We are thrilled to present an outstanding lineup of speakers who will provide key insights into the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Chris Canetti serves as President of the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee, where he leads the city’s preparations for hosting the tournament. Before assuming this role, he was President of the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee and successfully guided the effort that secured Houston’s selection as a FIFA World Cup host city in June 2022, following a four-year bidding process.

Elizabeth Carlson, Chief Sustainability Officer at Tricon Energy, is responsible for shaping and advancing the company’s sustainability strategy. With extensive experience in corporate responsibility, economic development, and environmental and social impact across both nonprofit and private sectors, she also contributes her expertise as Chair of the Sustainability Host Committee for Houston’s 2026 World Cup.

Minal Davis, Human Rights Chair for the Houston 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Committee, and the founding Director of the Houston Mayor’s Office of Human Trafficking. She spearheaded Houston’s first human trafficking strategic plan by engaging more than 250 stakeholders in just six months, identifying critical gaps, and building public-private partnerships to establish a comprehensive, citywide approach to combating trafficking.

Thank you to Our Luncheon Sponsor’s 

Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT

Hayden Racino
Commercial Account Manager
Tel: 346-302-4725
hracino@bmsmanagement.com

Kaylie Sampson
Commercial Account Manager
Tel: 346-315-6959
ksampson@bmsmanagement.com

As one of the most trusted names in Houston, BMS CAT provides dependable restoration, reconstruction, and commercial cleaning services when property damage turns your world upside down.

FCI Hospitality

Sam Kandiyoti
Tel: 832-404-2724
sam@fcihospitality.com

Based in Houston, Texas, FCI Hospitality Construction has been proudly serving throughout the Texas area since 2004. We are a general contractor exclusively focusing on the hospitality industry.

Join us for the Mayor’s Annual Luncheon as Mayor John Whitmire addresses the future of Houston’s travel and tourism industry. This special event will highlight the vital role our industry plays in shaping Houston’s growth, culture, and economy.

Discussion Topics Include:

• Why Houston is a great place to live, work, and visit
• The tourism industry’s impact on the city
• The upcoming Entertainment District near the George R. Brown Convention Center
• The importance of the travel and tourism sector for Houston

This is a must-attend luncheon for hospitality, tourism, and business leaders who want to be part of Houston’s exciting future.

11:00 am – Registration & Networking

11:45 am – Doors Open

12:00 pm – Program

1:15 pm Adjourn

Thank You To Our Luncheon Sponsors:

Cotton Global Disaster Solutions

Through a variety of services offered by our in-house divisions that include Disaster Restoration, Construction, Roofing, Logistics, Culinary and Consulting, Cotton can provide turnkey and innovative solutions for the most complex.

For More Information Contact:

Cynthia Bratton

Email: cynthia.bratton@cottonteam.com

Contact Phone Number: 877.511.2962

Mobile: 346.280.3322

FCI Hospitality

Based in Houston, Texas, FCI Hospitality Construction has been proudly serving throughout the Texas area since 2004. We are a general contractor exclusively focusing on the hospitality industry.

For More Information Contact:

Sam Kandiyoti

Email: sam@fcihospitality.com

Office: 832-404-2724

Mobile:713-534-3019

With a combined 50 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry, the McCaslins have provided market and financial services for all types of hotel projects. Their expertise includes conducting market studies for hotels, resorts, convention centers, and unique hospitality projects. Additionally, they provide asset management services to maximize profitability for hotel owners and advocate for hotel operators.

The McCaslins are very active with the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. Randy is an Adjunct Faculty member and Dean’s Advisory Board member, and Patrick is Vice President of the Alumni Board.

Registration & Networking: 11:00 am

Doors Open 11:30 am

Event Start Time: 11:45am

Thank You to Our Luncheon Sponsors:

Lixil Americas

Kim Cavanaugh

Tel: 640-204-0786 

kim.cavanaugh@lixil.com

Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design

Lisa Roth

Tel: 713-654-9400 

lroth@montgomeryroth.com

Hannah Perepeluk

Tel: 713-654-9400 ext. 237

hperepeluk@montgomeryroth.com

Panoramic Doors

Brandi Laird

Tel: 713-725-9058

blaird@panoramicdoors.com

Jessica Anderson has served the Houston Police Department since 2000 and currently holds the rank of Executive Assistant Chief.

EAC Anderson oversees Strategic Operations. This executive command plays a critical role in organizing, directing, coordinating, developing, and implementing management strategies that promote efficient and effective solutions to critical support issues, including organizational development, and training. The span of control for this office includes the Homeland Security Command, Professional Development Command, and Organizational Support Command.

In addition to her regular assignments, EAC Anderson serves as the legislative liaison for the department, representing HPD at the State Capitol during the legislative session and assisting as an instructor in various training classes. Her duties also include representing the department and the Chief of Police at ceremonies, civic meetings, city council meetings, and disciplinary hearings. Additionally, she serves as chairman of various internal committees that address organizational and community issues.

A native of Boston, EAC Anderson received her B.A. from Kenyon College (OH) in 1999, a Masters from University of Houston – Clear Lake in 2003, and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 2009.

This luncheon is sponsored by Sentriforce:

Contact Name: Jeffery Knapick

Email: jknapick@sentriforce.com

Contact Phone Number: (346) 312-9676

Company Website: https://sentriforce.com/

Company Phone Number: 888-671-2202

Kevin M. Donahue, MAI, has over 20 years of experience in the appraisal of commercial real estate. Mr. Donahue has worked in the CBRE Hotels Valuation & Advisory group specializing in all types of hospitality properties for the past 18 years.

In addition to hospitality properties, Kevin has appraisal experience encompassing a wide variety of property types including retail/commercial, multifamily residential, industrial, office, special-use and land developments. Mr. Donahue has experience providing valuation and appraisal services, market studies, rent analyzes, feasibility studies, income and expense analysis, cash flow projections and expert testimony. He is frequently quoted by the media regarding trends in the hospitality market.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors: CeilTex & Sparrow Studio

CeilTex; Our team of commercial ceiling experts specialize in acoustic ceiling
installation and cleaning in Houston and the surrounding areas of Texas.

For More Information Please Contact: 

President, Brian Rutledge

E:brian@ceiltexinc.com

Office: 281-589-2345

Sparrow Studio is not just a name but a commitment to creating purposeful and inspired environments.

At Sparrow Studio, our approach is rooted in creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of how spaces shape experiences. We design thoughtfully curated environments that inspire innovation and connection, blending beauty with function to create spaces that feel both intentional and effortless.

What sets us apart is our ability to deliver high-impact solutions tailored to any budget, without compromising on quality, creativity, or value. Whether transforming an environment, a workplace, or a living space, we bring the spark that turns your vision into reality.

For More Information Please Contact:

Principal and Chief Creating Officer, Dawn Arcieri

E: d.arcieri@wearesparrowstudio.com

M: 281-773-9166