International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City upcoming events

Clear the Clutter! (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Clear the Clutter! Give Back Together
Growing Global Connections, Giving Local Impact

The Next Generation Committee invites you to join us for a special service event that brings our international trade community together to make a difference right here at home. This event is open to all—members, guests, friends, and anyone who wants to give back.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Blessings Abound Thrift Store
10325 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS

Together, we’ll roll up our sleeves to sort and organize donations, helping ensure that items reach individuals and families who need them most. It’s also the perfect opportunity to bring your own donations after spring cleaning—giving your goods a second life while giving your time to a great cause.

Bring your energy, your donations, and your community spirit—we’ll provide the impact, the connections, and the opportunity to serve together.

✨ At ITC, we think globally—and act locally. Join us as we strengthen our community and show how global-minded professionals can create meaningful change close to home.

World Trade Day 2026: The North American Hat Trick- Trade, Talent, and Teamwork Under the USMCA (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

World Trade Day 2026: The North American Hat Trick

May 13, 2026 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)

REGISTER TODAY!

Early-bird: $15 for admission | $20 for admission + CPKC stadium tour (through April 28)

Regular: $25 admission | $30 for admission + CPKC stadium tour

World Trade Day: The North American Hat Trick: Trade, Talent, and Teamwork Under USMCA

As the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA/T-MEC/CUSMA) approaches its first required review in July 2026, the future of North American trade is at a pivotal moment. This program brings together expert speakers from the United States, Mexico, and Canada to provide a truly tri-national perspective on what’s ahead.

At the same time, these three nations are collaborating on a global stage as co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup —highlighting an unprecedented era of regional partnership, connectivity, and economic opportunity. This convergence of trade and global engagement makes understanding USMCA more relevant than ever.

Join us for a timely discussion on the key issues shaping the review, and our speakers will share real-world insights on how businesses are impacted by the agreement.

Whether you are an importer, exporter, trade compliance professional, or supply chain leader, this session will equip you with the knowledge and cross-border context needed to navigate the next phase of USMCA.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain critical insights and connect with professionals engaged in trade across North America.

Speakers include:

Enrique Perret - Managing Director, U.S. - Mexico Foundation (USMF)

Eric Goodman - Managing Director, Business Development & Transload, CPKC

Ludovic Ortuno - Managing Director, Missouri DED Canadian Office

Brian Gordon - SVP & Manager, International Banking, Commerce Bank (Moderator)

Learn more about our speakers!

Panelist: Enrique Perret

Enrique Perret holds a Bachelor's degree in International Trade from the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, as well as a Master's degree in Economics and Government from the Universidad Anáhuac. He has also completed executive courses at Harvard University, the Wharton School, and SMU.

During his time in the Mexican government, he was known for his focus on leading governmental commitments and business development strategies between the two countries. He currently serves as the Managing Director of the US-Mexico Foundation and is the President and Founder of the North Capital Forum, an initiative that seeks to promote North America as an economic, social, and political powerhouse.

Before assuming these roles, Enrique held the position of Director for North America at ProMéxico, the Mexican government's promotion agency, where he worked for over ten years in various capacities.

Enrique has been an active advocate for civil society efforts and has held leadership roles in several institutions, including serving on the board of directors of Teach for Mexico (Mexican chapter of Teach for All) and the board of trustees of Reinserta. He is also a member of the boards of Fundemex, Nepanoa, Pacto and COMEXUS, and is the President and Founder of Grupo Mexico en Movimiento.

He has been a Fellow at the Milken Institute for two years, contributing to initiatives focused on economic development and regional competitiveness.

Panelist: Eric Goodman

Eric Goodman joined CPKC in April 2023 and currently leads the Business Development, Transload, and Hi-Wide teams for CPKC in both the US and Canada. Prior to CPKC, Eric held various roles at BNSF Railway, including positions in operations, intermodal operations, unit train facilities, and economic development. With over 25 years of experience in Class I railroading, Eric leverages his extensive background in operations management, intermodal logistics, and economic/business development to strengthen customer relationships and enhance CPKC’s product offerings.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS.

Panelist: Ludovic Ortuno

Ludovic is a senior economic development professional specializing in export development, investment attraction, site selection, and industry and cluster analysis. He has served as Managing Director for Missouri DED Canadian Office since 2013, with a mandate to support Missouri’s SMEs in successfully entering and growing in the Canadian market as well as attracting Canadian companies to expand in the Show Me State.

With nearly 20 years of experience, he has led hundreds of international trade projects and missions and oversees trade services for U.S. state clients, delivering more than 200 projects annually for U.S. exporters targeting Canada.

Since 2015, he has contributed to SIDO’s export training and best-practice programs for trade managers from more than 40 U.S. states. He also regularly collaborates with award-winning initiatives such as the UK Department for Business and Trade’s Export Academy, as well as multiple U.S. state programs, including those in Georgia, New York, and Virginia.

Ludovic is a Canadian and French national of Spanish origin and is fluent in French, English, and Spanish.

Moderator: Brian Gordon

Brian Gordon is currently the Senior Vice President in charge of the trade and trade finance line of business at Commerce Bank. With over 35 years of international banking experience Brian enjoys helping customers solve problems and issues as they grow their international market presence. He currently serves on the board of BAFT (Bankers Association for Finance and Trade), MITA’s (Midwest International Trade Association) advisory council, the World Trade Center KC’s investor board, and on the Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone board.

