Sep 16, 2025
As Kansas City prepares to welcome the world for the upcoming World Cup games, businesses across the region have a unique opportunity to showcase Midwestern hospitality on a global stage. Join us for World-Class Welcome, a wide-ranging webinar series and two-day conference designed to help local companies and organizations prepare for international visitors, during the World Cup and beyond. Hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce, this program offers tools, cultural insights, and customer service strategies to ensure every international guest receives a first-class experience. Whether you’re in hospitality, retail, transportation, education, or any customer-facing industry, this series will equip your team with the knowledge and confidence to deliver a truly world-class welcome.
Webinars:
Navigating the Halal Supply Chain: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategic Considerations
2:00 p.m. October 9
Description
As global demand for Halal-certified products continues to rise, businesses across various sectors—including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and logistics—must adapt to meet the expectations of Muslim consumers while complying with rigorous Halal standards. This webinar offers an in-depth exploration of the unique dynamics of the Halal supply chain, emphasizing not only the religious and ethical dimensions but also the essential business and operational factors for success. Attendees will gain insights into: Challenges in Halal Supply Chain Management: Understand the complexities of maintaining Halal integrity throughout sourcing, processing, transportation, and storage. Learn about common compliance pitfalls and how to address gaps in certification, traceability, and cross-contamination risks. Opportunities in a Growing Market: Explore innovation trends such as blockchain for traceability, and the increasing demand for ethical and sustainable Halal products. Strategic and Regulatory Considerations: Learn how to navigate diverse regulatory frameworks across countries, align with global Halal certification bodies, and integrate Halal requirements into quality assurance systems and supplier relationships. Case Studies and Best Practices from The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025, Kuala Lumpur. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, distributor, or academic, this session will expose you with the foundational knowledge and strategic perspective to engage with the Halal market responsibly and competitively.
Menu Creation for International Palates: Dishes and Presentation
11 a.m. November 13
Description:
As global travel continues to rise, today’s international visitors are seeking more than just a meal, they are looking for an authentic, cultural experience through food. This one-hour webinar explores how to create menus that appeal to international palates while celebrating the rich culinary heritage of your local area. We’ll dive into what international travelers look for when dining abroad, highlight the iconic foods that make Kansas City a destination for food lovers, and explore ways to incorporate local history into your dishes. Whether you’re a chef, restaurant owner, or part of a hospitality team, this webinar will equip you with fresh ideas to make your menu both globally inspired and locally rooted.
Register Here
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gy8MMGMzSDq4nV4o-WBxWA
Cultural Aspects of French Business Communication
3:00 p.m. November 18
Description: For American businesspeople engaging with companies in France – and local businesses that have French travelers as customers – this webinar will highlight cultural differences between France and the US that may be important to appreciate in business contexts, especially inhospitality. This includes helpful suggestions for interacting with French tourists during the upcoming FIFA® World Cup matches, as well as more general information about French business culture. Topics include: • cultural differences relevant to business • communication etiquette • verbal and non-verbal communication • tipping practices • French expectations in restaurants and hotels Presenters: Dr. Camille Méritan, Teaching Assistant Professor of French and Kathleen Antonioli, Associate Professor of French in the Department of Modern Languages, Kansas State University.
How to Develop Rapport with International Travelers
2:00 p.m. November 21
Description:
In a highly globalized world, the ability to build rapport with international travelers is vital for fostering guest satisfaction, cross-cultural connections, further business growth and brand enhancement. This session explores key principles and strategies required to develop meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It emphasizes cultural sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and effective communication as foundational tools for establishing trust and comfort. Professionals in hospitality, tourism, and related fields equipped with core competencies for successfully engaging international travelers reduce the risk of misunderstandings, create enriching exchanges, and support business development.
Register Here
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MOTe8NmWRbyCuMaJRNOnHw
Understanding Dietary Restrictions and Food Preferences of International Travelers
11 a.m. December 4
With major international events bringing a diverse range of global travelers to our cities, understanding the dietary expectations and cultural preferences of international guests is more important than ever. This in-depth session is designed to support chefs, F&B teams, and hospitality professionals in creating inclusive menus that meet the needs of a global audience.
We’ll focus on breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu development tailored for local hotels and restaurants, with specific insights into culinary preferences from European, Asian (including India), South American, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean travelers. Special attention will be given to religious and cultural dietary laws (Halal, Kosher, vegetarianism, and fasting practices) that may influence meal planning during high-profile events like FIFA. By the end of this webinar, you’ll be better equipped to make thoughtful, culturally aware menu choices that elevate guest experiences and reflect true hospitality.
Register Here
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ghQ0PrHJTaCEdF4adKSSGQ
How to Market to International Travelers
2:00 p.m. January 21st
International travelers are looking for more than just a destination, they are seeking meaningful experiences, personalized service, and a sense of connection to the local culture. In this session, we’ll explore effective strategies for marketing your hotel, restaurant, attraction, or hospitality service to a global audience. From understanding cultural values and travel behaviors to identifying the most effective digital platforms and booking channels for different regions, this webinar will help you position your brand to resonate with international visitors. We’ll also discuss the importance of multilingual content, culturally relevant imagery, global partnerships, and how to highlight amenities and services that international guests care most about. Whether you’re preparing for a global events or aiming to expand your year-round international reach, this session will provide actionable tools to elevate your marketing and guest engagement.
Register Here
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vdk5EcqdSYyel-TSfuFI7g
Understanding International Customer Needs
2:00 p.m. February 18
Delivering exceptional service to international guests starts with understanding their unique needs, expectations, and cultural norms. This webinar explores how global travelers differ in their communication styles, service expectations, food preferences, and decision-making behaviors. From the moment of booking to the guest experience on-site, we’ll examine how cultural background influences everything from customer service interactions to amenity preferences and feedback styles.
Register Here
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wwbAAbuHTu-ELHAo_YoVmQ
Conference
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. March 12
Location: Johnson County Community College
12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
More information to come!
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