Open Government Seminars address timely topics related to the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act and include updates on recent changes to the laws. The program provides detailed training and is directed toward government employees, attorneys, journalists and anyone wanting to learn more about open government laws. The half-day seminars are offered in cooperation with the Office of the Texas Attorney General. This course is approved as meeting the requirements for open government training for public officials. State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education credits are also available.

The next Open Government Seminar will be Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Dallas-Fort Worth, at the Hyatt Regency DFW, Grapevine Room, 2334 N. International Pkwy, DFW Airport. The seminar is free. Validated parking will be available. (The Texas Press Association is hosting the seminar at the start of its annual convention. While the Open Government Seminar is free and open to the public, only those registered to attend the full TPA convention may attend the other convention sessions.) Parking information: The DFW Hyatt Regency is located in Terminal C of the DFW International Airport with ample signage leading to the location. Self-parking is complimentary. All attendees, including those with a TOLLTAG, must enter the DFW Airport Toll Plaza through lanes marked “TICKET ONLY” in order to receive validated parking. Pull a ticket and present it at the hotel for validation. DO NOT ENTER through lanes marked TollTag or your TollTag will be charged and you will be responsible for the daily parking rate.

Seminar agenda:

12:30 p.m.: Check-in begins.

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Tom Williams, an FOI Foundation board member and a partner in the Fort Worth office of Haynes & Boone, LLP, presents training on the Texas Open Meetings Act.

2:10 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.: Tamara Smith, Open Records Division chief with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, presents training on the Texas Public Information Act.

3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Tamara Smith presents training on the cost rules associated with the Texas Public Information Act.

The sessions are approved as meeting the state requirements for open government training for public officials. State Bar CLE is available. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. RSVP to [email protected]. For more information go to www.foift.org or call 512-377-1575

 

        Past Open Government Seminars

         2026
         El Paso
         2025
         Denton
         2024
         Edinburg
         College Station
         2022
         San Antonio
         Edinburg
         2020
         Corpus Christi
         2018
         Brownsville
         San Antonio
         Houston
         Arlington
         2016
         El Paso
         Denton
         McAllen

Stay tuned for dates and cities of future Open Government Seminars!