Press Release: 2026 CTE Conference
Greetings Media Partners!
We invite you to cover an important educator event on June 18 at the Starlight Event Center in El Paso.
While students are on summer break, hundreds of dedicated teachers and administrators from across the region are spending their time off learning, growing, and connecting with national industry leaders—including AI innovators—to better prepare their students for the careers of tomorrow.
We appreciate your support in highlighting the outstanding work our local educators do year-round.
The best of the best are right here in El Paso, Texas—and this conference is a powerful reminder of their commitment to excellence.
Fantastic opportunities throughout the event, 8AM-3:30PM to capture interviews and b-roll footage.
A Conference Focused on the Workforce of Tomorrow
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 CTE Summer Conference will feature:
- Engaging mainstage presentations
- Targeted breakout sessions
- Opportunities for professional learning and networking
- Practical strategies educators can immediately apply in classrooms and CTE programs
Sessions will address emerging workforce trends, technology integration, and instructional practices that support student success across career pathways.
ESC Region 19 Hosts 2026 Career & Technical Education Summer Conference Featuring National AI and Workforce Leader Rachel Mann
El Paso, Texas (March 2026) – Education Service Center Region 19 (ESC19) will host its 2026 Career and Technical Education Summer Conference on June 18, 2026, at the Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive, in El Paso.
The conference, scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will bring together Career and Technical Education teachers, counselors, administrators and workforce partners to focus on preparing students for an evolving workforce influenced by emerging technologies.
The keynote speaker will be Rachel Mann, a nationally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, education and workforce development.
Mann is the executive director of NCLA, host of an education and technology podcast, and the author of six books, including “Pack Your Bags for an AI-Driven Future.” She has developed university‑level artificial intelligence courses and created three AI micro‑credentials for the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
“Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we work, live and learn,” Mann said. “Educators play a critical role in helping students understand that shift and preparing them with skills that will remain relevant in the future workforce.”
ESC19 officials said the annual conference emphasizes direct connections between education and industry.
“As we prepare students for careers that may not yet exist, it’s essential that educators have access to real‑world perspectives and emerging workforce trends,” said Dr. Angelica Haro, Director of Information and Instructional Technology at ESC19. “This conference helps bridge that gap by connecting classroom instruction with industry innovation.”
Conference organizer Dr. Oscar Carrera, ESC19 Education Professional Consultant, said the event is designed to move beyond awareness and toward practical application.
“We cannot afford to wait for change to happen around us,” Carrera said. “Our goal is to ensure educators are not only informed about artificial intelligence and workforce shifts, but confident in using practical strategies they can apply immediately in their classrooms and CTE programs.”
The conference will feature main‑stage presentations, breakout sessions and professional learning opportunities focused on workforce readiness, instructional innovation and industry alignment.
Registration Information
The conference is open to educators and education professionals.
Media & Contact Information
Members of the media interested in attending or covering the event are encouraged to reach out in advance.
Media Contacts:
Dr. Oscar Carrera
ESC19 Professional Development Consultant
915-780-6522
Sandra Valladolid
ESC19 Marketing & Media Services Coordinator
915-780-5074