2026 November Luncheon

From the World Stage to What’s Next: Kansas City’s World Cup Legacy

Join the North Kansas City Business Council for our November Monthly Luncheon as we look back at one of the most significant events in Kansas City’s history—and, more importantly, look ahead at what comes next.

Kansas City’s role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup placed the region on an unprecedented global stage. Join Derek Byrne, Director of Content Strategy at Visit KC, for an overview of the economic impact, partnerships, infrastructure investments, tourism activity, and lessons learned from hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Then, we’ll look beyond the final match to explore how Kansas City and the region can capitalize on the momentum, visibility, and investment generated by the World Cup to attract future visitors and strengthen the region’s position as a world-class destination.

For North Kansas City businesses and community leaders, this conversation offers an opportunity to better understand how major events can create lasting economic impact—and how continued collaboration, investment, and regional visibility can translate into new opportunities for businesses and communities throughout the Kansas City area.

Our Monthly Luncheons bring together NKCBC members, business professionals, civic leaders, and community partners for meaningful conversations about the issues and opportunities shaping North Kansas City and the greater region. Come for the insights, make new connections, and be part of the conversation about what’s next for Kansas City.

About Derek Byrne

Derek Byrne is the director of content strategy at Visit KC, the Kansas City area’s largest organization dedicated to tourism. In this role, he drives the messaging that celebrates all the Heart of America has to offer.

He is responsible for marketing and communications efforts in support of many significant sporting events hosted in Kansas City, including the development of tourism resources for travelers during FIFA World Cup 2026™. His position also involves service on local organizing committees for the Big 12 Basketball Tournaments, NCAA events and other major competitions.

Byrne’s previous experience includes communications roles at Texas A&M University and Development Counsellors International, where he supported marketing campaigns for domestic and international travel destinations.

He serves on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Travel & Tourism executive committee and the Clay County Tourism Advisory Board. He is a graduate of Baylor University and holds a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

$35 for Members | $45 for Non-Members

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