Sponsors
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps people over the age of 50 have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors.
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 249,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world's most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments.
Apache Corporation is a Houston-based oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Canada, Egypt, the United Kingdom North Sea, Australia and Argentina and a global exploration program. Apache is the third-largest oil producer in Texas and the fourth-largest hydrocarbons producer in the Gulf of Mexico.
Since 1977, the Austin Community Foundation has promoted philanthropy in Central Texas to improve the quality of life for all. ACF was created by and for the people of Austin to connect donors with the causes they care about. Today, ACF has $125 million in assets and provides college scholarships and grants to nonprofit organizations across Central Texas, the United States and the world.
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college readiness system for elementary through postsecondary that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. AVID is a systemic tool for schools to build a college and career-readiness culture that inspires teachers and students to achieve via individual determination and to succeed academically among the highest achieving students.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts hosts the official online state database for unclaimed property. Unclaimed property includes cash, checks, overpayments, stocks, bank accounts, security deposits, safe deposit box contents and other items of value. It is estimated that one out of every four Texans has unclaimed property.
A leading catalyst for progress, Educate Texas, a public-private initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, is an innovative alliance of public and private groups that share a common goal: improving the public and higher education system so that every Texas student is prepared for success in school, in the workforce, and in life.
At EP Energy, we have a passion for finding and producing the oil and natural gas that enriches people’s lives. That passion drives us to execute on a proven strategy and deliver consistent value from a tremendous asset base. We’re a new name with a proven track record, and we’re committed to being an E&P industry leader known for extraordinary people, exceptional performance, and enduring partnerships.
For offices with staffs large or small, Greater Texas Water exclusively distributes water distillers that provide pure, safe and more affordable drinking water, without the hassle of bottles. Distilled water systems mean significant savings - often cutting an office's water expenses in half when compared with the cost of renting bottles plus coolers.
Renowned for its innovation and community service, H-E-B, with sales of more than $18 billion, operates 329 stores in Texas and Mexico. The company is recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. It strives to provide the best customer experience at every day low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 76,000 workers and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities.
Hill+Knowlton Strategies is a leading global strategic communications consultancy, providing services to local and multinational clients worldwide. A trusted advisor to clients, we develop and execute communications campaigns and business strategies to manage the impact of the public on an organization’s reputation, brand and bottom line.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is among the world’s largest providers of pre-K–12 education solutions and one of its longest-established publishing houses, HMH’s interactive, results-driven education solutions are utilized by 60 million students in 120 countries, and its renowned novels, non-fiction, children's books and reference works are enjoyed by readers throughout the world.
JPMorgan Chase continues to grow and hire in Texas, a vital state for our company. The largest SBA lender in the state, Chase also helped raise $15.9 billion in financing for Texas governments and nonprofits in 2011. Chase is the first major mortgage servicer to open face-to-face counseling centers to assist struggling homeowners. Since early 2009, mortgage counselors have met with more than 276,000 homeowners, including 10,000 in Texas.
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, reflects, celebrates and inspires Central Texas through creative excellence, community engagement and lifelong learning. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events.
For more than 50 years, KUT 90.5, listener-supported public radio from Austin, Texas, has striven to be the most trusted radio source for news and music in Central Texas. KUT is nationally known for playing a unique blend of handpicked, homegrown and uniquely Austin music.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The company supplies U.S. and allied military forces with leading combat aircraft, tactical and strategic airlift, special mission aircraft, and global sustainment programs.
Founded at Northwestern University in 1921, Medill offers a Masters of Science in Journalism program that combines the enduring skills and values of journalism with new techniques and knowledge that are essential to thrive in today's digital world. As the media industry experiences unprecedented change, Medill leads the way in training a new generation of multimedia journalists who are not only thriving in this new media landscape, but are also helping to shape it.
Moniker Guitars builds electric guitars that you design online at MonikerGuitars.com. Choose from infinite combinations of colors, parts, text, and graphics to design a guitar that is as unique as the music you make with it. Each Moniker guitar is custom built in Austin, Texas and shipped directly to your door. Design your new guitar at MonikerGuitars.com.
NRG Energy is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy by developing cleaner and smarter energy choices: whether as one of the largest solar power developers in the country, or by building the first privately funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure or by giving customers the latest smart energy solutions to better manage their energy use.
Perry Street Communications is a specialty consulting firm focused on providing corporate public relations and strategic communications counsel to businesses and other enterprises – both public and private. The firm’s business judgment, informed market insight and focused research helps ensure our clients’ success through a range of engagements.
