DIR CONNECT: POWERING WHAT'S NEXT
EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION
OCTOBER 8, 2026 - AUSTIN, TX
Palmer Events Center • www.palmereventscenter.com • 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX 78704
NOTE: Companies and for Profit Entities may ONLY participate as a sponsor or exhibitor; they may NOT just attend the conference.
Texas DIR Connect Technology Expo: Powering What's Next.
The Expo is scheduled for October 8, 2026, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM at the Palmer Event Center in Austin, Texas.
DIR Connect brings Department of Information Resources (DIR) contracted technology vendors together with Information Technology (IT) and purchasing staff from state agencies, local and county government, hospitals, emergency response entities, K-12 and higher education to raise awareness about our Cooperative Contracts (Co-op) program and Shared Technology Services (STS) program.
The DIR Co-op Contracts is a streamlined cooperative purchasing program for state and local government, public education, and other public entities within and outside the state of Texas. The STS program enables organizations access to managed IT as a shared service, allowing Customers to focus resources on supporting their mission and business functions rather than directly managing IT services. The event includes a wide range of educational breakout sessions as well as time to network in the exhibit hall.
WHO CAN EXHIBIT?
Only vendors who are the PRIME contract holder of a DIR contract may exhibit at DIR Connect.
Vendors must have an exhibit booth in order to attend.
WHY EXHIBIT?
- Build new relationships and strengthen existing relationships, increase your customer base, develop your business and showcase your technology solutions.
- Interact with 500 purchasing, IT, and other key decision-makers across the state of Texas.
- Get to know your customers – interact with a captivated audience as the expo is only open to eligible public entities able to purchase through the DIR Contracts programs.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
DIR CONNECT AND DISCOVER EVENTS?
DIR Connect and DIR Discover are two separate events that cover different topics and have different target audiences.
Registration for Connect does NOT include registration in Discover. You must register for each event separately if you wish to participate in both events.
- DIR Connect’s audience is IT and purchasing professionals and their leadership, thus many of the educational sessions at DIR Connect surround different elements of the procurement process. Previous Connect sessions have included topics relating to Agile procurement, contract management, resources and services offered by DIR, grant management, cybersecurity, and negotiations. Exhibitors must be a prime DIR vendor contract holder to exhibit at DIR Connect.
- DIR Discover’s content focuses on emerging technology and data. Educational sessions will include topics related to AI, data governance, privacy, digital transformation, modern application development, customer experience, IT policy, and workforce development, among others. Discover’s target audience is public sector employees and leaders with roles in IT and data. Exhibitors should be on DIR contract and offer services and products related to data and emerging technology.
Both events emphasize building connections, exploring potential collaborations, and expanding expertise.