The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Annual Conference in Austin brings together journalists, government leaders, attorneys and interested citizens to delve into the current issues of government transparency and free speech. We honor FOI heroes with the James Madison Award and outstanding journalism with the Spirit of FOI Award.
This year’s conference will be held Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at the Hilton Austin, 500 E. Fourth St. Details on registration and speakers are coming soon. Stay tuned!
Photos from past conferences:
Paul Watler, an FOIFT board member and First Amendment attorney, leads a discussion in 2014 on the Texas Public Information Act that included state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi; Austin attorney Bill Aleshire; Texas Tribune reporter Terri Langford; and Amanda Crawford (not visible in photo), chief of the Open Records Division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office. (Photo by Jack Plunkett.)
Photos from the 2013 state conference:
Panelists at the 2013 annual conference discuss open government legislation. From left to right, Tom “Smitty” Smith of Public Citizen; Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake; and First Amendment attorney Laura Prather.
Transparency in higher education panelists listen to questions from conference attendees in 2013. From left to right, Reeve Hamilton of The Texas Tribune; Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo; Jim Vertuno of the Associated Press; and Kelly Brown, editor of The Eagle of Bryan-College Station. Photos by Jack Plunkett.