In this issue
SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER 
Monthly News
Monthly News
Dear TLEC Members,
This month, we’re celebrating powerful wins for Texas small businesses and the live events industry - proof that our collective voice is being heard. From reducing red tape and securing major tax relief, to keeping health care costs in check, these victories reflect the impact of strong advocacy and member engagement.
At Last, We Have a Voice - And It’s Working!
We are proud to share exciting progress in our 501(c)(6) lobbying efforts with the Texas Legislature. Our organization, an all-volunteer army, came together in the depths of COVID-19 to serve as the political voice for the live events industry. When it was illegal to work, we discovered that live events professionals did not have a seat at the table.
Now, thanks to your support and hard work, we do - and we are making a difference!
In just a few short years, we have accomplished remarkable milestones. During our first Texas Legislative Session, we established three key objectives to champion the needs of our industry. One of our top priorities was the Texas Travel Industry Bill, designed to secure grants for live events businesses forced to shut down during the pandemic. Our advocacy helped bring much-needed attention and support to these critical businesses.
We also worked diligently to advocate for cuts to the inventory tax, a burden on many in our field. Through two legislative sessions, our efforts paid off with a significant increase in the minimum tax threshold for the Texas Personal Property Tax. This victory lightens the tax load for countless live event professionals and businesses across the state.
While there is still more work to be done, our collective voice is stronger than ever. We are grateful for your continued support and commitment as we strive to protect and promote the live events industry in Texas.
Stay tuned for more updates on our legislative efforts and how you can get involved!
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.
Special Invitation – Be Our Guest at PartyFest 2025!
The Texas Live Events Coalition is excited to invite you to PartyFest Extravaganza 2025, the ultimate showcase of party and event suppliers in the DFW metroplex! Register online using promo code PF25 to attend this invitation-only event. Don’t miss this chance to network with top event planners and discover the latest innovations in the live events industry.
Celebrating 5 Years Together – A Gift for You
This month also marks a milestone for TLEC – our 5-year anniversary!
We want to take a moment to thank every member who has stood with us through advocacy wins, industry challenges, and our continued mission to give Texas live event professionals a voice.
As our way of saying thank you: If you’ve been supporting us these past five years, you’ll receive one year of free membership.
We are deeply grateful for your commitment and look forward to celebrating many more years of progress together.
Next steps - GET INVOLVED WITH TLEC!
There are always new opportunities and challenges on the horizon, and so your ongoing support is critical. Please invest in our continued success by joining TLEC as an individual or corporate member.
Join us as we ensure the Texas Live Events Industry remains strong! CLICK HERE
Special thanks to TLEC sponsors!
Diamond Partner: SITE Texas, ACCESS
Gold Partner: Shag Carpet, G Texas
Silver Partner: Artisan Oddities Entertainment, Hello! Texas DMC, Sparks Agency, Ultimate Ventures
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.
