In this issue
Archives
July Update: Advocacy Wins, GMID Highlights & Industry News
Monthly News
In This Issue
Here's what you'll find in this month's TLEC newsletter:
- Government Affairs Updates
- GMID 2026 Recap
- PartyFest 2026
- Thank You, Linsey
- Sponsor Spotlight
- Free Membership Offer
- Get Involved with TLEC
Dear TLEC Members,
As we move into the second half of 2026, we are excited to share important updates that continue to strengthen the Texas live events industry. From legislative victories impacting businesses across the state to celebrating our industry's collaboration and advocacy efforts, TLEC remains committed to ensuring that live events professionals have a strong voice in Texas.
This month, we're highlighting important government affairs updates, celebrating another successful Global Meetings Industry Day, looking ahead to PartyFest 2026, recognizing an incredible industry leader, and thanking those who continue to support our mission.
Together, we are building a stronger future for live events in Texas.
Government Affairs Updates
Texas Mobile Food Vendor License Update
NFIB Advocacy Updates
Our advocacy partners at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) continue securing important wins for small businesses nationwide.
Recent developments include:
- Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Repeal: Federal requirements surrounding BOI reporting have been significantly rolled back, reducing compliance burdens for many small businesses.
- Credit Card Swipe Fee Reform: The conversation surrounding excessive credit card swipe fees has officially moved to the federal level. NFIB continues advocating for greater transparency and fairness to help reduce costs for small businesses across the country.
- To learn more, visit the website below:
www.txcreditcardtruth.com
TLEC will continue monitoring these issues and providing updates as legislation develops.
- To learn more, visit the website below:
Legislative Victories
Cutting Red-Tape for Small Businesses
Earlier this year, NFIB State Director Jeff Burdett was named co-chair of the Small Business Freedom Council, created by Governor Greg Abbott to review government efficiency for Texas businesses. In March, the Council released a report detailing key recommendations to enhance Texas’s business environment. In April, Governor Abbott signed SB 14, establishing the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, making it easier to run a small business in our state.
Securing Much-Needed Inventory Tax Relief
After years of advocacy, NFIB led the effort to raise the business personal property tax (also known as the “inventory tax”) exemption from $2,500 to $125,000. This tax applies to inventory, furniture, machinery, supplies, and more - regardless of whether a business nets a profit. Governor Abbott signed the bill on June 12, and it will go to voters in November.
Addressing the Cost of Health Insurance
For nearly four decades, small businesses have identified health insurance costs as their top long-term challenge. NFIB endorsed bills by Sen. Paul Bettencourt and Rep. Dennis Paul to improve transparency in state health care mandates. HB 138 creates a process to estimate the impact of proposed legislation on the cost of private health coverage.
Global Meetings Industry Day 2026
Led by the Events Industry Council, Global Meetings Industry Day is an international celebration recognizing the significant economic and social impact of the meetings and events industry. Each year, planners and suppliers around the world come together to celebrate the profession while advocating for live events.
For the past several years, the Texas Live Events Coalition has proudly organized the North Texas Global Meetings Industry Day celebration. This year's program featured an outstanding panel of destination leaders, including Chad Enloe with Arlington CVB, Jana Hofer with Visit Dallas, Melanie Hoover with Visit Fort Worth, Christina Decker, CMP, HMCC, CGTP with Visit Frisco, and Aaron Werner with Visit McKinney. Together, they shared insights on upcoming developments in their destinations, preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup, strategies for strengthening collaboration between event professionals and municipalities, and their perspectives on the future of the meetings and events industry.
The Texas Live Events Coalition extends its sincere appreciation to our event sponsors - Ten10 Events, DFW Bartending, Paramount Fresh Catering, Inkredible Sounds, Pink Light Images/ Weirdo Weddings Photography, and Big D Party Rentals. Together, we are strengthening the future of the Texas Live Events industry.
PartyFest 2026 – Join Us July 29!
The event also highlights the strength of the North Texas events community, bringing together professionals from organizations such as the Texas Live Events Coalition which you can visit in Booth #234 to learn more about our cause. Be sure to stay for the trends panel discussion, moderated by Texas Live Events Coalition President, Paige Mejia, at 1:30 PM on the Main Stage. Whether attendees are planning meetings, weddings, festivals, corporate celebrations, or community events, PartyFest continues to be a place where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and the next generation of unforgettable events begins.
Honoring Linsey Lindberg as She Steps Down from the TLEC Board
With more than 25 years of experience in performing, producing, teaching, and business ownership, Linsey Lindberg is a creative visionary committed to elevating entertainment in Texas through large-scale live events across the state, and beyond.
Linsey is well known for her alter ego Mama Lou: Strong Woman, a fierce and empowering performance character. Featured in numerous national and international magazines, named to More Magazine’s inaugural Top 50 Fierce Women List, Linsey achieved 5 Guinness World Records for performing her feats of strength and was a sought-after performer internationally for over a decade.
In her role as owner of Artisan Oddities Entertainment, Linsey grew the operation from a backyard shed to one of the largest entertainment agencies of its kind in the state of Texas. With over 30 industry awards for Best Event Entertainment and the 2026 recipient of the SBA's Small Woman Owned Business of the Year award, Artisan Oddities is “everything you never imagined”.
Dedicated to industry advocacy, Linsey served for five years as the Director of State Governmental Affairs for the Texas Live Events Coalition. Beyond her business achievements, Linsey actively gives back as a Bexar County Master Gardener, supports tree conservation through the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and taught advanced sewing to refugees through the San Antonio Refugee Services Center.
The Texas Live Events Coalition extends its heartfelt gratitude to Linsey for her years of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the live events industry. Her passion, vision, and advocacy have helped shape our organization and strengthen the voice of event professionals across Texas. We wish Linsey continued success in all of her future endeavors and know her impact on our industry will be felt for years to come. As Linsey begins this next chapter, TLEC is now seeking a new Director of Governmental Affairs to continue advancing our legislative priorities and representing the interests of Texas live events professionals. If you are passionate about advocacy and helping shape the future of our industry, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about this leadership opportunity.
Thank You to Our DIAMOND Partner, SITE Texas!
The Texas Live Events Coalition would like to recognize SITE Texas for its continued partnership and generous sponsorship. Their ongoing support allows TLEC to continue advocating for Texas live events professionals while expanding educational opportunities, legislative outreach, and industry collaboration.
Strong partnerships like SITE Texas make it possible for our organization to continue serving as the voice of the Texas live events industry, and we are truly grateful for their commitment to our mission.
SITE Texas recently launched a newly updated website, and we encourage our members to visit it to learn more about their programs, leadership, scholarships, awards, and upcoming opportunities to connect with incentive travel professionals across Texas.
- Visit their newly updated website by visiting the link below:
Celebrating Our Anniversary with Complimentary Membership
To celebrate this milestone, TLEC is extending complimentary membership to everyone in our current database. Our goal is to broaden engagement, strengthen our coalition, and ensure more live events professionals across Texas are connected to the advocacy work being done on behalf of our industry
Next steps - GET INVOLVED WITH TLEC!
Contact Paige Mejia - [email protected] for partnership opportunities!
Become a Corporate Member Today!
Visit this link to explore our corporate membership levels and join as a sponsor. Your support is vital to funding our lobbying efforts and advocacy campaigns, helping us secure a strong future for live events in Texas.
Together, we can show our legislators the power and unity of Texas’s live events industry. Thank you for your support and commitment to our shared mission.
