The MAPA Summit will focus on how U.S.–Mexico collaboration can strengthen economic stability and advance shared prosperity. Participants will engage in discussions on trade, workforce development, health, immigration, and education partnerships that prepare communities for sustainable growth in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Through these conversations, the Summit will foster innovative solutions and strengthen the collaboration  needed for mutual advancement.

All day | Arrivals and Registration of participants at hotel 

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Reception 

08:30 – 09:30 am | Registration and Breakfast 

09:30 – 10:00 am | Welcome and Opening Remarks 

Call To Order 

Welcome to the MAPA 2026 Summit 

Remarks from MAPA & US American authorities 

10:00 – 11:00 am | “The Future of US-Mexico Economic Cooperation: Implications for Industry and Regional Economies and Communities” (Plenary) 

Focus: This panel comes at a critical moment, as the USMCA’s mandatory six-year review requires the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to decide by July 1, 2026 whether to extend the agreement for another 16 years, revise it, or begin a ten-year countdown that could end the agreement in 2036. Panelists will provide expert perspectives on what the future holds for US-Mexico economic cooperation broadly as well as discuss what is at stake for states, local governments, businesses, and industries across North America. Select panelists will dive more specifically into the USMCA and discuss its implications on trade, investment, supply chains, jobs, and regional competitiveness. The conversation will also cover key issues such as labor enforcement, rules of origin, energy policy, manufacturing, agriculture, and emerging technologies. The panel will explore both the opportunities and challenges at this moment, and what the future can hold for businesses, workers, and communities on both sides of the border. 

11:00 – 11:15 am | Transition to Workshops 

11:15 - 12:30 pm | “MAPA’s Role in Promoting Freedom, Fairness, and Representation” (Session A) 

Description: The US-Mexico binational relationship has a shared foundation of democratic institutions, establishing a resilient democratic region. While investments and agreements maximize trade and security, we have an incredible opportunity to build dedicated frameworks that reinforce this democratic infrastructure. Strengthening these democratic ties will safeguard all areas of binational collaboration against external challenges. This session will center MAPA’s work around widely shared values—so participants can connect day-to-day democracy standards like freedom, fairness, representation, and prosperity to concrete priorities across the U.S. and Mexico. 

11:15 - 12:30 pm | "Reimagining Workforce Cooperation: How Workforce Development Programs Benefit Both Regions.” (Session B) 

Focus: This session will explore how binational workforce development programs can strengthen economic competitiveness by aligning education, technical training, and industry needs across both countries. Participants will examine successful models that connect Mexican talent pipelines with U.S. employer demand. Discussions will highlight policy frameworks and cross-border credentialing systems that reduce barriers for workers and businesses alike. Ultimately, the panel aims to identify actionable strategies that create shared prosperity, close skills gaps, and deepen the economic partnership between the U.S. and Mexico. 

12:30 pm | Transition to Lunch 

12:45 – 2:00 pm | Lunch & Keynote Speaker 

1:50 – 2:00 pm | Transition to Workshops 

2:00 – 3:15 pm | “Soft Power in the Time of Walls: The Role of Arts and Culture in U.S.-Mexico Relations” (Session A) 

Description: This session will explore how art and cultural exchanges can strengthen ties between the U.S. and Mexico by promoting mutual understanding and embracing identity on both sides of the border, leveraging deep, shared ties. Participants will discuss the impact of creative efforts and cultural identity, and how collaborations can inspire innovative projects such as academic exchange programs, binational art exhibitions and partnerships, sports envoys, and cultural fusion through food, film and music. 

2:00 – 3:15 pm | "Electoral Issues: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in the U.S. and Mexico" (Session B) 

Description: This session will discuss current electoral issues in both countries, examining the opportunities and challenges, including expanding voting abroad, and voter suppression, gerrymandering, as well as the impact of these issues on civic engagement by Latinos and the Mexican diaspora in the US. 

3:15 - 3:30 pm | Coffee Break & Transition to Main Room 

3:30 – 3:45 pm | Special Presentation 

3:45 – 5:00 pm | "Shared Solutions: Addressing Immigration Issues Between the U.S. and Mexico" (Plenary) 

Focus: This session will look at immigration issues between the U.S. and Mexico. It will explore how both countries respond to migration and the challenges migrants face. The aim is to provide a clear understanding of current issues and highlight community initiatives that support migrant inclusion. 

5:00 – 5:05 pm | Closing 

5:05 – 5:30 pm | Networking 

6:00 – 7:15 pm | Special Film Screening “The Samaritans” 

8:00 – 9:00 am | Breakfast 

9:00 – 9:15 am | Welcome Back & Special Remarks 

9:15 – 10:15 am | “Expanding Knowledge Exchange Between Mexico and the United States” (Plenary) 

Focus: This session will explore how we can better promote the knowledge exchange between Mexican universities with faculty and students with universities and colleges throughout the United States. This can be done in a wide range of ways, from research collaboration, to faculty and student exchanges, joint curriculum development and to the adoption of dual degree programs. 

10:15 – 10:30 am | Special Presentation 

10:30 – 11:30 am | “States and Localities Leading the Way on Economic Integration and Shared Prosperity” (Plenary) 

Description: This panel will bring together local and state leaders from the United States and Mexico to discuss how subnational governments are driving economic integration, regional competitiveness, and shared prosperity across North America. Panelists will highlight successful examples of binational cooperation, share lessons learned from cross-border partnerships, and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration in areas such as economic development, workforce development, infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability. The discussion will also examine the challenges and opportunities facing local governments as they work with businesses and communities to build more resilient, connected, and inclusive regional economies. 

11:45 – 12:00 pm | Closing Event