The LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Department of Information Resources are pleased to offer you the opportunity to participate in Executive Leadership for Information Technology Excellence (ELITE). This is a unique executive leadership program only held once every two years. Our next offering will be in March and April 2026.
The purpose of this executive program (two sessions of 3-1/2 days each) is to develop the executive competencies needed for leadership roles in information technology. Topics and speakers were identified based on feedback from focus groups of IT professionals and state agency CEOs.
Week #1: March 3 – 6, 2026
Week #2: April 14 – 17, 2026
Eligibility
Individuals must be nominated by their Executive Director, University President, or the Chief Information Officer of their agencies and universities. To nominate someone please complete form.
Nominations are due by February 13, 2026 and participants will be notified of their acceptance by February 23.
Where
The 2026 ELITE Program will be held at DoubleTree by Hilton Austin Northwest Aboretum Hotel in Austin, 8901 Business Park Drive, Austin, TX 78759.
Week One: Please make your hotel reservations by Thursday, February 26, 2026, to receive the group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability. Reservations may be made by calling (512) 343-0888 referring to the front desk and ELITE Program, or by using this link.
Week Two: Please make your hotel reservations by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to receive the group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability. Reservations may be made by calling (512) 343-0888 referring to the front desk and ELITE Program, or by using this link.
Tuition
Tuition is $3500. Tuition includes all program-related costs, instructional materials, most breakfasts and lunches and some networking events. It does NOT include lodging, per diem, or travel costs.
2026 topics include:
- Executive Perspectives
- Texas Government 101: Legislative Budget Process
- IT Leaders and the DIR Intersect
- Effective Communication
- Executive Decision Making
- IT Strategic Planning and Modernization
- The Engaging Leader
- Texas Data Management
- Evolving Role of the CIO
- Attracting, Retaining, and Leading the IT Workforce of Tomorrow
- Project Management and QAT
- Generative AI and Emerging Technologies
- The Pivotal Role of Leadership for your Accessibility Program
- Legislative Communications
- The IT Leader's Role in Procurement
- Cybersecurity and the IT Leader