SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2027 · MOODY GARDENS, GALVESTON

Make Space for Reading Conference

A full day of ideas, books, and hands-on learning at Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston 77554.

Two events happen that day, and each one has its own sign-up. Pick the one that matches where you work.

WORK AT A CHILD CARE CENTER?

Child Care Conference

For child care teachers, directors, and staff who work with infants through Pre-K4.

5 clock hours · 7:30 AM–2:30 PM · Donation-based tickets

Child care: sign up

TEACH K–8 AT A SCHOOL?

K-8 Teacher Workshop

For school teachers of kindergarten through 8th grade.

Work in child care? This is not your sign-up. Please use the Child Care Conference.

K-8 teachers: sign up

PROGRAM

The full conference program is coming soon. Check back here for sessions and times.

Want to present? Submit a proposal by 11:59 PM on Friday, December 11, 2026. Want to sponsor? See the sponsorship levels.

Sponsorship levels (PDF)

Submit a proposal (RFP)

LUNCHTIME KEYNOTE

Tom Wilbeck of Tom’s Fun Band

Tom writes and plays songs for children ages 2 to 8. He started Tom’s Fun Band in 2007 and plays more than 100 shows a year across Southeast Texas.

He is also a therapist and public speaker. Bring your singing voice to lunch.

Meet Tom’s Fun Band

Tom Wilbeck of Tom's Fun Band sitting on a stool and playing an acoustic guitar

Cartoon astronaut and green alien surfing together through space

DRESS-UP THEME

Aliens vs. Astronauts

Pick a side and dress the part. Come as an alien or an astronaut.

The side with the most people dressed up wins a special prize.

Which side are you on?

PLAN YOUR DAY

Getting there

Where: Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX 77554

When: Saturday, April 17, 2027, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Check-in: Opens at 7:30 AM outside the Floral Ballroom.

Parking: Free, in the parking garage.

Staying the night? Call Moody Gardens directly to book a room at the reduced conference rate.

Map: Click or tap the map to make it bigger.

Map of Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center showing the hotel check-in, the convention center parking garage, and the route to the Floral Ballroom on the second floor

GOOD TO KNOW

Questions people ask

Which sign-up is mine?

If you work at a child care center with infants through Pre-K4, sign up for the Child Care Conference. This includes teachers, directors, and staff.

If you teach kindergarten through 8th grade at a school, sign up for the K-8 Teacher Workshop.

How do tickets work?

Child Care Conference: you get your ticket when you make a donation. Give what you can. Donations are not refundable.

K-8 Teacher Workshop: free for K-8 teachers.

Will I get clock hours?

Yes. The Child Care Conference gives 5 clock hours. Certificates come through TECPDS. Make a free account at www.TECPDS.org and bring your TECPDS number. Stay the full day to earn your certificate.

Are there sessions in Spanish?

Yes. There will be a track for Spanish speakers.

Is food included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Do I get books?

Yes. Everyone takes home books.

Still have a question?

Email Musick@SMARTFamilyLiteracy.org.