In a move that challenges the traditional role of local chambers of commerce, the Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce has eliminated golf tournaments and social galas in favor of focused business development and international trade missions. The shift, detailed by President Reggie Gray on Houston Chamber Stopped Doing Parties. Here's What They Do Instead, signals a growing recognition that networking alone does not generate revenue for members.
Gray criticized chambers that have drifted toward event planning, stating they “started trending toward doing parties and events and forgot they were supposed to be generating business and networking and development.” His organization, formerly the North Houston Greenspoint Chamber, rebranded to reflect its proximity to Intercontinental Airport and its increasingly international membership. The chamber's board of directors now includes vice chairs for Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin and South America, Australia and North America.
The implications for businesses are significant. Rather than asking members for sponsorships, the chamber is funded entirely by membership dues, with the board setting policies and projects. This model allows the organization to tailor business development to specific industries. For Lloyd Engineering, which works on the Houston Ship Channel and ports worldwide, the chamber seeks port and infrastructure projects abroad, including a recent trip to meet with the Prime Minister's office in Belize. For energy members like Reliant and CenterPoint Energy, the focus shifts to local customers and new development.
Gray also pushes back on the notion that international work is only for large corporations. “Do you have a website?” he asks skeptics. “Everybody can buy your stuff and they can see you anywhere all over the world. Everybody's international.” This perspective is particularly relevant as small and mid-sized businesses increasingly face global competition, even within domestic markets.
Looking ahead, the chamber is eyeing Venezuela for 2027 and planning events in Europe and Saudi Arabia with partner Go-On Group, including stops in London, Milan, Düsseldorf and Monaco. Such activities could open new markets for Houston-area companies and strengthen the region's position as a global trade hub.
The chamber's approach also emphasizes collaboration with management districts, the governor's office, the City of Houston, the Better Business Bureau and the Greater Houston Builders Association, breaking down silos that often hinder economic development. Gray, an author and speaker, details his collaboration with the FBI's International Corruption Unit in his memoir, I May Never Come This Way Again. The full conversation is available on The Building Texas Show, which publishes new episodes weekly.
