The 2026 Carlsbad Mayor's Energy Summit will bring together industry experts, community leaders, and a Heisman Trophy winner to discuss the Permian Basin's role in national energy. Scheduled for Oct. 22, 2026, at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center in Carlsbad, N.M., the event is hosted by Mayor Richard Lopez and other community leaders under the theme "From the Basin to the Nation: Local Energy, National Impact."
Mark Ingram II, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Alabama and a former NFL running back, will serve as the lunch presenter. Now an on-air personality for Fox Sports, Ingram played for the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans. His participation adds a high-profile voice to the summit's focus on energy's broad impact. "It all starts here," said Mayor Lopez. "When it comes to the energy industry, what happens in the Permian Basin resonates across the entire nation."
The summit, now in its 14th year, aims to foster understanding and support for the area's energy impact by bridging industry, community, and innovation. Additional speakers include Matt Warren, Oil and Gas Program Lead for the Bureau of Land Management, who will address federal energy policy, and former State Cabinet Secretary Tom Clifford, who will discuss the energy industry's financial impact on New Mexico. Experts will also cover water challenges and the industry's unique contributions to the nation.
Sponsorship plays a crucial role in making the event accessible. Chevron is the title sponsor, with ExxonMobil as presenting sponsor and Permian Resources as Diamond sponsor. The Carlsbad Community Foundation serves as fiscal sponsor, and numerous other sponsors support the annual educational event. Thanks to this backing, the summit is free to attend, though registration through the summit's web page is requested. Lunch will be provided, and area nonprofits and businesses will have booths in the atrium.
For the Long Beach and surrounding California area, this summit highlights the interconnected nature of energy production and policy. As California continues to navigate its own energy transition, developments in the Permian Basin—one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the world—can influence national energy prices, regulatory discussions, and technological innovations. Businesses and stakeholders in Long Beach's energy sector, which includes significant oil operations and a growing renewable energy focus, may find valuable insights in the summit's discussions on federal policy, water challenges, and economic impacts.
Moreover, the involvement of major corporations like Chevron and ExxonMobil underscores the ongoing investment in fossil fuel production alongside emerging energy solutions. For local businesses, the summit represents a chance to understand broader market trends and potential partnerships. The focus on community and innovation also mirrors efforts in Long Beach to balance economic development with environmental stewardship.
Registration and further details are available at www.carlsbadenergysummit.com. The event's free access, supported by sponsors, ensures that a wide range of participants can engage with these critical conversations.
