Conference Agenda

RGV PSECC 2026 Schedule

Two days of expert-led sessions, TCOLE credits, Behavioral Health CEUs, and networking opportunities.

October 14–16, 2026SPI Convention CenterTCOLE Credits & CEUs

Speaker and session details are being finalized. Register now to receive updates directly to your inbox as the agenda is announced.

Arrival DayWednesday, October 14, 2026
1:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Registration & Vendor / Sponsor / Exhibitor Setup
SPI Convention Center
6:30PM-8:30PM
Breakaway Tour Sponsored by South Texas Health Systems
Breakaway Tours
Day OneThursday, October 15, 2026
7:30 AM - All Day
Vendor, Exhibitor Hall and Registration
Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM – 8-45AM
Opening Ceremonies
SPI Convention Center Main Hall
  • Welcoming Remarks by Master of Ceremonies Tim Smith, KRGV Channel 5 News
  • Invocation by Chaplain Ricardo Garcia, Texas Emergency Crisis Response Team
  • Presentation of Colors & National Anthem
  • Welcoming by SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau ED
  • Special Guest — LRGVDC Board of Directors President
  • A Word from the Executive Director
9:00 AM-10:15AM
LNG Safety Demonstration Sponsored by Rio Grande LNG
SPI Conference Center Grand Room
  • This session is designed to educate the public about LNG safety, provide information on key aspects of the Rio Grande LNG (RGLNG) project, and help participants better understand how RGLNG impacts surrounding communities. The LNG Safety Demonstration is an interactive presentation featuring a live demonstration by LNG safety expert Patrick Couch, showcasing LNG properties, safety practices, and project-related information.
10:30AM - 11:00AM
Vendor & Exhibitor Hall
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Session 1
Room 1
Margarita Lopez, MSW
Director, Area Agency on Aging
Advanced Directives for Emergency Preparedness
Room 2
Melissa Gonzalez-Rosas
Director, Economic and Community Development
LRGVDC Economic Resilience and Recovery Plan
Room 3
Stephanie Champion, MS, LPC, CTP, C-DBT
Director, Sage Counseling Services
Operational Burnout: The Hidden Cost of Service
Room 4
Derek Rivera
MissionPawsible
TBD
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch Break
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Keynote Session: Panel Discussion on Traumatic Brain Injury
Room 1
Panel Discussion on Traumatic Brain Injury
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Vendor & Exhibitor Hall
Exhibit Hall
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Breakout Session 3
Room 1
April Taylor
Coastal Resilience Specialist, Texas Sea Grant,
Homeowner Handbook- Expanding Functionality and Reach
Room 2
Dr. Vittorio Tomas Puente, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, Mid Valley Behavioral Health and Psychological Services
Worn Down, Not Weak: Understanding Cumulative Trauma and Moral Injury in Public Safety Personnel
Room 3
Chief Roman C. Flores (R.C.)
Alamo Fire Chief / Emergency Management Coordinator
Turning Critics into Contributors: Harnessing Community Intelligence During Emergencies
Room 4
Patrick "Kelly" McCormick
Assistant District Attorney-Hidalgo County
TBD
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Breakout Session 4
Room 1
Odee A. Leal
Director, City of Brownsville | Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Preventing Burnout and Continuing the Mission in Emergency Management
Room 2
Gilbert Torres (Gil)
Assistant Director, Willacy County EMS | NAMI
NAMI Frontline Wellness for Public Safety and Healthcare Professionals
Room 3
Tanaz Choudhury
President, Tanches Global Management, Inc.
Modernizing the Mission: Complete Technology Solutions for 911, EMS, and First Response
Room 4
Nicole Nixon and Bridget Wallenberger
Texas Association of Regional Councils-Public Safety and Community Programs
Regionalism 101
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
TC Award Ceremony-By Invitation Only
Margaritaville Compass Ballroom
Day TwoFriday, October 16, 2026
8:30 AM – All Day
Vendor & Exhibitor Hall
Exhibit Hall
09:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Breakout Session 5
Room 1
Dr. Ryan Shine
Trauma Surgeon
From Concept to Survival: Direct to Operating Room Trauma Resuscitation
Room 2
Michael Mata
Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network
Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Morning Break with Vendors & Exhibitors
Exhibit Hall
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Session 6
Room 1
Veronica Silva-Cantu LCSW-S
Practice Administrator - Mental Wellbeing, STHS Clinics
Haunted
Room 2
Chesley Choudhury
Founder, Tanches Global Management, Inc.
Cybersecurity Where Failure Is Not an Option

This agenda is subject to change. Registered attendees will receive the final schedule via email prior to the event and upon check-in.

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