The SMU Mission Foods Texas–Mexico Center, in partnership with the Texas–Canada Chamber of Commerce, and North American Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO), present “Championing North America: The Trilateral Economy and the Power of Soft Diplomacy,” an event highlighting the evolution and future of the USMCA through a historical review from the pre-NAFTA era to the present, as well as possible scenarios ahead of the 2026 review. The program will also examine how the 2026 World Cup can be understood as a by-product of deepened North American economic integration, demonstrating the power of soft diplomacy and trilateral cooperation, and will be structured in two conversations: one on the history and future trajectory of USMCA, and another on the World Cup’s role in soft diplomacy and its anticipated economic impacts across the region.

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

Location: SMU Crum Auditorium, James M. Collins Executive Education Center, 3150 Binkley Ave, Dallas, 75205

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and the seats are first come, first served. Please click below for registration.

Program:

5:00 – 5:45 p.m. Registration, Networking & Reception​

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5:45 – 6:20 p.m. Conversation I: USMCA—Historical Reflections & North America’s Future Outlook​

Opening Remarks by the Texas–Canada Chamber of Commerce 

• Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Dallas​

• Dr. Raymond Robertson, Senior Fellow, SMU Mission Foods Texas–Mexico Center​

• Andrew Carranco, Real-Estate Developer and NAFTA Industry Leader

• Moderator: Doug McCullough, President, Texas–Canada Chamber of Commerce​

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6:20 – 7:00 p.m. Conversation II: 2026 World Cup — The Power of Soft Diplomacy and Regional Economic Impacts ​

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• Dr. Cullum Clark, Director, Bush Institute–SMU Economic Growth Initiative​

• Erik Mora, Sports Director and Sports Anchor, Telemundo 39​

• Monica Paul, Executive Director, Dallas Sports Commission​

• Moderator: Courtney Weeks, Assistant Director, SMU Mission Foods Texas–Mexico Center​

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Closing remarks by Nasco ​

​Click here for speaker and moderator bios.

Please note: agenda subject to change

We want to thank the SMU Tower Center and the SMU Bridwell Institute for their support of this event.

Free parking passes to one of SMU's parking lots near the building will also be made available—those who request a pass at the time of registration will receive the pass via email a few days before the event.

Any person who requires a reasonable accommodation on the basis of a disability in order to participate in this program should email to texasmexico@smu.edu in advance at least 4 days prior to the event to arrange for the accommodation.​

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SMU Mission Foods Texas-Mexico Center | https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Research/Institutes-and-Centers/Texas-Mexico​

3300 University Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75275-0117​

214-768-4716 texasmexico@smu.edu