DFW Growth Summit 2026

About the 2026 Summit

The DFW Growth Summit is the premier event designed to explore growth and innovation across the sectors that are currently driving business across Dallas-Fort Worth, the 4th-largest metroplex in the country.

At the upcoming Summit, we’ll explore financial services/technology, commercial real estate, critical infrastructure, and biotechnology.

• The financial sector in DFW has seen explosive growth since COVID with more financial professionals now living in DFW than in New York and particularly from this last year with M&A activity – new innovations in the fintech space are particularly exciting, including the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange.
• Real estate in DFW is, and always has been, foundational for business in the region. Whether that’s new developments for biotech (life sciences) or data centers (infrastructure) or population growth (DFW is expected to grow its population by 50% by 2050).
• Infrastructure is critical to any major business hub, especially in DFW. From energy to transportation. DFW is expanding all 3 major airports, Fort Worth is poised for over $4BN in future growth projects, and DFW is the 3rd most popular market for data centers globally.
• The life sciences sector has seen around $4.5BN of investment in the DFW region since 2018 and is home to over 40 firms contributing to the biotech industry. DFW is without question a burgeoning hub for the industry.

The Summit will feature multiple panel discussions led by industry experts and will explore 5 pillars: fintech, biotech, commercial real estate, infrastructure, and an investor panel.

Attendees will also have many chances to connect with peers during dedicated networking sessions, designed to foster new business relationships and partnerships that leverage these sectors to stay ahead in an evolving marketplace.

Ticket Registration

Why Attend the Summit?

“True meeting of the minds filled with great energy, engagement, and strong thought leadership.” – Damian Davis, Founder & CEO Davis Insurance Services

Summit Agenda

*subject to change

• 9am-9:45am – Check-In/Doors Open/Networking
  
• 9:45am-10am – Opening Remarks
  
• 10-10:45am Fintech Panel – The Heart of DFW’s Business Community
  Caitlin McMinn (moderator), John Wingate, Mark Crumblish, Alesia Dick, Krish Dhokia
  
• 10:45-11:15am Networking Break
  
• 11:15-12pm Biotech Panel – Life Sciences in DFW: A Burgeoning Sector for Investment
  Jovelyn Castellanos (moderator), Gabby Everett, Eric Moore, Patrick Smale, Kelly Cloud
  
• 12-12:30pm Lunch/Networking Break
  
• 12:30-1:15pm CRE Panel – DFW’s Favorite Industry: Insights on the Real Estate Sector
  Bradley Brown (moderator), Aaron Graham, Murphy Cheatham, Dustin Miles, Courtney Stanford
  
• 1:15-1:45pm Networking Break
  
• 1:45-2:30pm Infrastructure Panel – Exploring DFW’s Next Growth Stages
  George Mayfield (moderator), Paula Blackmon, Philip Wagley, John Martinez, Olga Lopez
  
• 2:30-3pm Networking Break
  
• 3-3:45pm Investor Panel – Hear from DFW’s Financiers
  James Sackey (moderator), Vivek Lal, David Evans, Venkat Jasti, Dustin Logan
  
• 3:45pm to 5pm Closing/Networking

Host Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Strategic Partners

Speakers

Summit Details

Date: Saturday February 28th, 2026
Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Texas Tech DFW 4201 State Highway 161, Ste 250, Irving, TX 75038

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Explore More from the Growth Summit

You can explore interviews and articles from the past Summit below. Check back occasionally as this section will be updated leading up to the event date.

Exclusive Interviews

Find all 2025 interviews here.

Building Relationships in a Data-Driven World: Insights from Ron Bruno

Storytelling with Big Data: Insights from Holly Burrow

Future of Business at the DFW Growth Summit: Insights on AI and Operational Efficiency

Discover the Future of Operations: Digital Transformation Insights

Growth Summit Insights

For inquiries, contact
James Sackey
james@jamessackey.marketing

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