Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

Each month, the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (NEKCCoC) hosts its Tasty Topic Talk featuring local restaurants to provide information to community and Chamber members. During the September luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 23, attendees enjoyed a catered lunch from Las Tres Palmas (4201 E. 9th St.) during this presentation.

Featured speakers Tracy Whelpley, director of Regional Impact for KC 2026 and Missy Brisley, founder and CEO MRB Strategies, presented “Preparing to Welcome the World’ — a powerpoint program detailing the impacts forecasted during the FIFA World Cup 2026TM scheduled for next summer.

Whelpley outlined the mission of KC2026, a non-profit working on small business engagement during this world-wide soccer event. Planners and organizers are expecting 650,000 visitors coming into the greater metro area during the six games scheduled in Kansas City, Missouri beginning June 16, 2026.

In addition to the match games hosted at Arrowhead Stadium, the National World War I Museum will be the site of a 10 to 20 day-long FIFA Fan Festival, featuring activities, food vendors, merchandise and four to five large screens live-streaming the games.

Brisley spoke about the “KC Game Plan”, a new regional initiative designed to help small businesses prepare for and participate in the economic opportunities created by this tournament, according to its website (http://kansascityfwc26.com/business-oportunities).

The KC Game Plan includes visitor information, event calendars and readiness assessment tools to prepare all small businesses for the influx of international and regional visitors attending this sporting event.

Interested business owners were encouraged by Whelpey and Brisley to fill out the online Business Interest Form as step one and Brisley suggested that Chamber of Commerce businesses should collaborate to market their combined offerings of restaurants and personal services.

In response to a question regarding attracting visitors to Northeast area businesses, Bobbi Baker-Hughes, NEKCCoC CEO and president and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District (CID) manager, stated new banners will be installed along Independence Avenue as well as fresh flowers in the planters lining the avenue.

The next Tasty Topic Talk will feature mural artist and professional cake designer Mike Elder on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Guests will experience first-hand the process of custom cake decorating during Elder’s presentation. Catered lunch is available for $25 and optional, reservations suggested but not required. NEKCCoC membership is not required, anyone may attend the program free of charge. For more information about benefits of membership and upcoming programs, visit www.nekcchamber.com.