Trade Show News

McCownGordon Construction, in a joint venture with Mortenson, has been selected to build the new Kansas City Royals stadium at Crown Center. This $3 billion project, expected to open in 2030, is anticipated to position the firm for future sports and recreation developments.

As part of the $400+ million Revive the Vine initiative, 'The Pennant,' a new Marriott Tribute hotel, is expected to begin major construction by the end of 2026. This hotel will include 80 rooms, dining, retail, and dedicated conference and event spaces, enhancing hospitality options in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

The Kansas City Council approved the Royals' $3 billion master plan for a mixed-use ballpark district at Crown Center, including funding mechanisms for nearly $1.4 billion in stadium debt service. This significant economic development project is expected to include new event spaces and hospitality options, contributing to the city's overall business landscape.

The Loews Kansas City Hotel offers 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including the city's largest ballroom. The hotel is directly connected to the Kansas City Convention Center via a pedestrian bridge, providing convenient access for convention attendees.

Kansas City landmarks, including Union Station, Crown Center, and the Kansas City Convention Center, lit up blue on October 10th. This display was in support of the approved downtown Royals stadium development, which recently received city council financing approval.

Aramark is currently hiring General Utility Workers for the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Center. The role involves maintaining the cleanliness of dishes, equipment, and work environments, serving as a starting point for a career in food service.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, has filed a lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of a state law establishing the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority. The lawsuit aims to ensure local officials retain a voice in decisions shaping the community, particularly regarding the new Chiefs stadium and its surrounding entertainment districts.

Cerris Systems' Kansas City office recently hosted its annual industry event, bringing together clients and trade partners for networking and demonstrations. The event also served as a fundraiser, benefiting the local charity Giving the Basics.

Encore is actively seeking a Director, Event Technology (SNE) in Kansas City to lead revenue and profitability for its local operations. The role involves managing a small team, overseeing venue relationships, and ensuring the timely delivery of equipment and services for events. This position emphasizes financial oversight, operations management, and proactive problem-solving within the event technology sector.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in Kansas City is experiencing rapid growth as it develops future leaders in the construction industry. The organization is actively preparing to host the national CLC conference in 2027. This initiative supports professional growth and community engagement within the construction sector.

The Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Conference (CSEF2026) is currently underway at the Kansas City Convention Center. The conference brings together professionals shaping venue development, design, fan experience, tourism, and public/private partnerships. The event highlights Kansas City's energy and bold venues.

The Best Practices 2026 EXPO & Conference is an upcoming in-person event in Kansas City, scheduled for October 12-14, 2026. It is listed as a professional development opportunity.

The DAX Kansas City Decorated Apparel Expo has been announced, with free registration now open on their website. The event is for those excited about decorated apparel.

The DAX Kansas City trade show for decorated apparel is scheduled for August 5-6, 2026. An announcement on Facebook from October 11, 2026, expressed excitement for the upcoming event. Tickets are expected to go on sale soon for this industry-specific trade show.

A trade show was held in Kansas City on October 9, 2026, as part of the League Annual Conference, where attendees connected with vendors and explored products and services for their cities.

Kansas City officials have approved the first phase of construction for the Roy Blunt Luminary Park, a planned deck park over I-670 near the Convention Center. This phase will include tunnel infrastructure and the first park block, with major traffic disruptions expected until its projected opening in spring 2029.

Development is underway for an "NLBM Campus" on 18th and Paseo, which will include a new Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and "The Pennant," an 80-room Marriott Tribute hotel. The hotel will feature dining, retail, conference, and meeting rooms, with major construction expected to start by the end of 2026.

The Historic 18th & Vine District in Kansas City is providing updates on event permitting and ongoing construction, advising event organizers about potential intermittent impacts. Vendor pop-up opportunities are also being offered every Wednesday at the Boone Theater.

Kansas City officials have approved the $3 billion Royals ballpark and mixed-use development at Crown Center, which includes plans to demolish Kauffman Stadium and replace it with a new hotel, convention center, and entertainment district. The project is expected to open in 2030.

The Bluhawk development is set to expand outdoor gathering areas and add flexible event-ready spaces by 2027, offering unique hosting options in Kansas City. Hotel development will also improve with a 99-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites opening in 2026, and additional hotels planned by 2027, adding a total of 350 rooms.