Visit The Woodlands was proud to welcome three milestone conferences to The Woodlands on October 27-30, 2026. Connect Texas + Medical, the BizBash Sports Innovation Forum, and The Women’s Summit took place simultaneously, bringing together influential meeting planners, event professionals, and industry innovators from across the country. These events were co-located at The Woodlands Waterway Marriot Hotel & Convention Center, offering convenient access to the natural beauty and modern amenities that make The Woodlands a premier destination for business and leisure travel.
CONNECT TEXAS + MEDICAL
Connect Texas + Medical (October 28-29) had its finger on the pulse in connecting the right people to the right ideas. As an appointment-based marketplace, this group gathered qualified meeting planners for curated one-on-one appointments, practical education, and transformative networking sessions that matched planners to destinations for hosting future meetings, conferences, conventions, and events.
The Woodlands Experience: Where Hospitality Meets Destination was the highlight of the lunch session on Thursday. This special panel featured Visit The Woodlands’ Board and Staff: Noemi Gonzalez, Darren Munoz, Cameron Klepac, and Elizabeth Eddins with President Nick Wolda moderating the discussion. Bringing together leaders in the hospitality, performing arts, and destination marketing industries, the panel explored destination placemaking and how The Woodlands’ community partnerships have created a cohesive business travel and tourism market, making it easy for planners to bring meetings and events to an all-in-one destination.
In addition to the conference itself, guests were invited to a series of offsite excursions orchestrated by Visit The Woodlands, including a morning walking club, a personalized tour of Memorial Hermann Hospital, and an opening night reception at the Hughes Landing Band Shell—complete with an exclusive “takeover” of nearby restaurants for cool weather, patio dining, and an excellent view of Lake Woodlands. These excursions were coordinated as part of a complimentary servicing package, elevating the visitor experience while showcasing The Woodlands as a premier destination for future meetings and events.
BIZBASH SPORTS INNOVATION FORUM
Designed for the most influential figures in sports planning and marketing, the BizBash Sports Innovation Forum (October 28-30) delivered three days of cutting-edge education and high-energy networking opportunities.
On Wednesday, BizBash attendees enjoyed an elevated field day at Town Green Park, then rejoined Connect Texas + Medical for the Band Shell takeover. Thursday kept the momentum going with a Chopped experience with Wolfgang Puck Catering, and Friday wrapped up the conference with ahead-of-the-curve education sessions. Visit The Woodlands curated each outing with each audience in mind, pairing attendees’ expertise and interests with elements of The Woodlands that exceed expectations.
WOMEN'S SUMMIT
The week also included The Women’s Summit (October 27-28) to create space for meaningful conversations. This empowering event built opportunities for women across the sports and events industries, giving them a chance to connect, share success stories, and brainstorm solutions.
THE IMPACT
Hosting these three conferences simultaneously created an impact that will resonate for years to come. Because Connect Texas + Medical is an appointment-based marketplace, every planner who experienced The Woodlands firsthand is now positioned to bring their own meetings and events here, which carries the potential to generate business and repeat room nights even further into the future.
That long-term return on investment is significant because more than 50 percent of The Woodlands Township's budget comes from hotel occupancy, sales, and mixed-use beverage taxes. These visitors’ tax collections are vital, not only to the upkeep and development of the community, but also in maintaining one of the lowest property tax rates in the state.
To view a video recap of the conference, please see Visit The Woodlands on YouTube. 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.
