Bigger and better in 2026 with an expanded schedule.
L’Auberge Casino Resort | Lake Charles, LA
For over 20 years, the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has brought together state and federal elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to discuss key issues shaping Louisiana’s future during LegisGator, Louisiana’s premier public policy and business forum in Lake Charles. The event serves as a platform for high-level updates on legislative priorities, economic development and workforce growth, while also recognizing lawmakers who support pro-business policies.
We are building on the tremendously successful LegisGator Luncheon in 2026 to bring you additional content and help drive collaboration and advance the agenda for Louisiana’s long-term growth and prosperity.
This year, the SWLA Economic Development Alliance is partnering with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) and Leaders for a Better Louisiana (Better Louisiana) to include an expanded schedule of policy-focused meetings and networking with the addition of LABI’s Policy Forum and the Future Louisiana Ideas Conference, making this three-day event the largest in-state legislative focused gathering, outside of session.
LegisGator Main Events
Registration required and sponsorship opportunities available for EACH event.
LABI POLICY FORUMat LegisGator
Wednesday, August 19 | 2 – 5 pm
This forum will bring together state leaders, industry experts and key stakeholders for a series of timely discussions focused on the critical issues of strengthening Louisiana’s legal climate, expanding its energy leadership and advancing workforce development.
LEGISGATOR
OPENING RECEPTION
Wednesday, August 19 | 5 – 6:30 pm
Join the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, Leaders for a Better Louisiana and Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and elected officials from across the state at a networking reception at Drago’s.
This event is by invitation only.
FUTURE LOUISIANA CONFERENCE 2026
Thursday, August 20 | 8 am – 3 pm
A full-day event of compelling ideas from other states and communities that can move Louisiana forward, with break-out sessions on community development, education and workforce, energy, and impact investing, designed for statewide business and civic leaders, elected officials, and those who love our state.
LegisGator SWLA
Friday, August 21 | 11:30 am Luncheon
Louisiana’s signature annual public policy and business event brings together federal, state, and local elected officials with business and community leaders from across the state. The luncheon serves as a platform for discussing legislation, economic development, infrastructure, workforce issues, and policies, and recognizes pro-business legislators.
COMPREHENSIVE SCHEDULE
In addition to the main events, there will also be multiple sponsored receptions
and dinners throughout the week. Check back here for updated schedule information.
If you’d like to include your event on the schedule please contact
mmcinnis@allianceswla.org
Wednesday, August 19
- LABI Policy Forum | 2 – 5 pm | L’Auberge Event Center
Registration required - Opening Reception | 5 – 6:30 pm | Drago’s at L’Auberge
By invitation only - Lake Area Industry Alliance (LAIA) Hospitality Suite | 6:30-8 pm | Details TBA
- Various sponsored dinners |
7 – 10 pm | Details TBA
Thursday, August 20
- Future Louisiana Ideas Conference | 8 am – 3 pm | L’Auberge Event Center
Registration required - VIP Reception | 4-5:30 pm
By invitation only - Various sponsored dinners |
7 – 10 pm | Details TBA
Friday, August 21
- Coffee and Conversations | 8:30 am | Cypress Room, L’Auberge
Open to LegisGator Luncheon ticketholders - Center for Emerging Energies Breakfast | 9:30 – 11 am | Sycamore Room, L’Auberge
Open to LegisGator Luncheon ticketholders - LegisGator Luncheon | 11:30 am | Main Ballroom, L’Auberge
Registration required
Did you register for ALL events you were interested in?
- LABI Policy Forum on Wednesday, August 19
- Future Louisiana Ideas Conference on Thursday, August 20
- SWLA Economic Development Alliance LegisGator Luncheon on Friday, August 21
Don’t forget to book your room!
Lodging AT L'AUBERGE
L’Auberge Casino Resort, located at 777 Avenue L’Auberge in Lake Charles, is offering special room rates for any of our guests for Wednesday, August 19 & Thursday, August 20, 2026, at $109.00/night + tax and fees.
Please make your reservations by August 3, 2026.
CALL: 1-866-580-7444 and identify yourself as a member of the 2026 LegisGator Group
using Group Code SGATOR26
ONLINE: llakecharles.com to take advantage of their specially offered rates for the occasion.
The resort is usually SOLD OUT for that weekend, so please book early as we cannot guarantee you will be able to reserve a room at L’Auberge.
