By Monica Ortale,
Chair of the Local Planning Committee, Houston.
Associate Director for Public Services, The Fred Parks Law Library
South Texas College of Law Houston
The 43rd Annual Course will be in Houston, Texas, and it will highlight a very unique topic … Space Law. The topic is unique, but I know you are asking yourself, “Why should I come to Houston?”
I asked myself the same question years ago and was surprised to find a lush, green, city with a vibrant cultural community, as you can see from the support of the Ballet, Opera, Symphony and Theatre companies.
Houston has many sights and sounds such as the “Level Up Houston” mural (see photo) and the other murals scattered throughout the city. We will learn more about them at the Opening Reception on Sunday, October 19th at the historic Sam Houston Park Heritage Society. Where there will be interactive displays on Houston history and, of course, delicious food.
As you can see on the mural the space industry is a large part of the Houston economy and we will be blasting off on Monday, October 20th, with various topics related to that industry. The local economy is also supported by the 3rd largest U.S. port, and we will hear from their representatives and others as we focus on global trade, supply chains, etc. To finish the day, you will hear from South Texas alum, Joseph Gutheinz, who will relate his experiences going undercover to locate “Hot” rocks of a different genre…space and spies… hmm
Another unique feature is the “Art Cars.” Roadworthy vehicles that you can spot throughout the city or like the one in Terminal A at IAH airport! You don’t have to have seen the TV show “Dallas” to know that the Texas economy is based on the Oil & Gas/Energy industry, which impacts international shipping concerns. In addition, we will hear about new challenges to Foreign Investment created by the changes to the immigration laws
Another of the murals scattered near South Texas and around the downtown area, reflecting the diverse nature of the city.
Houston, with a population of almost 8 million people, includes 146 languages spoken, and over 80 types of ethnic restaurants. From food trucks to Micheline starred restaurants https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/texas/houston_2986624/restaurants?sort=distance
Houston has a ton of options to satisfy your hunger. Look for our dine around options coming soon!
Then there is our very active LGBTQIA+ community in the nearby Montrose area. Take look at their website https://lgbtq.visithoustontexas.com/plan-your-vacation/neighborhoods/montrose/ And join us on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd when South Texas alumn Mitch Katine, attorney in Lawrence v. Texas, speaks about issues relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community.
If concerts are your thing, Australia’s own Keith Urban will be in town – Oct. 11. Additional concerts can be found listed here – https://www.houston-theater.com/dates/2025/10/category/concert Alice Cooper anyone?
For a more classic style of music, the Houston Symphony will be performing Gershwin and Grimaud, Oct. 17-19, and the Houston Grand Opera will be presenting an American classic, Porgy and Bess on Oct. 24.
The Hobby Center will be hosting a production of Broadway’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Oct. 21 – Nov. 2.
Come discover for yourself that IALL will have an amazing, informative program and Houston is a happenin’ place with lots of things to see and do, who knew?
Check out the website at https://iall.org/conf2025/ and register today.
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