FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
As the momentum continues to build for FIFA World Cup 26™, I’m thrilled to share the latest developments with all of you. Kansas City has long been a proud host of world-class events, and being a host city for one of the biggest global sporting tournaments is truly a testament to our region’s strength and spirit. KC2026 has just announced the availability of Host City Supporter Packages, offering businesses and community members the opportunity to be part of this historic moment. These packages provide exclusive benefits and access to key events surrounding the World Cup, helping us showcase Kansas City on a global stage like never before.
In addition, for those businesses eager to contribute to and benefit from the excitement of this international event, here is your reminder to complete the World Cup Business Interest Form. This form allows local businesses to express their interest in partnering, supplying, or participating in events tied to the World Cup. Businesses will then receive email notification of opportunities, learning about important World Cup details as they happen. It’s an exciting chance to make your mark on an event that will have lasting impacts on our city’s economy, reputation, and community vibrancy.
To stay informed with the latest news, updates, and opportunities surrounding World Cup preparations, I urge everyone to visit the KC2026 website and sign up to receive the latest developments straight from the source. By doing so, you’ll stay connected to all the important announcements, ensuring you don’t miss out on key information as we gear up to welcome the world to Kansas City. This is our moment to shine as a region—let’s make it a moment to remember.
ATHENA AWARDS RECEPTION
The KC Chamber invites you to join us in celebrating this year’s ATHENA honorees – Qiana Thomason, President and CEO of Health Forward Foundation, and Kamera Meaney, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at University Health – at an awards reception on Wednesday, October 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Starlight Theatre’s Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage House (4600 Starlight Rd., KCMO). The cost to attend is $55 for Chamber members or $70 for non-members. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to individuals honored for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award is a natural extension of the awards program and is presented to emerging leaders across professional sectors for exemplary leadership. Learn more and reserve your spot today!
We are grateful to our Presenting Sponsors at KPMG and UMB for helping make this annual celebration possible.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING – UNBOUND
Neighborhood Networking is heading to the Kansas side of the state line on Friday, October 18, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., as our hosts at Unbound (1 Elmwood Ave., KCK) welcome guests for a morning of top tier networking. Unbound partners with families living in poverty, empowering them to become self-sufficient and fulfill their desired potential. By providing personal attention and direct benefits, they help children, youth, elders, and their families in Africa, Asia and Latin America build their unique paths out of poverty. This event is free for KC Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Register now!
Thank you to our 2024 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Southwest Airlines, UMB, and Unbound.
AI HORIZONS: TRANSFORMING INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Join us in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) from 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, as a panel of leading experts explore how AI is reshaping industries, regulatory landscapes, and global markets. Participants will discuss the latest advancements in AI technology, practical considerations for its deployment in diverse industries, the evolving regulatory environment surrounding AI, and how AI is transforming global trade dynamics. Registration for this event is $20 for members of the KC Chamber, World Trade Center – Kansas City, and the International Trade Council, and $25 for non-members. Learn more and register today!
This event is brought to you by Husch Blackwell, International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City, RSM and World Trade Center – Kansas City.
ALLYSHIP WITH KANSAS CITY’S IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY
Join us on Tuesday, October 29, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd, KCMO) for “Allyship with Kansas City’s Immigrant Community.” This 90-minute workshop in partnership with ALLY LAB will equip city-wide business leaders and community partners with the tools to foster inclusive workplaces that support immigrant employees. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will explore the challenges faced by immigrants, learn actionable strategies for creating a sense of belonging, and understand the role of allyship in promoting equity. The session will emphasize practical ways to address biases, support cultural competence, and advocate for immigrant communities in both professional and civic environments. Register today!
Thank you to our Presenting Diversity Sponsor CommunityAmerica Credit Union for their ongoing support of our Allyship Series.
