110th Annual Conference
October 23-25, 2024
Hyatt Regency Conroe
Join us for an opportunity to create new contacts, visit with old friends, and access the
latest information from the best speakers and exhibitors in the business, all while having fun
and enjoying all the extras the 110th TFA Annual Conference will bring.
WHO SHOULD BE THERE?
Forest landowners, foresters, consultants, service providers,
loggers, mill personnel, vendors and anyone who is interested in the working
forests of East Texas.
MEETING PRESENTATIONS
Fire With Purpose * Markets * EUDR * Georgia-Pacific's Texas Mills * The Farm Bill
Resource Management Service's Texas Holdings * A Generational Moment in Southern Rural Land
A Home Builder's Perspective * More
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
Spouses Events • Exhibits • Silent Auction • Awards
Post Conference Events - Golf, Clay Shoot, Field Trip
Visit the TFA website for more information on speakers, sponsors and exhibitors.
VIEW THE CONFERENCE AGENDA HERE
HOTEL ROOMS
TFA has booked a block of sleeping rooms at the Hyatt Regency, 1001 Grand Central Parkway, Conroe, TX 77304, for a rate of $184 + applicable taxes per night. This rate is also available one day prior to the conference. Reserve your room in the Texas Forestry Association block online by going to https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/IAHRC/G-TXFA. Reservations must be made before October 1st. Self-parking is complimentary in the outside lot or in the parking garage. The hotel is a 100% non-smoking facility.
Meeting Attire
The opening night reception and dinner are casual; the rest of the meetings are business casual, with the President’s Reception and Banquet being a bit more formal. The meeting rooms tend to be a bit chilly, so a sweater or jacket might be necessary.
CEU Credits
Approval is pending for Society of American Foresters CFEs, based on the sessions attended. CEUs will also be awarded under the Texas Pro Logger program (up to 6 hours) and the Texas Accredited Forester program (up to 7 hours), based on the sessions attended.
IN-CONFERENCE EVENTS
PLT Silent Auction
Don’t miss the opportunity to support Project Learning Tree and do some shopping at the same time! Our annual silent auction promises great items like framed photos, autographed books, home décor, specialized foods and regional wines, and unique forestry products. Bidding will begin on Wednesday evening and end Thursday promptly at 7 pm. Proceeds benefit Texas Project Learning Tree, which teaches our next generation of land stewards “how to think, not what to think” about complex environmental issues. Donations are tax-deductible.
Spouses Events
The Spouses Event this year will kick off with a meet and greet in the Hotel lobby at 9:00 am. Then, you will head over to The Rustic Brush, where we will make a unique wood project to take home. Around 12:30, you will head out to lunch at The Black Walnut Cafe located inside Conroe Airport, where you will get a front-row view of planes taking off as we enjoy our meal! After lunch, you will take a short drive over to The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County for a guided to explore the rich cultural heritage of Montgomery County. To end the day, we will make a quick pit stop at Pie in the Sky Pie Co. for a sweet treat on our way back to the Hotel. Transportation is provided.
Fun Run/Walk
Sponsored by Manulife Forest Management - On Thursday morning, get energized for the day with a sunrise 3-mile run or 1 ½ mile walk through the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood and parks adjoining the conference center. Participants will meet in the lobby at 6:45 a.m., and guides will lead both runners and walkers along the course. Light refreshments will be provided at the finish, and you’ll still have time to freshen up before breakfast and the morning sessions. The event will not be timed, but all participants will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Although last-minute participants are always welcome, only those who pre-register by September 20th will receive a t-shirt.
Hospitality Suites
On the evening of Day 1, we’ll gather for a hospitality suite on the rooftop pool. On Day 2, we’ll stay after the President’s Banquet.
Entertainment!
On the evening of Day 2, join us after the President’s Banquet for an evening of entertainment from the Two Tones Dueling Pianos from 9 PM to 11 PM! These talented musicians will entertain you with a lively performance featuring your favorite sing-along songs and taking requests all night long. Whether you love classic hits or modern tunes, our performers are ready to play it all. In addition, they will be taking song requests—every dollar raised will be donated to Project Learning Tree, supporting environmental education. Don’t miss out on this night of fun, music, and philanthropy. It’s sure to be a great time!
Prescribed Burn Managers Training
The Fire with Purpose session on Wednesday afternoon includes a three-hour CEU training session presented by TFA’s Texas Prescribed Burn Council. The cost is included in the meeting registration.
Ethics Training
The Texas Accredited Foresters Council of TFA is hosting an Ethics course for foresters on Thursday afternoon during the regular session. The cost is included in the meeting registration. If you want to attend the Ethics presentation only, contact the TFA office to register for $20.
POST-CONFERENCE EVENTS
Tour the W.G. Jones State Forest – Friday, October 25th
Join Texas A&M Forest Service foresters for a guided tour of the William Goodrich Jones State Forest, the most popular state forest in Texas. Established in 1926, this active working demonstration forest is nestled in the middle of a wildland-urban interface that poses unique forest management opportunities and challenges. During the tour, we will explore best forest management practices, learn about conservation efforts for our residential endangered species, the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, and gain insights into innovative conservation education programs. Come experience how this active demonstration forest balances ecological health with human development. Topics: Forest management in an urban environment, Endangered species habitat, Prescribed burning, and Conservation Education Programming. It’s just a short drive to the State Forest, so transportation will not be provided. There is no fee to attend the field trip. It’s available to the first 25 who register for this session.
Texas Timber Golf Classic – Friday, October 25th
Get ready to tee off at the Texas Forestry Association's Annual Golf Tournament on October 25th at 9:00 AM! This year's event will be held at April Sound Country Club, located on the south side of Lake Conroe. This private course features 27 holes of championship golf, an aquatic driving range, and rolling hills that provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience for all participants.
The tournament will follow a 4-man scramble format. Teams will compete over 18 holes with prizes awarded to the top three teams. In addition to the team awards, individual golfers can showcase their skills in the Closest-to-the-Pin and Longest Drive competitions. The fee is $95 and includes lunch hosted at the club. This is a perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and celebrate the day's achievements.
Join us for a fantastic day of golf, camaraderie, and friendly competition at this private course on Lake Conroe. Don't miss out on this annual highlight of the Texas Forestry Association's calendar!”
Clay Shoot – Friday, October 25th
The clay shoot will be held at Blackwood Sporting Co. located a short 7.5 miles NW of the Hyatt on FM 2854. We will start the shoot as soon as possible after breakfast (at the hotel) is over or 9 a.m. They have 2 courses and TFA members will shoot the second one. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. The entry fee is $40 and each shooter should bring 100 rounds of 7.5, 8 or 9 shot. Have fun!