Past Higher Education Conferences and Events

Past THEBO Conferences

THEBO highlights past conferences held in TX, and across the state, providing insight into the events that bring together higher education business professionals each year. This page includes information from the 2024 conference, including sponsors, key details, and a summary of the event. Reviewing past conferences helps members and prospective attendees understand what to expect, the value of participation, and the opportunities available through THEBO events. Click here to learn more about upcoming conferences and involvement opportunities.

2025 Conference Summary Information

2025 THEBO Conference: Key Sessions and Speakers


Join us for an insightful conference featuring industry leaders and engaging sessions tailored to enhance your financial strategies and student services.


VIP Sessions

  • Updates and Trends in Collection of Student Debt – Chad Echols, Partner at Frost Echols, LLC


  • Washington Update – Bryan Dickson, Director of Student Financial Services and Educational Programs, NACUBO


  • COHEAO Student Loan Update – Karen Reddick, COHEAO President


Featured Breakout Sessions

  • Ask the Attorney: Live Q&A on Claims, Collections & Financial Litigation - Chad Echols, Partner at Frost Echols, LLC


  • Breakouts by Institution Type: Public/4-year/HRI; Private; Community College – A bevy of your favorite experts from institutions across Texas


  • Achieving Excellence through Lean Continuous Improvement (panel discussion)—led by Peggy Carey, Director (TAMU)


  • The Power of Positivity at Work – Connie Brown – Assistant Managing Director (Texas Tech)


  • Musical Topics—Move, mingle, and learn in energetic table talks led by our Blue Bonnet Sponsors


  • Options to Pay the Balance – Sergio Gonzalez (Sallie Mae)


  • An Introduction to Texas Legislative Processes– Christine Blakney, THEBO President, Senior Managing Director (Texas Tech), and Chris Foster, THEBO Treasurer, Associate Vice President of Student Accounting (UNT)


  • Texas Legislative Update – Details on the 89th Legislative Session - Christine Blakney, THEBO President, Senior Managing Director (Texas Tech); and Chris Foster, THEBO Treasurer, Associate Vice President of Student Accounting (UNT)


THEBO Conference 2025 Agenda

2024 Conference Summary Information

2024 THEBO Conference: Key Sessions and Speakers

Join us for an insightful conference featuring industry leaders and engaging sessions tailored to enhance your financial strategies and student services.


Special Guest Speakers

Liz Clark, Vice President for Policy, NACUBO


Topic: Washington Update
Gain the latest insights into federal policy changes affecting higher education and financial operations.


Chad Echols, Partner, Frost/Echols
Topic: Industry/Legal Update
Understand the latest legal developments impacting the industry and how to navigate them.


Main Sessions and Topics


  1. Managing Collections & Past Due Balances - Learn effective strategies for managing student collections and reducing past-due balances.
  2. Engaging Campus Partners & Developing Cross-Divisional Financial Strategies—Discover how to build cross-divisional collaborations to enhance financial strategies across your institution.
  3. Network and Discuss Current Issues (Birds of a Feather) - Connect with peers based on ERP systems and institutional classifications (e.g., community colleges, four-year institutions). Share experiences and explore solutions to the unique challenges faced by different types of institutions.
  4. Managing Veterans/Military Benefits, Third-Party Sponsors, and Special Payers—
    Explore best practices for managing benefits and payments for veterans, military personnel, and other special groups.
  5. Customer Service Excellence & Collaboration with OneStop Partners - Enhance your customer service approach through effective collaboration with OneStop and other campus partners.
  6. Enhancing Customer Services - Delve into new techniques and tools to elevate the customer experience for your students.
  7. Title IV Refund Management & Compliance - Stay compliant with Title IV regulations while efficiently managing student refunds.
  8. Managing Student Communications - Improve your communication strategies to better engage and inform students.


2024 Conference App – Guidebook

We are excited to announce that the app for THEBO Conference 2024, powered by Guidebook, is now available. With this resource, you have access to the most up-to-date information and networking tools. While a PDF agenda will be provided for general information and travel reimbursement, the Guidebook app will serve as our main platform for conference announcements, maps, and voting information. THEBO will be communicating with attendees during the conference via Guidebook.
 

Download the app for THEBO Conference 2024.

Get started here: https://builder.guidebook.com/g/thebo24/
Tap “Download the app” to access the guide on your iOS and Android device.
 

Please use this passphrase to open the THEBO conference within Guidebook:

The passcode has been emailed to all attendees.

2024 Conference App - Guidebook

Download the app for THEBO Conference 2024

 


We are excited to announce that the app for THEBO Conference 2024, powered by Guidebook, is now available. With this resource, you have access to the most up-to-date information and networking tools. While a PDF agenda will be provided for general information and travel reimbursement, the Guidebook app will serve as our main platform for conference announcements, maps, and voting information. THEBO will be communicating with attendees during the conference via Guidebook.

 


Download the app for THEBO Conference 2024


Get started here: https://builder.guidebook.com/g/thebo24/

Tap “Download the app” to access the guide on your iOS and Android device.

 


Please use this passphrase to open the THEBO conference within Guidebook: 


**Passcode has been emailed to all attendees**

2024 Conference Information

Logistics

Bevy Hotel is located at 101 Herff Road, Boerne, TX


Directions:

From the San Antonio Airport - approximately 30 minutes: Head northeast on Airport Blvd; Turn right onto NE I-410 Loop W; Take exit 16 to I-10 (El Paso); Take exit 540 toward TX-46 (New Braunfels) and then turn right onto Christus Pkwy; Turn right on Herff Road and The Bevy will be on your left.


From SeaWorld (Northwest San Antonio) - approximately 35-45 minutes: From W Loop 1604 N, head north to I-10 (El Paso); Take exit 540 toward TX-46 (New Braunfels) and then turn right onto Christus Pkwy; Turn right on Herff Road and The Bevy will be on your left.

Registration

Registration Location: Menger Ballroom Foyer

Registration Hours:

  • Sunday, November 10, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
  • Monday, November 11, 7:30 - 10:00 AM

Special Events

Meet & Greet Networking Session: Bevy Hotel Lobby

  • Sunday, November 10, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

THEBO Dinner & Entertainment: Mountain Laurel Ballroom, Bevy Hotel

  • Monday, November 11, 6:00 - 9:00 PM


Dress: Business casual is suitable for all meetings, sessions, and receptions.

*Conference rooms can be on the cooler side; an extra layer may be helpful.



Transportation

From the airport: Chauffeurs On Demand SA (same price as a taxi/rideshare)


From Hampton to Bevy: Contact John Rhine to schedule a ride


Hotel Information

The Bevy Hotel by Hilton

101 Herff Road

In Boerne, TX, 78006


Hotel Info:

Make your hotel reservations now using the Group Code: THE

Explore future conferences and be part of upcoming opportunities to connect and grow within the higher education community. Contact THEBO today. Click here to learn more about attending the next event.