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
Few communities in the world can claim a sports identity as distinct as Fort Worth’s. Our featured panel discussion will be moderated by Pam Minick, acclaimed broadcaster, rodeo champion, and beloved figure in the Western sports world.
Pam will lead a dynamic discussion with these leaders from key equestrian and Western sports organization that call Fort Worth home:
- 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
This panel will explore:
- 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 CupTM 2026: Preparing for the Global Stage
Sports in Fort Worth don’t stop at the arena. With FIFA World CupTM 2026 activities happening nearby, global attention is turning toward North Texas.
Visit Fort Worth will share a forward-looking update on:
- 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.
