
FEBRUARY 2026
Practical Education, Upcoming Events & Highlights from Across the Industry
When a Calendar Invite Becomes a Cyber Weapon
Genady Vishnevetsky | February 2026
You probably accept dozens of calendar invites every week without a second thought. But what if one of them could quietly turn your AI assistant into a data leak? Researchers recently demonstrated how a routine calendar invitation was used to manipulate Google Gemini into exposing private meeting details.
In this latest Security Insights, Genady Vishnevetsky, Chief Information Security Officer at Stewart Title Guaranty Company, breaks down how the attack worked, why it matters for title professionals, and the practical steps you should take now to safeguard sensitive information in an AI-powered workplace.
Read more »
Registration Now Open for TLTA's Annual Conference & Business Meeting
June 8-10, 2026 | Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa
Join 500+ title professionals at the TLTA Annual Conference & Business Meeting — three days of education, connection, and industry leadership at the stunning Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa. This annual gathering brings together agents, underwriters, attorneys, and industry partners for the discussions that shape what’s next for the Texas title industry. You’ll leave with practical takeaways, stronger relationships, and a clearer read on the issues impacting your business right now.

Conference Highlights:
Impactful general sessions and timely education led by respected industry voices
Championship-level TLTA Golf Tournament at Omni PGA Frisco
High-value networking in the Sponsor Marketplace
President’s Evening, live TLTAPAC auction, and a new After-Party experience designed for connection and conversation

View registration options and make plans to join us in Frisco »
Share your gratitude with the industry stalwarts who make this event possible - our 2026 Conference Sponsors!
Ready to be part of the sponsorship team? Please contact Josh Meeks.
Title Tip: Why a Seller’s Marital Status Matters at Closing
Mindy Hallford, CTIP | TLTA Education Committee Member
We’re back with another Title Tip, our monthly video series offering quick, complimentary education from experienced title professionals across Texas. In this
month's Title Tip, Mindy Hallford, CTIP breaks down why a seller’s marital status is a critical issue in Texas real estate transactions — even when only one spouse appears in the chain of title.
Mindy explains how Texas homestead laws affect required signatures, common misconceptions sellers have at the closing table, and practical steps title professionals can take to avoid last-minute delays.
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Watch this month’s Title Tip video here and stay tuned for more insights in our next installment.
Looking to revisit our past installments of the Title Tips Series?
Visit the Title Tips Section in TLTA's
Online Learning Center here.
This information is being provided by TLTA for educational and reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or business advice from or on behalf of TLTA. Users should consult their own legal counsel and subject-matter experts to ensure that any policies adopted or actions taken meet the requirements unique to their company.
In Memoriam: TLTA Mourns the Passing of Jack Rattikin III
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Jack Rattikin III, who died on February 9, 2026.
Jack was a devoted leader in the title industry and served with distinction on both the state and national levels. As the third generation to serve as President and CEO of Rattikin Title and President of both TLTA and ALTA, he carried forward a family legacy of service, helping to preserve and protect the future of the industry he loved.

Throughout his years of involvement with TLTA, Jack generously gave his time and leadership in many roles, including service on the Education Committee, Regulatory Committee, Nominating Committee, Federal Issues Committee, Finance Committee, and the TLTAPAC Board of Directors. He served as TLTA President from 2002–2003. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to TLTA, he was named Title Man of the Year in 2005. Jack also served for many years on the American Land Title Association Board of Directors and as their President during the 2022–2023 term.
Jack’s leadership, dedication, and friendship left a lasting mark on TLTA and on the many people fortunate enough to work alongside him. He was loved and respected by his title industry friends and colleagues, and he will be deeply missed.
Read Jack’s obituary »
Industry Leader Bruce Goldston Retires After Decades of Service
After decades of service to the Texas title industry, Bruce Goldston is retiring from his role as Vice President and Underwriting Counsel at Texan Title Insurance Company.

Bruce’s career has been marked by steady leadership, deep industry knowledge, and a longstanding commitment to supporting title professionals across Texas. In addition to his professional work, he has been a dedicated and generous volunteer for TLTA, serving on the Legislative, Regulatory, and Judiciary Committees and contributing his insight to some of the industry’s most important policy discussions.
We thank Bruce for his years of service to the industry and to TLTA, and we wish him the very best in his retirement.
Read the company's press release »
In Memoriam: TLTA Mourns the Passing of Carl Bedgood
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Carl Bedgood who died on January 28, 2026.
Carl earned his degree in criminal justice from Southwest Texas State University and began his professional career with the Austin Police Department in the 1970s. While serving in law enforcement, he attended law school and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law.

He began his legal career as a prosecutor in Galveston before transitioning into the oil and gas industry as an examiner. Carl later co-founded Bedgood Abstract & Title Co. alongside his wife, Laura, building a respected presence in the title community.
A dedicated and longtime member of TLTA, Carl contributed his time to multiple committees and was a devoted attendee of Texas Land Title Institute, participating in the program more than 20 times throughout his career.
Read Carl’s obituary »
Texan Title Welcomes Lisa Beville as VP, Underwriting Counsel & Director of Education
Texan Title Insurance Company (TTIC) announces that Lisa Beville has joined the company as VP, Underwriting Counsel & Director of Education.

Read the company's press release »
ICYMI: Showcase Your TLTA Membership
Updated 2026 Member Email Signature Graphic Available!
We’re excited to share the updated 2026 TLTA Member Email Signature Graphic—a simple, professional way to show your support for the title industry and your commitment to protecting Texans’ property rights.
Adding the graphic to your email signature signals your connection to TLTA, your engagement with the industry, and your dedication to staying informed and involved. It’s a small touch that makes a meaningful statement with every message you send. Let every email you send reflect your investment in our association's mission.
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Save the image above or click here to access the graphic and step-by-step instructions for adding it to your signature.