7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Information Technology and purchasing professionals from across government and public sectors are invited to attend the biennial DIR Connect Technology Expo!
Register today, and plan to join your colleagues at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Take advantage of IT Contracting Specialists and attend breakout sessions to learn about the technology products, services and solutions available through the Texas Department of Information Resources.
Don't miss this great opportunity to network with other agency IT representatives and purchasing professionals.
AGENDA
The expo provides an opportunity for 150+ contracted IT vendors to connect with hundreds of government and public sector attendees. This event is open to all government and public employees.
This IT Expo features a dynamic keynote presentation, including multiple concurrent breakout sessions, as well as the IT Negotiations training required by the 85th Texas Legislature. Continental breakfast, breaks and lunch will be provided, and attendees will have ample time to visit the popular DIR Connect Technology exhibit hall.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
The following continuing education credit is available for this event:
- Texas Information Resource Managers (IRMs) - attendees are eligible for IRM continuing professional education credits.
- Comptroller's Office - there are 8 sessions on the agenda which are offered for 1 hour of credit through the Comptroller's office. Please click on the agenda and click on "more details" under each session to see which sessions offer this credit.
- General/Other - Attendees may be able to apply DIR contact hours towards employer or professional education requirements. Many credentialing authorities accept DIR credit. Consult the rules of your employer, licensing board, or certifying body.
LOCATION
EXPO
REGISTRATION
There is NO COST to attend for Government and Public sector employees to attend; however pre-registration is required.
The number of advance registrations may require us to limit the number of attendees per agency to ensure all agencies can participate.
SUBSTITUTIONS
If you are not able to attend, you may substitute another person to attend in your place. Name badges will be preprinted in advance, so please email registration@xcelevents.us with substitution information by October 1.
CANCELLATIONS
To cancel your registration, please email registration@xcelevents.us. We anticipate maximum attendance resulting in a sold out event. Early cancellations will allow us to make space available to additional attendees.
Cancellations without substitution received AFTER Thursday, October 1 will result in a $25 cancellation fee billed to the attendee's organization.
LUNCH SELECTIONS
Lunch will be provided Thursday. We have selected two food trucks to cater DIR Connect that will also be providing vegetarian options. The food trucks will be announced soon. Several options will be available from which to choose when you attend lunch.
On your registration, it is important that you list any dietary restrictions please ensure you review the available options (vegetarian, gluten free, nut allergy, etc.). Dietary cards will be provided at registration for those who listed dietary restrictions to ensure that their needs can be accommodated.