakes points. Mark Tribett, Dilley HS.
• Session 2509. The Right Touch: Remembering the Little Parts of a Speech. Room: Mountain Laurel
  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

• Session 2510. Gister Acting Method – Part I. Room: Bergstrom A
  Experience a hands-on introduction to the Gister Method, an acting approach developed at the Yale School of Drama that emphasizes behavior over feelings, active listening, and truthful connection onstage. Through practical exercises and improvisation, participants will explore techniques designed to strengthen spontaneity, focus, and authentic moment to moment work in rehearsal and performance. Dr. Jeff Day, Texas Tech University. 
• Session 2511. From Curtain Up to Awards: Hosting a Successful UIL One Act Play Contest. Room: Bergstrom B
  Hosting a UIL One Act Play contest is both an honor and a complex undertaking that requires careful planning, clear communication, and attention to detail. This session provides a comprehensive guide to producing a smooth and efficient UIL One Act Play contest, covering pre-contest planning, facility preparation, technical coordination. Designed for both first-time hosts and experienced contest managers, this session offers proven strategies, organizational tools, and real-world solutions to ensure a professional and positive experience for all involved—onstage and behind the scenes. Christopher Dickson, Pine Tree HS. 
• Session 2512. Educating Adjudicators – What Directors Really Want to Know. Room: Longhorn
  This session will be a guided dialogue between directors in attendance and a panel of experienced adjudicators. We will address the language of the OAP rubric; the questions of how harsh is too harsh and how gentle is too gentle; the adjudicator evaluation and why it's crucial; and what directors find most beneficial on their written critiques. Come with questions, positive input, and an open mind. Kimy Hines, TTAO Adjudicator and TxETA.
• Session 2513. Theatrical Design Focus: TOOLS OF THE TRADE. Room: Violet Crown #1
  Exploring the supplies and resources your design programs need to be successful across the categories. Jacqueline Zepeda, PSJA North HS.
• Session 2514. Guiding the Lens: Traditional/Digital Animation. Room: Red Bud
  Demystifying the animation categories for the absolute film contest beginner. Dustin Swatzell, Vernon HS. 

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS AND ALL ATTENDEES

• Session 161. 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

• Session 163. 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.
• Session 170. 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

• Session 167. 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. 
• Session 172. 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. Panelists include Sabrina Laurent and Tim Orsak, Olney HS; Allison Martin, Aspermont HS; Jonathan Robertson, Sudan HS and Curt Taylor, Wall HS.

A+

• Session 162. 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

• Session 165. 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.
• Session 166. 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. 
• Session 168. 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

• Session 164. 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. 
• Session 171. 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. 
• Session 169. 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

• Session 175. 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, Tim Orsak, calculator, Olney HS, and Dr. Greg Roach, superintendent.

ACADEMICS

• Session 179. Literary Criticism: Explicating Poetry-The Sonnet. Room Brazos
  We will focus on the sonnet. Mark Bernier, state contest director.
• Session 183. 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

• Session 177. 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+

• Session 178. 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.
• Session 181. There is Magic in the Middle, Directing the Middle School OAP. Room 107
  This session is for the newer or the "voluntold" director. We will cover how and where to begin to find a script, show design, and my sanity saving production book for students. Amy Medina, Magnolia ISD, UIL Theatre Advisory, Middle School Rep.

SPEECH

• Session 176. 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; Michael Donaldson, Connally ISD; James Kingsmill, Paetow HS.  
• Session 178. 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.
•  Session 184. 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

• Session 174. 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. 
• Session 180. 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. 
• Session 182. 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 
• Session 173. Canva, Create, Create! Room Zlotnik Ballroom 2
  Have you struggled to design show shirts? Show Posters? A logo for your OAP company? Maybe you need to revamp your department's social pages? Look no further! The Canva Queen is here! Grab your computer or tablet and join me for an intro into easy graphic design that helps you boost your look with ease! You can create Canva magic too! Jackie Kaña, Ingram ISD.