The 2025 Texas Production Expo Is Focused on the Future of Texas Filmmaking

On May 22, the film industry will take over the Grapevine Convention Center for this year’s Texas Production Expo (TPE). The annual event showcases the latest film gear and equipment, provides a networking opportunity for industry neophytes and tenured professionals and includes educational workshops and seminars.

TPE is a free, one-day event hosted by the Dallas Producers Association (DPA) and billed as Texas' largest film and video production trade show. DPA President Ian Loomer says it allows people in North Texas — and throughout the state — to get firsthand exposure to film equipment and filmmaking expertise they might otherwise have to find at a showcase in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.

”It’s more than just a conference. It’s a gathering place where artists, technicians and filmmakers can engage with the latest trends, share industry insights and expand their networks,” said Dallas Film Commissioner Katie Schuck in a statement for the event.

This year, TPE is hosting around 45 booths in its exhibit hall, with 70 brands represented across them. At the same time, two rooms will host seminars throughout the day. Some of these will be more like tech demos hosted by exhibitors, while others will, Loomer says, be focused on industry-specific “soft skills.”

”You get to network and connect with people from all over the state and production companies from all over the state,” Loomer says. “You know, 10 years ago it was a smaller show and people would come for a couple hours and leave. Now people are staying all day long, because from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. you can do something.”

The proposed $2.5 billion film industry incentive package that the Texas Senate passed with support from stars like Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson has led to new conversations about filmmaking in Texas. One of the less tech-heavy panels will be focused on the future of film and television in Texas — participants include Fred Poston from the Texas Media Production Alliance, Fort Worth Film Commissioner Taylor Hardy and producer Erin Elizabeth Gardner (The Chosen) participating.

”It’s one of my favorite opportunities to connect with the local community and just make sure they know that we’re a free resource and here to help,” Hardy says.

For years, the Fort Worth Film Commission has worked with recognizable names in the film industry, such as David Lowery and Taylor Sheridan. Hardy says she looks forward to events like TPE as an opportunity to build new relationships and bring more productions to Fort Worth.

”I always meet someone new every time I go,” Hardy says. “So I think part of the excitement is just not knowing what’s going to happen and who’s going to be there and who we might be able to collaborate with next.”

For Loomer, though, TPE is more about building and strengthening communal bonds while celebrating the latest and greatest in film and television equipment than any one presentation or workshop.

”It is for everyone,” says Loomer. “Whether you’re in school, just out of school [or a] seasoned veteran — whether you’re a solopreneur, TikTok content creator [or] if you are part of an internal agency or company or production, we really have something for everyone there.”

TPE is free to attend, but you can RSVP on the DPA’s website for a free “early bird” raffle ticket — because no Expo would be complete without raffles.