Davids Hosts World Cup Conversation on Local Hospitality Needs

MISSION, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids hosted her fifth World Cup Community Conversation, bringing together local, state, regional, and federal officials alongside trade professionals and business experts. The discussion focused on strengthening the region’s hospitality sector, including improving customer service, expanding the workforce, and boosting tourism. With the 2026 World Cup expected to generate more than $650 million for the Kansas City region, these conversations are key to ensuring the community is prepared to maximize this historic opportunity.

“The World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our region, bringing an estimated $650 million in economic impact and putting Kansas City on the world stage,” said Davids. “To make the most of it, we need to ensure our hospitality industry — hotels, restaurants, tourism services — is ready to welcome millions of visitors. Today’s discussion brought together leaders at every level to make sure we’re prepared, and I’ll keep working to ensure our communities see the full benefit of this historic event.”

"With Kansas City expecting approximately 650,000 World Cup fans in 2026, including the largest influx of international travelers this region has ever seen, collaboration across all levels is key to ensure these visitors and local residents have an unparalleled experience," said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO, Visit KC and Kansas City Sports Commission. "From our local hospitality workers and businesses to our state and federal government, it will take everyone to show the world that everything Kansas City does on and off the field is from the heart."

It is estimated that 6.8 million tourists visited World Cup host cities in 2018. To ensure these soccer fans, players, coaches, and workers can efficiently and safely travel between hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and stadiums, today’s discussion focused solely on hospitality needs of the region. Previous World Cup Community Conversations focused on transportation, public health and safety, small business, and impacts on everyday Kansans.

“Kansas City is going to be the proud host to an international event that will require a Midwest strong regional effort,” said Michael L. Barrera, Kansas City District Director, Small Business Administration. “Resources from the federal government, like the SBA, the great States of Kansas and Missouri, and local partners will show the world we are up for the challenge. We need to be as educated as possible and put forth a strong cooperative effort for this momentous event in Kansas City’s history!”

Recently, Davids launched the bipartisan Congressional FIFA 2026 World Cup Caucus to support the United States’ role in hosting the 2026 World Cup. This caucus provides educational opportunities and advance initiatives, serving as a hub for discussing issues, opportunities, concerns, stakeholder perspectives, logistics, and legislative priorities to support the 11 host cities across the country. Participating Members joining Davids include those representing host cities and surrounding regions.

On today’s panel, Davids was joined by Kathy Nelson, President & CEO of Visit KC and the Kansas City Sports Commission, and Bridgette Jobe, Director of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Tourism Division. Other invitees included:

• Anderson County
• City of Bonner Springs
• City of Kansas City, MO
• City of Merriam
• Dentons
• Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City
• Explore Lawrence
• Franklin County Development Council
• Gardner Chamber of Commerce
• Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce
• Hotel and Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City
• Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
• Kansas City Power & Light District
• Kansas Department of Tourism
• Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association
• League of Kansas Municipalities
• Lenexa Chamber of Commerce
• Louisburg Chamber of Commerce
• MARC
• Miami County
• Missouri Division of Tourism
• Missouri Restaurant Association
• Office of Mayor Quinton Lucas
• Office of Representative Mark Alford
• Office of Representative Emanuel Cleaver
• Office of Representative Derek Schmidt
• Olathe Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Osawatomie Chamber of Commerce
• Paola Chamber of Commerce
• PB&J Restaurants
• Small Business Association Kansas City District Office
• Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce
• Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City
• U.S. Travel Association
• Visit Kansas City, Kansas
• Visit KC
• Visit Overland Park
• Visit Shawnee