State of the Industry: Kansas City’s World Cup Moment

   November 6, 2025
 4:30 – 7:00 PM

Registration 4:30 – 5:00 PM
Program 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Reception 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Marriott Kansas City Overland Park

Kansas City is gearing up for its biggest moment yet, the 2026 FIFA World Cup! This global spotlight is set to transform the region’s meetings, events, and hospitality landscape.

Join PCMA for a dynamic State of the Industry session exploring how the World Cup is driving new opportunities for planners, venues, and suppliers. From infrastructure and hotel growth to international exposure and community impact, discover what this means for the future of events in the Heartland and beyond.

We will hear from Kathy Nelson, President/CEO, Kansas City Sport Commission and Foundation and Justin Meyer,  Deputy Director of Aviation – Marketing and Air Service Development, Kansas City Aviation Department about what success will look like both during the event and into the future, how the selection as a World Cup site has shaped the strategic planning for major events in the area and what past events such as the NFL Draft and MLB All-Star Game have taught them for hosting mega-events.

Don’t miss this chance to gain insight, connect with peers, and be part of Kansas City’s once-in-a-generation moment.

About Our Speakers:

Kathy Nelson

A native Kansas Citian, Kathy Nelson serves as the President and CEO of both Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation. Nelson expanded her responsibilities to take the helm at Visit KC in January 2022 while continuing to lead the KC Sports Commission, a role she has held since 2011. Most recently, Kathy has been behind the success of such high profile achievements as the 2023 NFL Draft & bringing FIFA World Cup 26™ to Kansas City. A veteran communicator and storyteller, Nelson’s diverse background includes senior management positions in marketing, sales and promotions at Time Warner Cable and Metro Sports, in addition
to several roles at FOX 4/WDAF-TV in Kansas City. In recognition of her service, Nelson has been honored with several accolades over the years. She has been named the 2024 Executive of the Year by the Sports Events & Tourism Association, the 2023 USA Today’s Women of the Year Missouri Honoree and the 2022 Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe Women of Achievement award.

Justin Meyer

A 26-year veteran of the U.S. aviation industry, Justin Meyer rejoined the Kansas City Aviation Department in April 2014. As the deputy director of aviation – marketing and air service development, he leads the marketing, communications and customer service efforts for the Kansas City Aviation Department’s two airports. Additionally, Meyer works with airline planners to increase flights and add new routes from Kansas City International Airport. He was actively involved in the planning for Build KCI, the $1.5B new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport, where he advocated for the customer experience to be one of high accessibility and inclusiveness. In 2023, Meyer served as interim director of aviation while a national search was underway for a permanent director. In this role, Meyer oversaw all aspects of the management, development, operation and maintenance of Kansas City International Airport and Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport. Meyer graduated from Florida Tech with a degree in aviation management with flight, where he earned his private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and CFI pilot certificates. He serves on the board of directors for the Northland Chamber of Commerce and Kansas City Area Development Council. Meyer is also a former chair of the ACI-NA Marketing Steering Group and ACI-NA Air Service Steering Group.