Thank you to our event sponsors!

DOUBLE PLATINUM

PLATINUM

SILVER

Time

Event Highlights:

Networking & Light Snacks: 3:30–4:15 PM
Panel Discussion: 4:00–5:00 PM with experts from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico exploring trade trends and opportunities
Q&A Session: Engage directly with panelists
CPKC Stadium Tours & Additional Networking: Following the panel

Tapping Into Trade-Part 4: Landed Costs (Thursday, May 28, 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Tapping Into Trade: Part 4

Landed Costs

You learned where, how, and the money behind the scenes. Now let's tie it all together and address the landed cost of products. In a world full of uncertainty, learn what you do have control over!

The core of the seminar features an overview of:

Optionality in landed cost
Key cost components
Hidden and unexpected costs
How to calculate and compare
Using landed cost for better decisions

Participants will gain the knowledge to help set them and their supply chains up for success.

Event in In-Person or Online. Free to All ITC Members and $15 to non-members. Join today to save all year long!

Thursday, May 28th, 2026

10:00 AM

(Room 8B-M3-43-E Connections A)

Hallmark Corporate Entrance

2505 Gillham Rd

Kansas City, MO 64108

Security and check in:

Hallmark has restricted visitor access. We will meet attendees at the check-in desk. You should receive a visitor invite via email from Hallmark no-reply@envoy.com

Please fill out at least 24 hours in advance of event. Security will have your names in the system. If you do not receive this email within a day of registering, please contact office@itcgkc.org

Please see confirmation email for parking instructions.

Our Expert:

Jay Quickel is a global business executive who has spent the past 25 years creating a customized approach to product development, sourcing, distribution, operations, & sales. He has helped companies such as Hallmark, Harbor Freight, Lumber Liquidators, Southern States/Agway, and Wilco integrate their businesses so that they can align to scale. This has led them to create disruptive profitability beyond accepted industry norms by focusing on innovation, vertical integration, and speed to market by leveraging analytics to differentiate from the competition. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Emporia State University, an MBA from the University of Kansas, certifications from the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership at the University of Missouri, Applied Artificial Intelligence from Johnson County Community College and enjoys mentoring students at the University of Kansas School of Business and through his past work on the Product & Merchandising Management Advisory Council at Oregon State University.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Basecamp Bootcamp (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Basecamp Boot Camp

Get Game-Ready for Global Connections

The world is coming to Kansas City—are you ready?

As England, Argentina, Algeria, and the Netherlands establish their basecamps in the Greater Kansas City metro, this fast-paced Basecamp Boot Camp is your chance to get in shape—business-wise. In one high-impact session, you’ll sharpen your approach, build cultural agility, and learn how to connect in ways that go far beyond match day.

This isn’t theory. It’s a practical, quick-hit training designed to whip your business instincts into shape so you can confidently engage with international visitors, partners, and opportunities—during the World Cup and long after the final whistle.

Wednesday, June 10th

4:00-6:00 PM (Networking before and following)

Keystone CoLABS

800 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

In this Boot Camp, you’ll learn how to:

Adapt your communication style to build trust faster
Know when to prioritize relationships—and when to get straight to business
Demonstrate cultural awareness in how you host, meet, and engage
Turn brief interactions into lasting global connections

Opportunities like this don’t come around often—and the businesses that show up prepared will be the ones that stand out.

This event is free—but registration is required.
Don’t sit on the sidelines while others get ahead. Secure your spot and get game ready.

Our Expert:

Beth Lenherr is an executive leadership coach, international speaker, and founder of Elizabeth Lenherr LLC, a leadership development and cultural intelligence practice that equips leaders and teams to communicate across differences and perform at their highest level. A Kansas native with more than 20 years of experience developing leaders in high performance environments, Beth previously served as Director of Talent Management and Learning for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, helping prepare the Team USA delegation to operate effectively across cultures at the Olympic & Paralympic Games. Today, she works with organizations to build globally aware teams, and helps leaders communicate across differences with openness, awareness, and cultural intelligence to drive stronger collaboration and results.

Thank you to our event sponsors!

Gold

Silver

Event Highlights:

Networking & Keystone CoLAB view- 4:00-5:00 PM
Doing Business Overview 5:00-5:30 PM
Additional Networking 5:30-6:00 PM

Current Connections Networking (Saturday, August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Next Gen Networking Event

Join us for drinks, snacks, and great conversation at our Next Gen Networking Event! Connect with current international trade enthusiasts and grow your network in a relaxed, fun setting.

Bring a guest and enjoy an hour of networking before the fun continues! After you register, you’ll receive a link to purchase optional tickets to the match at CPKC Stadium, where the Kansas City Current take on Angel City FC.

Make new connections, catch up with familiar faces, and keep the energy going with the Next Gen committee!

Saturday, August 1
⏰ 4:00–5:00 PM

Port KC

110 Berkley Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64120

Free to ITC Members

$5 to Non members

Be sure and bring a guest!

Not wanting to pay for parking at the stadium? Check this link for additional transportation options.