Economic Impact Forum: The Power of Sports in Fort Worth

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED

Join us for the first Economic Impact Forum of 2026, where we explore how sports shape our economy today and what’s on the horizon for one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities.

Fort Worth’s sports legacy is more than tradition—it’s economic momentum. As our city continues to grow, compete, and welcome global audiences, the influence of sports on local business, tourism, and community vitality has never been stronger.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A Conversation with the Leaders of Fort Worth’s Equestrian & Rodeo Ecosystem

• Lauren Lovelace Murray, Executive Vice President, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
• Tim Long, General Manager, Cowtown Coliseum 
• Emily Konkel, Executive Director, National Reined Cow Horse Association
• Kurt Crawford, Interim Chief Executive Officer, American Paint Horse Association 

• The economic influence of equestrian and rodeo events
• How Western sports drive tourism, hospitality, and local business activity
• The expanding national footprint of Fort Worth’s sports culture

And don’t forget the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, which begins the next day after this event.

FIFA World Cup^TM  2026: Preparing for the Global Stage

• Regional World Cup preparations
• Anticipated economic impacts
• Their new business toolkit designed to help Fort Worth companies maximize visibility, foot traffic, and opportunities during this historic moment

NEW! Big-League Sports, Local Impact

Rounding out the program, we’ll feature a conversation between Matt Homan, General Manager of Dickies Arena, and Ethan Casson, President of the Dallas Mavericks.

Following the Mavericks’ highly promoted preseason game hosted at Dickies Arena in October 2025, this conversation will explore what it means for a major professional sports franchise to bring games beyond its home venue and into Fort Worth. Together, Homan and Casson will share perspective on venue partnerships, regional reach, and the economic ripple effects that major sporting events can create for arenas, surrounding businesses, and the city as a whole.

This candid discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how collaboration across cities and organizations drives opportunity — and why Fort Worth continues to be a compelling destination for marquee sports moments.