From major transportation upgrades to brand new hotels and innovative event spaces, Kansas City is making strides in 2026. With attention-grabbing events like the 2023 NFL Draft and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ choosing KC to host, the appeal of gathering in Kansas City is greater than ever.
As Travel + Leisure noted, the city is staking a claim as a “global leader in sports and entertainment.”
It’s why so many convention attendees who travel to KC for the first time find themselves planning a return visit sooner rather than later, with the connections they’ve made during their time in the City of Fountains drawing them back for more.
Authentic, affordable, easy to reach and earning a reputation as a region that can’t be overlooked—it’s the right time for Kansas City. See what’s new, and on the way, for meetings and convention attendees in the Heart of America.
Welcoming the World
This summer, the world’s best arrive in the Heart of America. Kansas City will welcome the largest sporting event on the planet as one of 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The event will see matches played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, with state-of-the-art sports infrastructure across the area and well-recognized local soccer community promising to make KC an unparalleled and unforgettable host.
Recognized as the Soccer Capital of America, Kansas City has invested more than $650 million in soccer infrastructure over the past 15 years, building world-class stadiums, training facilities and performance centers. Combined with its central location, affordability and proven track record for hosting major events, the region offers everything elite programs require. It’s no surprise the Netherlands, England and defending world champions Argentina chose Kansas City as team base camps in preparation for the tournament.
KC Streetcar Extension
In 2025, the free-to-ride KC Streetcar debuted a newly extended 5.7-mile route along Main Street, connecting the River Market and Downtown all the way to the Country Club Plaza, accessing new attractions like The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and historic Westport entertainment district.
Another extension is set to open in early 2026, putting attendees just steps from Berkley Riverfront, home to the KC Current’s CPKC Stadium and the emerging Current Landing entertainment district. At the end-of-the-line station, riders will arrive at CPKC Pavilion in memorable fashion with immersive architecture and access to sprawling green space along the Missouri River.
New District Developments
More than $3.5 billion in new district development is transforming the Kansas City experience, elevating the city as a premier meetings destination. From investment in historic neighborhoods to entirely new public spaces and mixed-use districts, below are six new projects creating fresh possibilities for meetings and memorable attendee experiences.
KC’s Expanding Hotel Landscape
New hotels continue to dot the landscape in Kansas City, offering up-scale accommodations, dining, amenities and more.
Kansas City has 10 new hotels set to open throughout 2026, joining nine others that have opened in recent years. KC offers plenty of great places to lay your head, grab a bite to eat or hold a meeting.
Opening Soon
- AC Hotel (132 rooms) & Residence Inn (129 rooms) by Marriott
- Aiden by Best Western84 rooms
- Atwell Suites Liberty93 rooms
- Hilton Garden Inn Kansas City Riverside134 rooms
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites KC – OP South99 rooms
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Lee’s Summit KC
- The Riff Hotel12 suites
- River Market Hotel51 rooms
- Towne Place Suites by Marriott Lee’s Summit112 rooms
- Tru by Hilton Liberty Kansas City96 rooms
Airport Updates
Flying into Kansas City is one of the most convenient arrivals in North America, with most travelers reaching KC with just one connection. The new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), open since 2023, welcomes visitors with upgraded technology, locally inspired dining and retail, streamlined security and convenient gate access.
Located just 25 minutes from downtown and less than three hours from either coast, MCI continues to expand its nonstop service across the U.S. and Mexico — making it easier than ever for attendees to meet in Kansas City.
New & Expanded Nonstop Service
- United Airlines: Daily nonstop service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) beginning April 2026
- Southwest Airlines:
- Weekly nonstop service to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) beginning March 2026
- Daily nonstop service to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) beginning June 2026
- Weekend service to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF) beginning June 2026
- Increased frequency to LAX, Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Delta Air Lines: Twice-daily nonstop service to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) beginning June 2026
![The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – Image_1 [LISTING]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2025/10/3ff9207d-d205-4b88-8f05-bcda74ccb7df.jpg)
