| 2026 agenda |
Dates: Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Conference Location: TTU DFW at 4201 State Hwy 161 ste 250, Irving, TX 75038
Needing hotel accommodations? There are a lot of great hotel options in Irving and near the DFW airport.
Conference Location: TTU DFW at 4201 State Hwy 161 ste 250, Irving, TX 75038
Needing hotel accommodations? There are a lot of great hotel options in Irving and near the DFW airport.
Monday, January 5, 2026
Time |
Event |
Description |
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
Welcome Reception: Hosted by CoMC in partnership with the Texas Tech Alumni Association Vidorra 2959 S State Hwy 161, Grand Prairie, TX 75052 |
Join us as we kick off the 2026 conference, presented in partnership with the Texas Tech Alumni Association! Connect with CoMC alumni, faculty, and fellow communication professionals for an inspiring start to the conference. Enjoy great food and engaging conversation as you prepare for the exciting sessions ahead. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to meet and network with Texas Tech Alumni Association chapter leaders, who will be on hand to share insights and ways to stay involved with the Red Raider community. |
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Time |
Event |
Description |
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. |
Welcome to the 2026 TTU CoMC Career Development Conference! We are so glad you can attend in person. When you arrive, please visit the check-in desk to receive your badge. Following check-in, please help yourself to breakfast before we get started. |
|
8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome Remarks/Goal Setting Workshop |
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9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. |
Morning Keynote |
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9:45 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. |
Break |
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9:55 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. |
Ready to Launch: Lessons, Leaps, & Learning Curves |
Your path after college doesn’t have to be a straight line, and honestly, most great ones aren’t. In this candid panel, alumni share how they carved out their careers through bold choices, unexpected turns, and plenty of self-discovery along the way. From grad school to career changes, entrepreneurship to rejoining old teams with new perspectives, you’ll hear how each experience helped shape their success. Whether you’re still exploring your passions or plotting your next big move, this session will remind you that every step (and misstep) is part of building a career, and a life, that truly fits. |
10:55 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. |
Meet the Panelists / Break & Transition / Incentives Giveaway |
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11:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
Break |
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11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Cracking the Code to Internships & Early Career Success |
What makes a recruiter stop scrolling and say yes to you? In this power-packed session, recruiters and alumni pull back the curtain on what they really look for when hiring interns and entry-level talent. Learn the insider strategies to stand out, communicate your value, and land the role that launches your career. |
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Meet the Panelist/ Break & Grab Lunch / Transition |
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1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. |
Fireside Chat: Social Media Redefined: The Age of Influencers and AI |
The rules of digital storytelling are being rewritten in real time, and if you’re not evolving, you’re invisible. In this unfiltered fireside chat, alumni on the front lines of content, branding, and tech unpack what it really means to stand out in the chaos of algorithms, AI, and endless noise. We’ll dive into the collision of authenticity and automation: how creators, communicators, and brands can stay human while leveraging the most powerful tools of our time. This is more than a conversation about social media; it’s a reality check on what’s next, and how to make sure your voice still cuts through it all. |
1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Break |
|
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
Student Group A: Career Fair and Resume Reviews Student Group B: Speed Networking |
Some of the most powerful career moments start with a single conversation. In this high-energy networking experience, you’ll meet alumni who have been where you are, and who could help shape where you’re going. This isn’t just about swapping business cards; it’s about building real connections that could turn into mentors, collaborators, or even lifelong friends. Every table is a new door, and you never know which one might open the future you’ve been chasing. |
3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. |
Break |
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3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. |
Student Group A: Speed Networking Student Group B: Career Fair and Resume Reviews |
This is where inspiration meets opportunity. The Career Fair isn’t just a room full of employers; it’s a room full of possibilities. Whether you’re searching for an internship, your first big role, or simply exploring what’s out there, this is your chance to make a lasting impression. Talk face-to-face with recruiters, discover companies that align with your values, and get honest feedback on your resume and goals. Every handshake, every question, every interaction could be the start of something bigger than you imagined. Your next step might just be waiting on the other side of the table. |
5:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. |
Closing Remarks & Exit Survey |
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