Join us as we officially open the WTCA North America Conference with opening remarks from Ivan Barrios, WTCA Chair of the North America Regional Advisory Council, along with Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director-Member Services.

Join Joe Reardon, President & CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and Melissa Miller, Executive Director of World Trade Center Kansas City, for a dynamic fireside chat exploring how chambers and World Trade Center branded businesses can collaborate to strengthen regional economies and global connections. Through real-world examples and shared vision, they'll highlight the value of strategic partnerships in promoting trade, supporting businesses, and amplifying Kansas City's role on the international stage.

Take a moment to recharge, stretch your legs, and connect with fellow attendees. Whether you grab a coffee, catch up on emails, or continue the conversation from the last session, this break is yours to unwind and refocus before we dive back in.

From backyard pits to international plates, Kansas City BBQ has become a culinary ambassador of American flavor. Each year, the American Royal Association’s World Series of Barbecue draws competitors from around the globe, and in 2024, Food Export Midwest hosted its first-ever Buyers Mission alongside the event — a sold-out opportunity connecting local producers with international buyers.

Join Pat Macy of the American Royal, Suzanne Ryan-Numrich of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Abby Dowden of the Missouri Department of Agriculture as they share how KC’s signature smoky style is making waves on the global stage. This panel will explore how cultural exchange, export strategy, and statewide support are helping scale a regional favorite for international markets — and how your members can tap into these resources to bring their flavors worldwide.

Back by popular demand! The Member Flash Presentations are your chance to take the stage and briefly showcase your WTC location's recent achievements, upcoming initiatives, or unique programs.

Each presenter will be allotted at least 5 minutes during lunch on June 2 to share key highlights in a fast-paced, engaging format. Whether you’re launching a new service, celebrating a milestone, or looking to spark collaboration—this is your moment to shine.

Interested in presenting? Be sure to indicate your interest in the during registration—we’ll follow up with next steps!

The Missouri State Partners is a powerful alliance of international trade service providers working together to drive economic growth statewide — with measurable impact at the local level. Join Leslie Fischer of the Missouri Small Business Development Centers, Shannon O’Hagan of the Missouri International Trade & Investment Office, and Joshua Kaplan of the U.S. Commercial Service as they share how this collaborative model fosters strategic alignment, maximizes resources, and supports businesses across Missouri. Gain practical insights on how to build similar partnerships in your own market to enhance trade services, strengthen regional economies, and deliver greater value to your stakeholders.

The world’s biggest sporting event is coming to Kansas City — and the countdown to 2026 is already creating waves of opportunity. Tracy Whelpley of KC2026 shares an inside look at how the region is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup and what it means for infrastructure, tourism, business, and global visibility. Learn how your organization can get involved and score big as Kansas City steps onto the world stage.

Kansas City’s central location, robust infrastructure, and pro-business environment make it a key player in global trade and investment. In this session, Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort, provides a high-level overview of the region’s logistics strengths, foreign direct investment (FDI) activity, and Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) advantages. Gain insights into how Kansas City is positioning itself as a logistics hub and how these assets can support international growth and expansion in your own market.

Wrap up day 1 in style with an evening of connection and celebration at J. Rieger & Co., one of Kansas City's most iconic distilleries. Enjoy craft cocktails, local flavors, and great conversation as we welcome attendees from across the region. This casual networking event is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and toast to the exciting days ahead.

The reception at J. Rieger & Co. is located outside of walking distance from the conference venue. Complimentary transportation will be provided for all attendees. Additional details, including the meeting point and departure times, will be shared closer to the event.

Join us at the Global Café —an inviting, informal gathering designed to spark conversation, cultural exchange, and new connections across the region. Whether you're here to share ideas, learn from others, or simply enjoy a relaxed setting with your WTC peers, the Global Café offers a welcoming space to engage in meaningful dialogue over coffee. Our Global Café program will be set by the North America RAC, so be sure to share any topics or questions you'd like to see addressed on your registration form.

Learn the latest from WTCA in this informative session. From upcoming initiatives and global programs to Member engagement strategies and key takeaways from recent events, this session will provide a comprehensive update on what’s ahead for the WTCA network—and how you can stay connected, involved, and impactful.

Get a first look at the 56th WTCA Global Business Forum, set to take place in Philadelphia, USA! With the theme “Historic Foundations, Future Collaborations: Cultivating New Business Frontiers,” the 2026 Forum will honor the city’s rich legacy as a cradle of commerce and innovation while spotlighting new opportunities in global trade and investment. Discover how Philadelphia is preparing to welcome the WTCA network and how this historic yet forward-thinking city is paving the way for the future of international business.

Venture 150 feet beneath Kansas City to explore SubTropolis, a 1,150-acre subterranean industrial park carved from a 270-million-year-old limestone deposit. With more than 6 million square feet of leasable space, SubTropolis is home to over 55 businesses and 2,000 employees — all benefiting from its naturally regulated climate, energy efficiency, and strategic location.

This unique facility houses the largest contiguous Foreign Trade Zone under one roof in the U.S., serving industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to e-commerce. On this exclusive guided tour, you'll gain insight into how SubTropolis supports sustainable business growth and logistics innovation.

Please note: Capacity is limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration is required to attend this tour.

Explore the dynamic transformation of Kansas City's riverfront with a guided tour of Port KC's key projects. This experience offers an inside look at the Governor Michael L. Parson Port Terminal, the Berkley Riverfront development, and the Missouri River Terminal. Discover how Port KC is leveraging its strategic location and partnerships to advance transportation, logistics, and sustainable infrastructure, fostering economic growth and community revitalization.​

Please note: Capacity is limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration is required to attend this tour.

Experience the future of temperature-controlled logistics with an exclusive tour of Americold’s new 335,000-square-foot cold storage facility, strategically co-located at Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) intermodal terminal in Kansas City. This $127 million investment is set to become a pivotal hub for North American trade, supporting CPKC’s Mexico Midwest Express (MMX) service—the continent’s only single-line rail service for refrigerated goods between the U.S. Midwest and Mexico.

Attendees will gain insights into how this state-of-the-art facility integrates Americold’s advanced cold storage capabilities with CPKC’s extensive rail network, enhancing efficiency in transporting perishable goods across borders. Learn about the innovative solutions designed to reduce transit times, lower costs, and minimize food waste, all while supporting nearly 190 new jobs in the region.​

Please note: Capacity is limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration is required to attend this tour.