On October 22-23, 2026, The Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc. (TMCA) hosted its annual Advanced Institute Seminar at The Woodlands Resort. This seminar offered two days of highly interactive training, providing tools and strategies to streamline local government operations while also showcasing The Woodlands as an ideal destination for business and leisure travel.
Monica Benavides, Renee Huggins, Lisa Morris, and Amy Holt | Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Township
ADVANCED INSTITUTE SEMINAR
As the official recordkeepers and compliance officers of local government organizations, municipal clerks must adapt to rapidly changing conditions and expectations. The Advanced Institute Seminar, Powerful, Productive Conversations: Practical Skills to Strengthen Communication and Connection, offered a combination of tools and strategies to guide this process, including technical and communication skills to improve office productivity, efficiency, and fulfillment.
Beyond cutting-edge education sessions and hands-on training, the conference created space for networking and fellowship. The Salt Grass Chapter welcomed guests on Wednesday evening for a cocktail social at Rose Rooftop & Restaurant, and on Thursday, attendees gathered for the TMCA Annual Banquet to recognize retirees, award winners, and scholarship recipients.
“The Woodlands provided the perfect setting for learning, connection, and professional growth,” said Dr. Amy Holt, Education Director for TMCA. “We’re grateful for a community that welcomed The Texas Municipal Clerks Association and our attendees.”
KEY FIGURES
The conference was led by Dr. Larry Schooler, an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Communication Studies at The University of Texas at Austin. His expertise in conflict resolution, restorative and transitional justice, and public participation in public policymaking sparked meaningful conversations and new solutions to familiar challenges.
Another key speaker was Monique Sharp, President and CEO of The Woodlands Township as well as a Board Director of Visit The Woodlands. With a robust background in public administration and strategic planning, she oversees the daily operations of the Township, ensuring the implementation of Board policies and objectives. Her forward-thinking approach to economic development, environmental education, and neighborhood services offer a pivotal perspective in enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Sales Team for Visit The Woodlands | Photo by Visit The Woodlands
THE IMPACT
Business meetings, conferences, and events like the TMCA’s Advanced Institute Seminar are vital to the economic health and growth of The Woodlands community. This gathering brought together 281 attendees from across Texas, showcasing the area’s vibrant hospitality community, walkable meetings districts, and award-winning venues. This unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities centers the destination as a hub for economic activity that plays a critical role in generating hotel stays, dining, transportation, and visitor spending for The Woodlands.
“We had attendees from across the state,” said Dr. Holt. “From Canadian in the Panhandle, to Anthony on the border with New Mexico, to Presidio near Big Bend, to Lake Jackson along the Gulf Coast, and Gilmer in the northeast. And, of course, there was ample representation from the major metro areas in Texas.”
For more information about how to host your next meeting, conference, convention, or event in The Woodlands, please reach out to Josie Lewis, Director of Sales.
ABOUT TMCA
The Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc., is a professional organization dedicated to serving the demands of excellence in Texas' local government, providing an educational program for city clerks and secretaries to meet the highest standards of functional competency and ethical sensitivity. TMCA's goal is to create opportunities for pursuing professional development through hands-on training and education.
ABOUT THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP
The Woodlands Township is the governmental service provider for residents and businesses, providing enhanced law enforcement services, fire protection, environmental services, parks and recreation, economic development, and more. The Township staff and publicly elected Board of Directors are committed to public safety and exceptional levels of customer service. Together, they responsibly fulfill the governance needs of the community while promoting the economic development of The Woodlands and providing services that enhance property values.
