By: TFN Staff

One of the highlights of TFN’s 2018 Annual Conference is the chance to network with others working in philanthropy. Join us in Houston for plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle!

Below are just a few events where you can reconnect with friends — and maybe make some new ones. (For the introverts among us, don’t worry: We’ve included some handy icebreakers as well.)

 

Welcome Reception

Hotel ZaZa
Sunday, March 18 | 5:30-7 p.m.

For those of you arriving early, join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the Hotel ZaZa, our venue for TFN’s 2018 Annual Conference, located in Houston’s thriving Museum District.

Need an icebreaker?

 Read 10 Unique Facts About Houston, including the fact that more than 145 languages are spoken in this city.

 

Sunday Night at the Movies

Hotel ZaZa
Sunday, March 18 |
7 p.m.

Stick around after the Welcome Reception for what’s become a favorite kick-off event at our annual conference. Join us for a timely documentary, discussion panel — and plenty of popcorn, pizza and other cinematic refreshments.
(Stay tuned: We’ll be announcing this year’s movie soon.)

Need an Icebreaker?

 Did you know director Wes Anderson is a Houston native? He shot his 1998 film Rushmore at locations around his hometown, including at the Hotel ZaZa (back when it was known as the Warwick.)

 

 

Opening Night Reception

The Rice Hotel being constructed by the Westlake Construction Company on Oct. 14, 1911. This hotel was named after Rice University benefactor William Marsh Rice.

Lawless Spirits and Kitchen
Monday, March 19 |
6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for drinks and appetizers at the Lawless Spirits and Kitchen, located inside the former Rice Hotel.

Need an Icebreaker?

 The Lawless is a boon for history buffs.
When the Rice Hotel was still an actual hotel, the private member Capital Club existed in the current Lawless Kitchen space. Some of Houston’s most famous politicians and business titans spent their time here. (President John F. Kennedy stopped by for a drink on the night before his assassination.)
 While I do share a name with the Lawless in Houston, it’s purely coincidental. But feel free to ask me about the origins of my unusual family name!

The Lawless is a boon for history buffs.
When the Rice Hotel was still an actual hotel, the private member Capital Club existed in the current Lawless Kitchen space. Some of Houston’s most famous politicians and business titans spent their time here. (President John F. Kennedy stopped by for a drink on the night before his assassination.)

 

While the Lawless in Houston does share a name with TFN’s Interim President and CEO Maureen Lawless, it’s purely coincidental. But feel free to ask her about the origins of  her unusual family name!

 

Eat Here! Local Food Reception

Downtown Houston Farmers Market

McGovern Centennial Gardens
Tuesday, March 20 | 6:30-9 p.m.

We’re delighted to again feature our annual Eat Here! event, which showcases local ingredients and local food vendors. This year’s Eat Here! takes place at McGovern Centennial Park. We’re teaming up with Houston-based Urban Harvest, a leader in the local food movement, to curate this signature TFN Annual Conference event.

Need an Icebreaker?

 Located inside the Hermann Park Conservancy, the gardens boast themed outdoor rooms and are home to more than 50 species of trees, 760 hedge shrubs, 55,000 perennial bulbs and 650 azaleas.

Located inside the Hermann Park Conservancy, the gardens boast themed outdoor rooms and are home to more than 50 species of trees, 760 hedge shrubs, 55,000 perennial bulbs and 650 azaleas.

 

PLACES Alumni Gathering

Various Locations
March 18-19

Current and former fellows are invited to join in learning, networking and sharing at the Fourth Annual PLACES Alumni Gathering, which immediately precedes the TFN 2018 Annual Conference.

Check out the Fourth Annual PLACES Alumni Gathering Schedule of Events.

And don’t miss out on the PLACES Read Between the Wines Book Club: Join fellow PLACES alumni at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, for a glass of wine to discuss this year’s book club selection, The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America.

Need an Icebreaker?

 PLACES alum Bina Patel recently offered some tips on the need for self-care and resiliency in equity work. What’s your most effective way to avoid burnout?

PLACES alum Bina Patel recently offered some tips on the need for self-care and resiliency in equity work. What’s your most effective way to avoid burnout?

 

 

And Much More…

Be sure to check out our TFN 2018 Annual Conference webpage for conference updates, lodging and travel information. (And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: #TFNHOUSTON)

Register now and take advantage of our early bird registration!