Join us for the
23rd Annual Institute
for Emotional Intelligence
Join leaders, researchers, businesses, educators, students and positive changemakers for 3-day immersive experience designed to transform how you think, lead, and connect — at the beautiful campus of Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, Texas.
Where You Step Away —
To Think and Reflect
Three days designed to slow down, go deep, and reconnect with what actually drives you.
Most professional development asks you to add more — more tools, more frameworks, more to-do's. This institute asks something different: to pause, reflect, and develop the emotional intelligence that makes everything else work better.
Built on the transformative EI research of Darwin Nelson and Gary Low, every session is grounded in skills-based learning you can apply immediately — in leadership, education, relationships, and daily life.
The Schedule Is
Coming Soon
We're putting the finishing touches on a thoughtfully designed 3-day program built for learning, connection, and real-world application. Be the first to know when it drops.
1
Foundations & Big Ideas
Explore the role of Emotional Intelligence in leadership, education, and the modern world.
2
Application & Exploration
Real-world use cases, tools, and interactive discussions that bridge theory and practice.
3
Integration & Action
Turn insight into action with practical strategies you can apply immediately.
Meet Your Speakers
Not just theory — real-world experience from professionals shaping how Emotional Intelligence is applied today.
Share your work with a community of EI practitioners, educators, and leaders. Submit your info below and we'll be in touch.
"Helping Young People Build A Competitive Advantage™ — live and in-person to over 1.5 million people worldwide."
Al Duncan is the Managing Partner for the Universal Training & Testing Academy of America (UTTAA.com). As an internationally recognized authority on soft skills, Al has delivered live, in-person presentations to over 1.5 million students and professionals. His signature Duncan Nuggets® and Duncan's Five Soft Skills Clusters are used by dozens of schools, organizations, and government institutions around the world.
Al is the publisher of DuncanNuggets.com, a resource center packed with free videos, articles, and activities on soft skills development. As a corporate trainer, he has delivered professional development courses at several colleges and universities, including the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development. He has been awarded the National PTA Life Achievement Award and the President's Call to Service Award for his service and outstanding work with at-risk youth.
Know Someone Who
Should Be There?
Download the official Save the Date flier and share it with colleagues, students, and anyone who could benefit from a transformative EI experience.
- Share with your department or organization
- Post it on your socials or in your newsletter
- Print it out and pin it up
Earn Your TEI
Certification
A structured path to recognized credentials in Transformative Emotional Intelligence — available in-person or virtually.
Whether you attend on campus or from anywhere in the world, the TEI Certification is a meaningful credential that demonstrates your commitment to skills-based, person-centered EI practice.
TEI Certification — In-Person
An immersive, hands-on path to TEI Certification — guided by the researchers and practitioners who built the framework.
- Official TEI Certification credential
- Practical EI frameworks you can apply immediately
- Real-world application through guided exercises
- Direct interaction with TEI researchers & practitioners
- Researchers & educators
- Leaders & businesses
- Coaches, consultants & practitioners
TEI Certification — Virtual
Earn your TEI Certification from anywhere — same rigorous curriculum, fully accessible online.
- Confidence and Clarity
- Core EI principles and application strategies
- Structured learning in a flexible online format
- Researchers & educators
- Leaders & businesses
- Coaches, consultants & practitioners
Share Your Work.
Shape the Conference.
Do you work with Emotional Intelligence in leadership, education, research, or community settings? We invite you to submit a program proposal for the 23rd Annual Institute — and bring your expertise to the stage.
Proposals aligned with the PERL skills framework and this year's theme of Hope, Resilience and Growth are especially encouraged.
Choose How You Join
In person or virtually — full experience either way.
All prices include Texas state and local sales and use tax. Government/tax-exempt participants: email contact@TEIConference.org for a tax-free payment link.
- 3 full days on campus
- All sessions & workshops
- Session materials
- Conference certification
- Networking & community
- Live-streamed sessions
- Full digital access
- Session materials
- Conference certification
- Attend from anywhere
Pair in-person attendance with the full EITRI TEI Certification Program. Everything in your in-person registration, plus the complete certification — digital badge, logo, and digital & paper certificates.
Currently enrolled students attend at a reduced rate: $220.00 in-person or $160.00 virtual. Verification required at registration.
Register Attending virtually? Register here →Attendees traveling internationally to join us in Corpus Christi qualify for our reduced 220.00 in-person rate.
Register Attending virtually? Register here →EITRI members receive an additional discount on registration. Reach out and we'll confirm your member rate and eligibility.
Ask About Member Pricing →Full TEI Certification program — $920 standalone. Includes digital badge, logo, and digital & paper certificates. Pair it with in-person attendance via the bundle above to save.
Register Student or international? Register here →Questions? contact@TEIConference.org
All registrations are subject to our refund & cancellation policy.
Transformative Emotional
Intelligence was Born Here
Over 50 years of research, practice, and unwavering belief that emotional intelligence is the most important skill a person can develop.
Texas A&M University–Kingsville
Lifelong best friends since first grade, Gary Low and Darwin Nelson began their research in 1977 — pioneering the skills-based, person-centered framework that became Transformative Emotional Intelligence. Gary co-founded the annual Institute for Emotional Intelligence in 2004 and has spent 50+ years developing TEI theory across schools, universities, and organizations worldwide.
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Partner to the late Dr. Darwin Nelson, Kaye was present at the very beginning — researching emotional intelligence through the lens of marriage and family therapy when Darwin and Gary built their first instrument. As a former professor, she supervised doctoral EI research for decades, and continues to champion the work as Secretary of the TEI Foundation Board.
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
After 28 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Navy, Rick Hammett pursued his doctorate in Educational Leadership — and found his life's calling. Mentored by Drs. Nelson and Low, he co-founded EILS in 2007 and helped establish EITRI as a year-round learning community. After the heartbreaking loss of Dr. Nelson in 2017, Rick founded the TEI Foundation to honor and preserve their 50-year research legacy. He now serves as an advisory board member, championing research-derived, relationship-focused learning and development.
Getting There
Is Easy
Everything you need to arrive stress-free and ready to go.
Conference Room 210
Early Childhood Development Center
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5834
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
- 3 miles to TAMU-CC campus (5–10 min drive, traffic dependent)
- Contracted with TAMU-CC · Base rate $105/night
- Includes breakfast
- Saltgrass Steak House (near walk)
- Chuy's Tex Mex & WhataBurger (4-min drive)
- Andy's Country Kitchen (5-min drive)
- Saltwater Grill (5-min drive)
- P.F. Chang's & Longhorn Steak House — La Palmera Mall (4-min drive)
Real People.
Real Experiences.
From students to scholars — here's what past attendees took away from the Annual Institute.
Although professional and serious, this conference did not lack personality or comfortability. I met a culturally and generationally diverse group of individuals who welcomed all students with open arms. I didn't just gain insight — I gained relationships that made the experience fun and memorable.
I went in expecting to be intimidated and confused, but left feeling at home and enlightened. The diversity of attendees was amazing — from professors to scientists to teachers to students, from America to Africa to India. I cannot recommend the TEI conference enough.
It was truly an enriching experience. The sessions and dialogues were insightful — particularly the emphasis on integrating TEI skills into technology and teams. The connections forged here align closely with my research, and I look forward to continuing these conversations.
Questions?
We've Got You.
Reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.