Visit The Woodlands is proud to announce that The Woodlands will host LeadHERship Live: A Texas Women’s Conference, June 9–10, 2026, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. This landmark conference will bring together women in leadership from across the state’s tourism, hospitality, and association industries for two days of leadership development and professional advancement.

Visit The Woodlands Chairman Brad Bailey Welcomes TSAE New Ideas Annual Conference

The 2024 TSAE New Ideas Conference in The Woodlands

THE MISSION

LeadHERship Live is a new statewide event created by a partnership between the Texas Travel Alliance (TTA) and the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE). The conference merges two flagship events—TTA’s Women in Travel Conference and TSAE’s Women’s Summit—into a unified experience designed to elevate women in leadership.

The conference is expected to attract professionals from destinations, associations, venues, and attractions from across Texas. By gathering these leaders in one place, the event provides opportunities to participate in keynote sessions, professional development programming, and networking experiences that strengthen the industries driving the Texas visitor economy.

“The Texas Travel Alliance is proud to partner with TSAE to bring LeadHERship Live to The Woodlands, Texas,” said Erika Boyd, CEO, Texas Travel Alliance. “Together, we’re creating a space where women across our industries can share experiences, build meaningful connections, and continue strengthening the leadership that drives Texas forward.”

TSAE New Ideas Opening Reception in The Woodlands, Texas

The Opening Reception for the 2024 New Ideas Conference

The Visit The Woodlands Sales Team, featuring Josie Lewis, Ryan Greenwood, Julie Quinn, and Ashley Fenner. They are dressed business professional, standing between a window at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott (overlooking a lush green copse of trees) and the Visit The Woodlands information booth set up for the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters' 49th Biennial Convention. On the table are metal bins full of individual bags of flavored popcorn as well as rack cards, a vase of peach and white roses, and other promotional items.

The Sales Team for Visit The Woodlands

THE IMPACT

Hosting LeadHERship Live presents a significant opportunity for The Woodlands to exhibit world-class amenities to influential leaders. With its vibrant hospitality community, walkable meetings district, and award-winning venues, The Woodlands continues to attract events that generate meaningful economic impact and bolster the region’s tourism industry.

“LeadHERship Live represents an exciting new chapter for women across Texas’s tourism, hospitality, and association communities,” said Steven J. Stout, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director of TSAE. “We’re especially excited to work with Visit The Woodlands to host the inaugural event. The destination provides the ideal setting for bringing together leaders who are driving innovation and inspiring the next generation.”

Elizabeth Eddins, Executive Director of Visit The Woodlands, also expressed her gratitude for the collaboration:

“We are honored that The Woodlands has been selected to host this important gathering of women who are shaping the future of tourism. Events like LeadHERship Live highlight the impact of collaboration between industries, and it is amazing that we can celebrate innovation while showcasing all the incredible experiences our destination has to offer.”

Visit The Woodlands looks forward to welcoming attendees in June 2026.