About The Event
Join Us for NAPEO’s 2026 Texas Leadership Council Forum!
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 1:00–6:00 PM CT
Location: JW Marriott Austin
Austin, TX
Network with industry leaders and peers at NAPEO’s Texas Leadership Council Forum. Following the meeting, join us for a networking dinner (additional fee applies).
An agenda for the event is available here.
Registration
Online registration for this event is currently not available as we transition to a streamlined and robust member portal. However, registration is still open. To register for the LCF, please contact Jonathon Bridgeman or Maggie Peucker.
Accommodations
NAPEO has reserved a limited block of rooms at the JW Marriott at a discounted rate. Click this link to access the discounted rate by October 26, 2026.
Cancellation Policy
- All cancellations, additions, and changes must be submitted to NAPEO in writing.
- Refunds are available for cancellations made by November 10, 2026, minus a $25 processing fee.
Questions?
Please contact Jonathon Bridgeman, Manager of Events & Virtual Education for assistance.
Event Schedule
Tuesday, November 17
Networking Lunch
Opening Remarks
Casey M. Clark, President and CEO, NAPEO
Welcome and Introductions
Corey Hookstra, President Corporate Strategy, ESI, Texas Leadership Council Vice Chair
• Antitrust Statement
• Member and Guest Introductions
• Introduction of Sponsors
Update from Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Courtney Arbour, Executive Director, TDLR
Jeff Copas, Assistant Director of Government Relations, TDLR
Alex Hammond, Senior Government Relations Officer, TDLR
Update from Texas Workforce Commission
Chairman Joe Esparza, Commissioner for Employers, TWC
Mario Hernandez, Senior Legal Counsel to Chairman Joe Esparza, TWC
Networking Break
Texas Legal Update
Lauren Whiting, Partner, Jackson Lewis
Update from Texans for Lawsuit Reform
Ryan Patrick, CEO, Texas for Lawsuit Reform
Texas Political Landscape and 2027 Legislative Efforts
Keith Strama, Partner, Graydon Strama Lucio Advocacy
Shannon Swan, Legislative Consultant, Graydon Strama Lucio
Open Forum & Discussion, Good of the Order, Adjournment
Corey Hookstra, President Corporate Strategy, ESI, Texas Leadership Council Vice Chair
Optional Offsite Networking Dinner
2026 LCF Sponsors
Thank you to NAPEO’s 2026 Leadership Council Forum Sponsors!
