Houston conference targets singles 40 and over with two-day relationship event

Still Open to Love: The Forty Plus & Flirty Singles Conference is set for Oct. 9-10 in Houston, bringing relationship education, workshops and networking to singles 40 and beyond. Organizers say the event is designed to help attendees build healthier connections and rediscover hope for dating later in life.

Why it matters: - The conference is aimed at singles 40 and older who want practical help with dating, relationships and emotional readiness. - The event is framed as more than a social mixer, with a focus on connection, healing, growth and building healthier relationships later in life. - Organizers say the gathering is designed to meet a need for mature singles who want authentic connection and relationship tools.

What happened: - Still Open to Love: The Forty Plus & Flirty Singles Conference will take place Oct. 9-10, 2026, in Houston. - The event will be held at Christ Worship Center, 15620 Sellers Road, Houston, TX 77060. - The conference runs Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Sharon C. Jenkins, founder of Forty Plus & Flirty, created and hosts the conference. - Coach Ken Canion will headline as keynote speaker.

The details: - The conference is built for singles who are divorced, widowed, never married, newly single, actively dating, taking a break from dating or open to meeting someone special. - The program includes relationship education, personal development, meaningful conversations, dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, networking and fellowship. - The four guiding principles are Connect, Heal, Grow and Build. - Planned topics include healthy relationships, intentional dating, effective communication, emotional wellness, relationship readiness, dating safety, personal growth and building meaningful connections after 40. - Canion is a relationship coach, communications expert and cast member of MTV’s Unfaithful: Caught in the Act. - The conference will also feature relationship professionals, coaches, counselors, matchmakers, authors, faith leaders, entrepreneurs and other experts. - Regular registration costs $147. - Early bird registration is $97, which is a $50 discount. - Space is limited, and organizers are encouraging singles in Houston, nearby communities and beyond to register. - Graphics, photographs, speaker interviews and additional conference and media information are available upon request. - More information is available on the event's Instagram page.

Between the lines: - The move to Houston appears designed to bring the event closer to a community that already supports the conference. - The focus on readiness and personal growth suggests the event is trying to reposition dating for older singles as a skills-based process, not just a search for partners. - The mix of faith leaders, counselors and relationship experts points to an audience that may want both practical and values-based guidance.

What's next: - Registration remains open until the conference sells out. - Attendees can expect speakers, workshops, networking and opportunities to meet other mature singles during the two-day program. - Jenkins says the conference will continue pushing the message that it is never too late for love or a new chapter.