Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce announced that former professional football player Emmitt Smith will serve as the keynote speaker for its upcoming business conference, “The Business Playbook,” scheduled for April 23, 2026, in Edinburg, Texas.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on March 26, 2026, at the chamber’s headquarters. Organizers said the event will bring together business leaders, professionals, and community members for networking, education, and growth opportunities.
Ronnie Larralde, executive director of the chamber, said Smith’s participation reflects the type of leadership and insight the organization aims to provide. “This is the caliber of leadership, excellence, and insight that we’re bringing right here to Edinburg,” he said.
Smith, a Hall of Fame running back and former member of the Dallas Cowboys, is also a business owner and philanthropist. During a promotional video shown at the event, he spoke about discipline and perseverance, stating, “If you want something bad enough, you’ve got to make that sacrifice. You’ve got to pay the price for it.”
Chamber leaders said bringing a high-profile athlete to a business-focused event is intended to highlight the connection between sports and business performance, particularly in areas such as teamwork, preparation, and long-term planning.
Larralde described the conference as an opportunity to highlight “growth, opportunity, and collaboration” within the local business community, emphasizing partnerships between the chamber, the city, and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.
Mayor Omar Ochoa said the event supports local businesses by providing access to information and resources. “This business conference is just one example of that. It’s making sure that our business owners have the information that they need to succeed,” he said.
Chamber Board President Nick Cantu said the goal is to deliver the level of insight typically found at national conferences. “We are bringing that same level of value, insight and inspiration right here to Edinburg, making it accessible, affordable and impactful for our local businesses,” he said.
The conference will include expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions focused on business development and innovation. A featured session titled “Home Field Advantage,” presented in collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Athletics Department, will examine how athletics and community engagement contribute to economic growth.
Organizers also used a “draft day” analogy to describe how businesses can build for long-term success, drawing from sports strategies to illustrate planning and execution.
Officials from the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation emphasized the importance of collaboration. Vice President Richard Gonzales said small businesses are central to the local economy and that the event is intended to “bring people together, sharing resources and creating real opportunities for growth.”
The conference will take place at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with registration opening to the public shortly after the announcement.