For over 65 years, Rosemary’s Catering, a member of The RK Group family, has been creating memorable events with a modern and creative edge. We continue to provide superior hospitality to all of our clients while stressing an importance on an individual’s distinct taste and style. Our focus on personal service and customized menu options continues to place The RK Group above the rest.
Since 1987, South by Southwest – SXSW, for short – has been a leader in the conference, trade show, and festival industry. Best known for their internationally-acclaimed events for the Music, Film, and Interactive Technology industries their recent conferences on education (SXSW Edu) and sustainability (SXSW Eco) have been praised for bringing SXSW’s spirit and philosophy to new fields.
In its 42nd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers by providing a reliable product with exemplary customer service. Including wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, the company now serves 103 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, six near-international countries and employs more than 46,000 people.
Suzanne Deal Booth and David G. Booth Foundation is a nonpartisan, private foundation based in Austin, with a worldwide focus on educational, cultural and artistic philanthropy. It seeks to create positive change through higher education, embracing cultural heritage and promoting artistic vision.
Texas Construction Association is a membership organization for construction subcontractors and suppliers throughout the state, dedicated to creating and maintaining a vibrant and prosperous business climate within the Texas construction industry. TCA promotes constructive legislative changes on issues important to the construction industry.
Since 1973, Texas Monthly has chronicled life in contemporary Texas, reporting on vital issues such as politics, the environment, industry, and education. As a leisure guide, Texas Monthly continues to be the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering music, the arts, travel, restaurants, museums, and cultural events with its insightful recommendations. Above all, Texas Monthly provides its readers with a magazine of the highest editorial quality, a standard that has earned Texas Monthly 11 National Magazine Awards and 60 nominations.
Texas Natural Gas Now (TNGN) is an online initiative that is bringing together a community of Texans to discuss issues important to all of us – the economy, job creation, cleaner air, and ensuring affordable energy for our children and grandchildren.
Texas Performing Arts presents an international season of music, theatre, dance, and conversation in our multiple venues, as well as the best in touring Broadway productions and concert attractions. As a university-based arts center it is also committed to serving the academic mission of the College of Fine Arts by supporting the work of our students, faculty and staff on our stages, classrooms and studios.
The Center for Politics and Governance at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs is dedicated to producing leaders and ideas to improve the political process and governance. Through innovative teaching, research, programming and focused initiatives that combine academics and the real-world, the Center offers solutions to the most pressing federal, state and local policy issues.
The Chocolate Makers Studio specializes in small batch, hand-crafted chocolate confections using only the finest chocolate from Europe and the Americas. Always fresh, always hand made. Sometimes, the only thing you need is chocolate.
The Nature Conservancy works across Texas – and around the globe – to conserve and protect the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our on-the-ground conservation work is guided by science and propelled by partnerships. We achieve lasting results, and strive to create a broad coalition of people who understand a simple truth: conservation makes people’s lives better.
The New York Times Company, a leading global, multimedia news and information company with 2011 revenues of $2.3 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, NYTimes.com, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, About.com and related properties. The Company’s core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.
The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $3.5 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 120,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year.
The Texas Tuition Promise Fund (TTPF) is the state’s tax-free tuition savings plan. Administered by the Texas Comptroller’s office, TTPF allows Texas families to lock in today’s tuition and fees for the benefit of their children tomorrow. With flexible options and plans for every budget, TTPF is the best way to head off the skyrocketing costs of college.
The University of Texas at Austin is a world-class research community tackling society’s greatest issues. With students from every state and more than 100 countries, UT is creating the next generation of leaders who will make an impact in Texas and around the world.
The University of Texas Press, founded in 1950, is a scholarly publisher that is a part of the University of Texas at Austin. Its mission is to advance and disseminate knowledge through the publication of books and journals, and through electronic media. It also has a special obligation to the people of Texas to publish authoritative and informative books on the state and region.
UnitedHealthcare is an operating division of UnitedHealth Group, the largest single health carrier in the United States. Our family of companies delivers innovative products and services to approximately 70 million Americans. UnitedHealthcare's nationwide network includes 691,095 physicians and health care professionals, 80,000 dentists and 5,554 hospitals.
Vianovo is a boutique management consultancy that works at the intersection of business, policy, and politics. We help companies and causes position their brands, win public policy debates, navigate crises, and develop new business.