Program Overview

ExxonMobil is proud to offer this customized Enhanced P&GA Communications and Advocacy Skills Training program, created in partnership with Texas Executive Education.  Dr. R. Britt Freund from the University of Texas at Austin, along with several experts in the field of communications, are part of the teaching staff that will lead this fast­ paced, high-intensity program designed to help refine and improve your advocacy skills. Dr. Freund is Director of the Project Management Consortium at the McCombs School of Business, and is uniquely qualified to lead this program.

This 5-day in-residence program includes strategy and communication discussions and then launches you into a series of simulations with real-time role-playing sessions where you and your team members will manage a project from entry to operations. The desired outcome is for every participant to test their skills and find ways to think differently in order to drive change through advocacy. You will combine efforts to strategize and then influence the stakeholders in one-on­-one interactions and then receive immediate feedback on your effectiveness.

Those attending the program will spend time discussing and improving their skills in the following areas:

  • Working in teams to identify and prioritize the issues
  • Test your ability to communicate and effectively advocate for ExxonMobil
  • Try new approaches in a safe environment where learning and improvement is the focus

Our P&GA team will work together to practice and improve your current communications skills – including listening – so we are well prepared when reaching out to key opinion leaders and audiences.

Your attendance at the 5-day in-residence program is required for the entire course, including arrival Sunday, February 16, 2025, and staying on-site at the resort hotel throughout the program. Your hotel accommodations have been made on your behalf. You can find details in the Registration section. Attire for the program is business casual.

On this website, you will find important information regarding the program content, schedule, and special activities we are planning. Please complete the following steps so that you are fully prepared:

  • Register for the program
  • Complete pre-program requirements
  • Review schedule

On behalf of the faculty and staff involved, I welcome you to this exciting program.

Cordially,

Gaylen Paulson, Ph.D.

Associate Dean and Director, Texas Executive Education

McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin

Schedule

The agenda includes late evening team activities and networking functions for all program participants.
Pre-Program Requirements

The following items are required prior to start of the program.

Pre-Program Survey Questions

In preparation for our program, we would appreciate you taking this survey (approximately 10 minutes to complete) to help inform our planning, insights, and delivery. The external link is secure and the information you provide is strictly confidential.

Take Survey

Pre-Program Reading Materials

Talking Points for External Engagements 4.15 (Draft): Download Document

P&GA Lithium Fact Sheet 3.0 (Draft): Download Document

Energy Park Opportunity: Download Document

Atlantea Case: Download Document

Pre-Program Participant Call

Please be on the lookout for a calendar invite from ExxonMobil P&GA to join a participant call. The calls will take place as listed below. You will not need to join both calls but it is mandatory to join one or the other.

  • First Call: February 10 at 10:00 am CST
  • Second Call: February 10 at 6:30 pm CST

Stakeholder Background Information

Registration

Program Details

  • Dates: Monday, February 17, 2025 (8:30 am start) – Friday, February 21, 2025 (9:45 am)
  • Location: The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Houston Texas
  • Travel: Please use ExxonMobil Travel Services to make your arrangements

In-Residence and Cancellation

This is an in-residence program, which means all participants are required to stay on property at the hotel. Anyone unwilling or unable to stay at the on-site hotel for the entire 5-day program must secure an exception and written approval from P&GA (Neely Nelson). Also, if you cancel your participation less than 10 days from the program start date, you will receive a cancellation charge to your cost center of the full program tuition.

Privacy Policy

In registering for this course, The University of Texas at Austin will be collecting personal information from you including your name and email address. We use this personal information for communications and to help us successfully provide for you during your stay. We also share your name and the background information with the program instructors involved with the course to assist them in understanding your level of expertise in particular subject areas. The University of Texas at Austin will protect this data consistent with applicable policies and laws. Your disclosure of this information is voluntary. Some or all parts of this training program may be photographed, recorded and/or videotaped for internal training purposes.

Hotel Accommodations

Your hotel accommodations have been made on your behalf. Check-in will be Sunday, February 16, 2025, and check-out will be Friday, February 25, 2025. You will need to make your own arrangements for dates outside of the course dates previously listed. Please refer to the check-in and check-out times on the Accommodations and Maps section, and use your company-issued travel card to pay for hotel and room charges. Dinner will be provided when there is a program sponsored event. All meals and personal hotel charges will be billed to your company-issued credit card.

The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
Accommodations during your stay in Houston will be provided by The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. Click the link below to visit the resort's website and learn more.
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Accommodations
Accommodations and Maps

The Woodland Resort and Conference Center

2301 N Millbend Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380  |  Google Maps

Check-In: Sunday Evening, Check-Out: Friday Morning (prior to class)

Directions

From Bush Intercontinental Airport

Take 1-45 North or Hardy Toll Road North to Woodlands Parkway (Exit 76B). Follow Woodlands Parkway to Grogan’s Mill Road. Watch for The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center signs. Stay in the right lane exiting at Grogan’s Mill Drive. At traffic light turn LEFT and continue to North Millbend Drive and make a RIGHT. The entrance to the resort is immediately following on the LEFT.

From Points North

Take 1-45 South to Robinson Road/Woodlands Parkway (Exit 76), which will bring you to The Woodlands. Turn right onto Woodlands Parkway. Watch for The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center signs. Stay in right lane exiting at Grogan’s Mill Road. At the traffic light turn LEFT and continue to North Millbend Drive and make a RIGHT. The entrance to the resort is immediately following on the LEFT.

From Points South

Coming from 610, 59 or Beltway 8, take 1-45 North to Woodlands Parkway (Exit 76B). Follow Woodlands Parkway to Grogan’s Mill Road. Watch for The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center signs. Stay in right lane exiting at Grogan’s Mill Drive. At the traffic light, turn LEFT and continue to North Millbend Drive, and make a RIGHT. The entrance to the resort is immediately following on the LEFT.

Contact Information

Dasha Khalizova, Sr. Program Coordinator, Texas Executive Education

Cell: (512) 293-4620  |  dasha.khalizova@mccombs.utexas.edu

 

Ashley Toscano, Custom Programs Administrator, Texas Executive Education

Cell: (512) 781-0054  |  ashley.toscano@mccombs.utexas.edu

 

Lynn Slattery, Director, Texas Executive Education

Phone: (512) 586-5485  |   lynn.slattery@mccombs.utexas.edu

 

The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center

2301 North Millbend Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380

(888) 692-5268  |   Website