Kansas City is building something extraordinary – and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 138th Annual Dinner on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom | Kansas City Convention Center (301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO), will shine a spotlight on the people, ideas, and innovations that are “KC Made.”

Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, this year’s event celebrates the bold spirit that defines our bi-state region: from world-class sports and entrepreneurial innovation to neighborhood small businesses and a culture of collaboration. That shared drive is propelling Kansas City onto the global stage, especially as we prepare to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The program features two special mini panels on Kansas City’s rise as an international soccer capital. The first will look back on the decades-long journey to becoming a premier soccer city with World Cup honorary co-chairs Clark Hunt and Cliff Illig. The second, moderated by Kathy Nelson (Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Visit KC), will look ahead with FIFA World Cup 2026 leaders Amy Hopfinger and Dan Flynn, exploring why FIFA selected Kansas City as a Host City and how our region can build on this momentum for years to come.

Outgoing Chair Charlie Shields (University Health) will reflect on his year of service as Chair, highlighting progress made and the partnerships that helped drive it. Incoming Chair Jeff Simon (Husch Blackwell) will look ahead to 2026, challenging business and civic leaders to stay engaged, embrace collaboration, and help shape the next chapter of the region’s growth.

The evening will culminate with the inspiring revelation of the 2025 Kansas Citian of the Year. Past recipients include Peggy and Terry Dunn, Charlie Shields, Bill Berkley, John Sherman, David Warm, Alvin Brooks, Kay Barnes, Robert Regnier, Tom Watson, James and Virginia Stowers, Thomas McDonnell, Shirley and Barnett Helzberg, The Rev. Emanuel Cleaver, R. Crosby Kemper, Jr., Donald and Adele Hall, James B. Nutter Sr., Phil Kirk, Greg Graves, and Leo Morton. Learn more about past Kansas Citian of the Year recipients here.

The Chamber’s Annual Dinner is one of KC’s most anticipated events of the year, bringing together the business community, educators, community organizations, and elected leaders from across the region. Doors open at 4 p.m. for networking and a reception; dinner and the program begin at 5:30 p.m. Annual Dinner guests will enjoy live music performed by Ad Astra, Kansas City’s Youth Chamber Orchestra, during the reception and dinner service.

Note: The videos shown during the event contain copyright-protected footage and should not be used as b-roll in any broadcasts.