FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
One of the things I appreciate most about the ATHENA Awards is that they remind us leadership isn’t simply about what you accomplish. It’s also about how you bring others along with you. We saw that Tuesday as we celebrated two outstanding Greater Kansas City leaders: 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient Angie Long and ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient Elaina Paige. Both exemplify the kind of leadership that strengthens not only organizations, but people and communities.
We’re also grateful to the organizations that make this celebration possible, including our presenting sponsor, KPMG, whose longstanding support of ATHENA and commitment to advancing women in leadership we were proud to recognize with a special award of appreciation this year. And next year, we’re expanding that celebration to an even younger generation.
Beginning in 2027, the KC Chamber will present the ATHENA Youth Leadership Award, recognizing an individual under the age of 18 who is already demonstrating what it means to lead with purpose while empowering and amplifying the voices of women and girls. Across Greater Kansas City, young people are already making a difference in their schools, neighborhoods and communities. I’m excited that this new award will give us an opportunity to recognize and encourage them, and to remind them that their leadership matters right now.
We’ll share more information in the coming months about the 2027 ATHENA Youth Leadership Award and the nomination process. I hope you’ll be watching and thinking about the exceptional young leaders in your own community who deserve to be recognized.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING AT GOLFTRK
Make new connections on October 16, while checking out a high-tech, year-round indoor golf experience in Prairie Village.
Take a swing at making new business connections during the KC Chamber’s next Neighborhood Networking event, Friday, October 16, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at GolfTRK (7068 Mission Rd.) in Prairie Village.
GolfTRK combines golf and technology with data-driven TrackMan bays featuring ball-flight and club data, immersive virtual courses, practice tools and entertainment features designed for golfers of all experience levels. During Neighborhood Networking, you’ll have plenty of time to connect with members of the business community and learn more about this unique local business. Bring your business cards, meet someone new and start your Friday by growing your network. Register today!
CENTURIONS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP FORUM
Hear from influential women shaping the business, culture and future of professional sports in Kansas City at the Centurions Women’s Leadership Forum on October 27.
Greater Kansas City is having a defining moment in sports, and women are helping lead it from every angle. On Tuesday, October 27, the Centurions Women’s Leadership Forum will bring together leaders from the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and KC Current for a candid conversation about leadership, influence and creating opportunities in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Designed as a live morning broadcast, Game Changers: Women Leading Kansas City Sports will feature personal stories, bold conversation, and practical insights on what it takes to lead highly visible organizations, build winning teams, and navigate pressure. Featured speakers include Jillian Carroll Letrinko, KC Current Broadcast Host and former FIFA Ambassador; Sheila Sickau, Kansas City Chiefs Senior Manager of Football Development and KC Glory President; Lara Krug, Kansas City Chiefs Chief Marketing Officer; Iris Edelen, Kansas City Royals Chief Human Resources Officer; and Jocelyn Monroe, KC Current Chief Marketing Officer.
The forum will challenge attendees to think bigger about their own influence, lead confidently from wherever they sit and consider one powerful question: What’s your World Cup? Join us from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for a conversation about leadership that reaches well beyond the playing field. Register now!
GENKC | COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS 2026
Early career professionals can connect with Centurions leaders on October 29 for candid conversations about career growth, transitions and taking the next step in their leadership journey.
Wherever you are in your career, figuring out what comes next can be easier when you can learn from people who have navigated those transitions themselves. Join genKC for Coffee & Conversations on Thursday, October 29, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Evergy (1200 Main St.) in downtown Kansas City.
More than a networking breakfast, Coffee & Conversations creates space for meaningful dialogue with active and alumni Centurions and fellow early career professionals. Through a series of roundtable discussions, participants will explore what it means to level up in their careers — from navigating transitions and sharpening their strategic approach to growing into more established leadership roles.
The morning includes breakfast and networking followed by three rounds of table discussions, giving participants multiple opportunities to hear different perspectives, share their own experiences and make new connections. Whether you’re ready for your next professional step or still figuring out what that step should be, come ready for fresh ideas, practical insights and meaningful conversation. Space is limited, so register today!
ANNUAL DINNER 2026 – WORLD CLASS KC
Join us November 24 for the KC Chamber’s 139th Annual Dinner as we celebrate the people, businesses and cultures that showed the world what Greater Kansas City has to offer.
What makes a city world class? In Greater Kansas City, the answer has always been our people. At the KC Chamber’s 139th Annual Dinner, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, we’ll celebrate an extraordinary year and the businesses, organizations, cultures and communities that made the most of a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Throughout 2026, Kansas City welcomed visitors from around the globe, but some of the most meaningful moments happened away from the international spotlight. Businesses built new relationships, cultural connections made visitors feel at home, and regional leaders opened doors to investment, partnerships and opportunities that can extend well beyond 2026. Annual Dinner will tell those stories while celebrating the leadership shaping our future, including outgoing Board Chair Jeff Simon, incoming Chair Dr. Kimberly Beatty and the surprise announcement of the 2026 Kansas Citian of the Year.
Join us Tuesday, November 24, at the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom (301 W. 13th St., KCMO) for a 4 p.m. networking reception followed by dinner and the program at 5:30 p.m. The world may have had a new reason to discover Kansas City in 2026, but what they found was the people, cultures, creativity and spirit that have defined us all along. The heart was always here. Register today!