The host committee, led by USHCC local chamber member Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, threw a dynamic two-day celebration on Aug. 2, 2024., showcasing what’s to come in KC. | Photo courtesy of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City.

Daisy Garcia-Montoya 
Education Reporter

Kansas City will greet hundreds of attendees this October for the 45th annual U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce national conference. 

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City (HCCGKC), along with the U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), which promotes the development and continued economic growth of Hispanic-owned businesses within the U.S., will co-host this two-day long conference. 

This convention will feature an array of feature discussions, speakers and informational sessions regarding small businesses and networking — providing resources to entrepreneurs and community members alike.

Aside from the opportunities and networking that this event will bring to the local Hispanic community in the Kansas City Metro, this year’s conference will  return to the birthplace of USHCC, which is now a national organization.

HCCGKC was the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s first brick-and-mortar office in the country when it was founded in 1977 as a result of needed Hispanic representation in public and private sectors. 

Then in 1979, Hector Barreto Sr. — a local businessman — led the way for U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to become officially chartered — creating the national organization that exists today. After 10 years, this organization’s office was relocated to the nation’s capital in Washington D.C., where it currently presides. 

As HCCGKC and the rest of Kansas City prepares for this upcoming conference, a kick-off celebration took place in late July, where members of the USHCC — including President and CEO Ramiro A. Cavazos — brought together local members of HCCGKC and business owners. 

Although this conference is still a few months away, interested individuals can find more information, watch a recap video from last year’s conference or register for this conference online at https://www.ushccconference.com/. 

This conference will take place from Oct. 6 through 8  at the Kansas City Convention Center (301 W. 13th St).