Fort Worth leaders are planning a Texas-sized welcome for thousands of Latino business leaders when they arrive in North Texas for a national convention next week.
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will bring about 2,000 people to town for its 2026 national convention Sept. 14-16 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Mayor Mattie Parker will be among the local leaders welcoming the group to the city.
“Fort Worth is now the 10th largest city in the nation, and our strength is built on diversity – with a thriving Hispanic community at the heart of our culture, economy, and future,” Parker said in a statement to the Fort Worth Report. “We’re honored to host the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Fort Worth for its 2026 national conference and are excited for visitors to experience the energy and hospitality that define our city. I’m especially grateful to the Fort Worth Hispanic chamber for its leadership in this opportunity.”
The city hosted the League of United Latin American Citizens national convention earlier this summer.
“Fort Worth is the perfect backdrop for this year’s theme, ‘Unstoppable,’ because the city captures exactly what Hispanic entrepreneurs bring to the American economy – tenacity, ingenuity and an unrelenting drive to grow,” Ramiro A. Cavazos, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic chamber, said in a statement. “We’ll bring together the policymakers, corporate leaders and business owners who are shaping the future of access to capital, capacity building, and contracts across the country.”
Officials with the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said they will host a welcoming reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
“We are creating an experience that brings together Fort Worth’s Western heritage and the warmth and richness of Hispanic culture,” Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic chamber, said in an email to the Report. “Guests will enjoy live entertainment, folklórico dancers, ropers, Mexican dancing horses, local flavors, and the hospitality our city is known for.”
Garza said the chamber also invited USHCC leaders and special guests to attend the 53rd annual Hecho en Fort Worth Gala on Sept. 12.
“It’s a powerful opportunity to introduce national leaders to the entrepreneurs, businesses, and community partners who are helping move Fort Worth forward,” she said.
Garza said networking for local businesses will be a key component of the gathering.
“The conference creates a valuable exchange. National leaders will experience the strength and momentum of Fort Worth as they consider where to expand, where to invest, and where to bring their next convention,” Garza said. “Local businesses will gain greater access to relationships, ideas, markets, and opportunities from across the country. Together, Fort Worth and USHCC can demonstrate the growing influence of Hispanic businesses and the important role they play in America’s economy.”
Business leaders will discuss artificial intelligence, business development and other topics at the convention. The event will also include procurement opportunities for infrastructure and transportation construction projects, a women’s luncheon, awards gala and lots of networking opportunities.
Garza said Fort Worth will also be well represented at the conference with local leaders, corporate executives, small-business owners and entrepreneurs participating as conference speakers, “giving them a national platform to share their expertise, tell their stories, and showcase the strength of our business community.”
She said the Fort Worth Hispanic chamber is also working to make intentional introductions where there is potential for a meaningful business relationship.
“The goal isn’t simply to exchange business cards,” Garza said. “It is to create connections that can lead to contracts, partnerships, investment, mentorship, and access to new markets.”
One Fort Worth business leader — Rosa Navejar, president and CEO of The Rios Group — will be among those honored at the awards gala on Sept. 16. She will receive the Ohtli Award, an honor from the government of Mexico that recognizes a person’s lifelong dedication to empowering Mexican communities abroad.
Other awards will honor the year’s top corporation, small-business person, employee resource group, and small, medium and large chambers of commerce.
Hosting two Latino national conventions in one year says a lot about Fort Worth by demonstrating the city is an important national destination for Hispanic business, leadership and culture, Garza said.
“These conventions create immediate economic activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, venues, and local vendors,” she said. “They also introduce national decision-makers to Fort Worth’s businesses, talent, and investment opportunities.”
Eric E. Garcia is senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org.
Disclosure: Rosa Navejar is the mother of Fort Worth Report board of directors member Rachel Navejar Phillips, who also works at The Rios Group. At the Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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