NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce will welcome Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints safety Justin Reid and New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen as keynote speakers for its 2026 Spring Luncheon on Friday, May 15, at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel (555 Canal Street). Registration and networking will begin at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and the program at noon.
The keynote discussion will explore the economic impact of professional sports in the Greater New Orleans region, alongside the meaningful community impact driven by individual players and the broader Saints and Pelicans organizations. The annual luncheon event serves to bring together the business community for insight on current economic and legislative developments impacting the New Orleans business community.
“Professional sports do far more than fill seats on game day. They drive jobs, tourism, visibility and community investment across our region,” said Sandra Lombana Lindquist, president and CEO of the New Orleans Chamber. “We’re proud to bring together respected leaders and current players for a conversation about what these franchises mean to New Orleans, both economically and culturally.”
According to a 2025 study by LSU, the 2025 Super Bowl generated an estimated $1.25 billion in total economic output, with $395 million in earnings for workers across various industries, creating approximately 9,787 new jobs.
Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and governor of the New Orleans Pelicans, has long been recognized for her commitment to community investment in New Orleans and across the Gulf South.
Justin Reid joined the Saints in 2025 on a three-year contract, bringing championship experience and deep ties to Louisiana. Off the field, Reid is the founder of the JReid InDeed Foundation, which advances youth and community initiatives in under-resourced neighborhoods across Louisiana and the cities he has played in. Through a strategic focus on education, technology access and community development, the foundation delivers impactful programming through holiday drives, coding workshops and family support initiatives, further underscoring Reid’s commitment to creating meaningful change both on and off the field.
After being selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Derik Queen quickly demonstrated his potential as a key contributor, appearing in 81 of 82 games. His rookie season was highlighted by a historic performance against the San Antonio Spurs, where he became the first rookie center to record a 30-point triple-double with four blocks. As he begins his NBA career, Queen is also embracing opportunities to engage with the New Orleans community and make an impact beyond the court.
General admission tickets to the New Orleans Chamber Spring Luncheon are $125 for members and $175 for prospective members. Guests are encouraged to show their team spirit by wearing red or blue for the Pelicans, or black and gold for the Saints. Pre-registration is required and closes on Wednesday, May 13, at noon. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information and to register, visit neworleanschamber.org.
About the New Orleans Chamber: The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization consisting of business and community leaders who work together to create a dynamic business climate that drives entrepreneurship and business success in the New Orleans community. For over twenty years, the Chamber has connected businesses to foster development in the New Orleans community through networking, education and advocacy. With a network of more than 1,400 member businesses, the Chamber is a driving force in the Greater New Orleans business community.