Ready! Set! Score!

Lawrence Hosts Business Readiness Forum for 2026 World Cup!

Business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs are invited to join a powerful one-day event designed to prepare local businesses for the opportunities surrounding the 2026 World Cup. Hosted by Kira Chereé Cobb of the Actuate Consulting Team in collaboration with The Chamber, Lawrence, this regional forum will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the KU Innovation Park Auditorium in Lawrence, KS.

Registration is just $20.00, which includes a continental breakfast and boxed lunch. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
This highly anticipated gathering will feature experts, city officials, and resource providers from across the region, offering actionable insights and guidance for leveraging one of the largest international sporting events ever hosted in the United States.

Event Highlights Include:

2026 World Cup Overview
Business Readiness Strategies for Small Businesses by Kira Cobb
Municipalities Compliance Panel with leaders from Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City, and Lecompton, KS
Insights from the KS Department of Labor
Working Lunch focused on Creating Collaborative Experiences for International Travelers
Cultural Awareness Session led by KU International Affairs Department
Food Entrepreneurs & Restaurant Panel featuring the DoCo Food Entrepreneurs Policy Group and Rick Renfro of Johnny’s
Finance & Funding Panel with Network KS, Local Bank Representatives, and AltCap
Technical Assistance Resource Fair connecting attendees to business support organizations

“This forum is not just about preparing for the World Cup—it’s about creating long-term impact through business readiness, cross-sector collaboration, and economic development,” says Kira Cheree Cobb, CEO of Actuate Consulting Team

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Date and Time

Thursday Jul 17, 2025
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM CDT

Estimated Timeline
8:30am - Registration and Light Breakfast
9am - Event Starts
3:30pm - Presentations Conclude and Networking Begins
5pm - Event Concludes

Location

2033 Becker Drive
KU Innovation Park

Fees/Admission

$20 per person; includes light breakfast and lunch
Pre-registration required; space is limited

Contact Information

Jared Martin, Director of Events The Chamber
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