Downtown Council of Kansas City Annual Luncheon

Over the past decade, Downtown Kansas City’s residential population has soared; our arts and culture offerings have helped create a vibrant community with an increasing tourist and convention market.  KC Streetcar has opened up Downtown to expanded pedestrian opportunities – making it easier to walk Downtown – providing access to a plethora of new restaurants and entertainment spots. This year, the luncheon theme will center on a celebration of the vibrant and diverse community Downtown Kansas City has become. We will also discuss why Downtown Kansas City is a smart city and one that means to the business community.

Luncheon Highlights

• Keynote speaker, TJ Costello, Americas’ Director of Smart Cities and IoT, for Cisco, will illustrate how KC is a smart and connected city.

• Presentation of the DTC’s highest honor, the J. Philip Kirk, Jr. Award in Recognition of Community Vision and Downtown Stewardship to the Hall family, Hallmark Cards, and Crown Center.

•  Announcement of the 2017 Urban Hero Award recipients, honoring small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who are improving the quality and diversity of life Downtown.

• Introduction of the 2017 LaunchKC innovative technology-based start-up business grant recipients.

• Prior to the luncheon, guests will participate in the Spirit of Downtown KC Exhibit. More than 50 booth spaces will highlight new developments, creative businesses and the arts of Downtown.

Honorary Co-Chairs

• Irv Hockaday, Retired president and CEO, Hallmark Cards Inc., Past president and CEO, Kansas City Southern

• Steve McDowell, Design Director, BNIM Architects

Planning Chairs

• Nate Orr, partner, Spencer Fane

• Cathy Smith, vice president corporate planning, Faultless Starch/Bon Ami