The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce will carry collectively prime sports activities and enterprise figures for its annual Spring Luncheon, highlighting the financial and group affect {of professional} sports activities within the area.

The chamber introduced that Gayle Benson, Justin Reid and Derik Queen will headline the occasion, scheduled for Might 15 on the New Orleans Marriott Resort. Registration and networking start at 11 a.m., adopted by lunch and programming at midday.

Organizers mentioned the keynote dialogue will concentrate on how franchises such because the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans contribute to job creation, tourism and broader financial development, whereas additionally shaping group funding throughout the Higher New Orleans space.

“Skilled sports activities do excess of fill seats on sport day. They drive jobs, tourism, visibility and group funding throughout our area,” mentioned Sandra Lombana Lindquist, president and CEO of the chamber. “We’re proud to carry collectively revered leaders and present gamers for a dialog about what these franchises imply to New Orleans, each economically and culturally.”

The occasion comes as current knowledge underscores the monetary affect of main sporting occasions. A 2025 examine by Louisiana State College discovered that the Tremendous Bowl generated an estimated $1.25 billion in financial output, together with $395 million in employee earnings and almost 9,800 jobs.

Benson, who owns the Saints and serves as governor of the Pelicans, has been a outstanding determine in regional sports activities and philanthropy. Reid, who joined the Saints in 2025, additionally leads the JReid InDeed Basis, which helps youth and group applications centered on schooling and expertise entry. Queen, a first-round choose within the 2025 NBA Draft, emerged as a key contributor throughout his rookie season and has begun participating in native outreach efforts.

The annual luncheon is designed to attach enterprise leaders and supply perception into financial and legislative tendencies affecting the native market. The chamber, which represents greater than 1,400 member companies, mentioned the occasion is a part of its broader mission to foster financial improvement by networking, schooling and advocacy.

Tickets can be found to members and nonmembers, with registration required by Might 13.