All times are subject to change. Times are listed in central time zone. Additional information will be added as it becomes available. Tickets are available via the PWX Registration process. For special events that require preregistration, the links are provided below.
Silent Auction Benefiting Houston-Area Charities
August 30–September 1
Hall C Entrance, George R. Brown Convention Center
About the Charities
Donations to Houston Food Bank and Rebuilding Together Houston fight hunger and help restore safe, healthy homes for families across the community. Every dollar donated goes directly toward supporting neighbors in need and strengthening the Houston region.
Houston Food Bank works to provide food access to individuals and families facing food insecurity, while Rebuilding Together Houston focuses on repairing and revitalizing homes for low income homeowners, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Help us reach our fundraising goal and make a meaningful impact—every contribution counts. Donate here.
How to Participate
Attendees are invited to participate in the silent auction and make donations onsite during PWX. Additional details and donation links will be provided.
See flyer for more information.
Coordinated by the Texas Chapter.
Futures Program
August 30
George R. Brown Convention Center
Register here. Available to college students only.
Coordinated by the Texas Chapter.
First-Timers and New Members Meeting
Sunday, August 30
7:00–8:20 a.m.
If you’re attending PWX for the first time or are a new member, please join us at the First-Timers and New Members Meeting. You’ll hear from APWA’s president and learn how to get the most out of your conference experience, including the various education opportunities and exhibits. In the process, you’ll make some lifelong acquaintances of public works peers from around the world.
Show Floor Happy Hours
Sunday, August 30–Monday, August 31
Reconnect with public works industry colleagues and make new connections during the daily happy hours on the show floor. Enjoy a variety of delicious brews! Check back for booth locations.
Get Acquainted Party
Sunday, August 30
6:00–9:00 p.m.
Stampede Houston
11925 Eastex Fwy A
Houston, Texas 77039
PWX 2026's Get Acquainted Party is the official welcome reception for thousands of public works professionals arriving in Houston—and APWA’s Texas Chapter is providing an authentic Texas experience. Join us for an unforgettable night of barbecue, two-stepping, and more Texas fun at the Get Acquainted Party.
The event will include:
- Rides on a Mechanical Bull
- Cigar Rolling
- A Live Longhorn Photo Experience
- Line Dancing and Texas Two-Step Lessons
- AND MORE!
Wear your favorite country and western attire or your space (NASA) gear!
Shuttles will run from the conference hotels to the venue. Parking at the venue is available.
Access included with full registration, guest/spouse registration, Sunday-only registration, and additional individual tickets purchased for PWX attendees, while supplies last.
19th Annual Blood Drive
Sunday, August 30: 12:00–3:30 p.m. Sign up here.
Monday, August 31: 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Sign up here.
Tuesday, September 1: 9:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Sign up here.
Service in Action: Veterans Care Bag Initiative for Camp Hope
Monday, August 31
8:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
McKinney Balcony, George R. Brown Convention Center
Registration for this event is not required.
About the Initiative
Join us in giving back to the Houston community through a meaningful, hands-on service experience at PWX 2026. The Veterans Care Bag Initiative supports Camp HOPE, an organization that provides interim housing and support programs for veterans and their families recovering from PTSD.
During this event, attendees will assemble care bags filled with both essential and comforting items for veterans. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact while connecting with fellow public works professionals who serve their communities every day.
More information can be found here.
Coordinated by the Texas Chapter.
APWA National Equipment Roadeo
Monday, August 31
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Avenida Plaza, outside George R. Brown Convention Center
Register via the PWX registration process.
Awards and Recognition Ceremony
Monday, August 31
5:00–6:15 p.m.
General Assembly, George R. Brown Convention Center
Young Professionals (YP) Networking Reception
Monday, August 31
6:30–9:00 p.m.
All APWA members aged 35 and younger are invited to attend this year’s YP Networking Reception. Meet and socialize with other public works professionals and learn more about how APWA is attracting young people to the industry and keeping them engaged.
Diversity Brunch
Tuesday, September 1
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Redefining Leadership: Inclusion, Innovation, and Public Works
Public works is evolving and so are the people leading it. The traditional image of a public works director as a veteran engineer is giving way to a new generation of leaders who bring diverse professional backgrounds in planning, finance, operations, law, and environmental management. These alternative paths are redefining what effective public service leadership looks like.
This session will feature a candid conversation with public works directors who took unconventional routes to the top. From navigating technical environments without an engineering degree to leveraging strengths in communication, strategy, and organizational management, these leaders demonstrate that the skills required to lead public works go far beyond design and construction.
Our panel of public works directors will share their experiences, lessons learned, and the unique advantages that come with “not fitting the mold.” Attendees will gain insight into how different perspectives enhance problem solving, team culture, and community trust, as well as how agencies can broaden their talent pipeline to include professionals from a wider range of disciplines.
SC/RC Brunch
Tuesday, September 1
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Start your day with meaningful conversation and connection at the Small City/Rural Communities Brunch. This informal, open forum brings together attendees and committee members to discuss real-world challenges, exchange ideas, and explore innovative solutions for communities serving 50,000 residents or fewer. Whether you're looking to share your experiences or learn from peers, this session is designed to spark collaboration and practical takeaways.
Chapter Dinners
Most chapter dinners will be on Tuesday evening, September 1. Chapter dinner information (that APWA has received) will be available in the APWA Connect app.