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Join the Texas Lyceum for their 2026 Public Conference 
on April 23-25, 2026 hosted in San Antonio, Texas
"Savor the State: Where Hospitality Spurs Prosperity"

 

 
 

 

Schedule

Thursday, April 23rd 
5:30 P.M.

Pope Francis Center

  • Welcome Reception
  • Dinner
  • Fireside Chat 1: "Cultural Roots of Texas Hospitality"
    Speakers:
    • Chef Jorge Luis Hernandez, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Pullman Market
    • Chef Mayank Istwal, Musaafer By The Spice Route Co.
9:00 P.M. Hospitality Suite

Friday, April 24th
8:00 A.M.

Stable Hall

Breakfast
8:20 A.M.
  • Welcome and Session Overview
8:30 A.M.
  • Session 1: "Tacos, Culture, and the Texas Story"
    Moderator: Mando Rayo, Tacos of Texas Podcast and United Tacos of America
9:30 A.M.
  • Fellow Session: "How Statewide Food Truck Reform Reshapes Culture, Power, and Opportunity in Texas"
    Speakers:
    • Sam Hopper, LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin
    • Devarier Smith, LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin
10:00 A.M.
  • Session 2: "Stirring the Pot: Proactive Policy for Texas' Culinary Scene"
    Moderator: Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando, Lyceum Class of 2017
    Speakers:
    • Diego Bernal, Texas State Representative
    • Chef Diego Galicia, Mixtli
    • Kelsey Streufert, Texas Restaurant Association
11:00 A.M.
  • Session 3: "Workforce Policy"
12:00 P.M. Lunch
12:40 P.M.
  • Texas Travel Alliance
    Speaker: Erika Boyd, Texas Travel Alliance
12:50 P.M.
  • "Deep Roots & Wide Horizon: The Past, Present and Future of Texas Wine"
    Speaker: Natalia Velikova, Texas Tech University
1:30 P.M. Break
2:30 P.M.
  • Excursions - More details to come
4:30 P.M. Break
6:00 P.M. Dinner 
7:00 P.M.
  • Best in Texas H-E-B
  • Fireside Chat 2: "Recognized Culinary Success in Texas"
9:00 P.M Hospitality Suite

Saturday, April 25th 
8:00 A.M.

Hotel Emma

Breakfast
9:00 A.M
  • Board Meeting
    Directors and Alumni only