Keynote Speaker

2027 General Session

Keynote Address: "Social Infrastructure: How to Restore Democratic Culture and Rebuild Civil Society, One Gathering Place at a Time" with Eric Klineberg

Wednesday, February 17, 2026 | 9:00 am-10:30 am |

0.1CEUs
In this talk, Eric Klinenberg will discuss his research on social infrastructure and explain how it can help American communities address today's most urgent and difficult problems.

Participants will learn:

To understand the idea of "social infrastructure" and how it can be deployed to address problems ranging from isolation to distrust.
To identify opportunities, large and small, for advancing local social infrastructure projects in your community.
To learn how social infrastructure is being built into more conventional infrastructure projects, to generate additional benefits.

Closing Keynote "Deep in the Heart: Texas Wildlife Movies with Director Ben Masters" with Ben Masters

Thursday, February 18, 2026 | 3:15 pm- 5:15 pm |

0.1CEUs
Wildlife Filmmaker Ben Masters shares stories about filming Alligator Snapping Turtles in East Texas, Turkeys in the Panhandle, and Mountain Lions in West Texas for Deep in the Heart II: Texas Rivers which was released across Texas with the help of TRAPS members.

Participants will learn:

The best way to witness incredible wildlife behavior... is to spend a lot of time outside!
Nature teaches patience, resilience, and toughness.
Wildlife Films and Outdoor Digital Media is great for conservation education... but nothing is better than getting your hands dirty.

See you in Irving in February 2027! Stay tuned for Institute details.

(512) 267-5550

traps@traps.org