Expanded Event Agenda
A Four-Day Leadership, Networking, Sports, and the World Largest Soccer Tournament in Kansas City Experience.
The Founders Pitch KC is a multi-day experience bringing together entrepreneurs, executives, sports leaders, creators, civic leaders, and brands during 2026 World Largest Soccer Tournament in Kansas City. The experience blends leadership conversations, entrepreneurship, sports marketing, networking, live content creation, and curated World Cup watch parties designed to foster authentic relationship-building and business opportunities.
REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Registration opportunities and sponsorship packages are available for individuals, founders, corporations, and community partners seeking to participate in one of Kansas City’s premier World Largest Soccer Tournament connected business and networking experiences.
Heads up! Clicking "Purchase Registration Here" will open our ticketing platform in a new page, where you can complete your registration and purchase your ticket.
Experience Highlights
- Leadership and entrepreneurship programming featuring national and regional leaders
- Sports diplomacy and sports marketing discussions
- VIP networking receptions and curated hospitality experiences
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Pitch Workshop and Pitch Competition
- Live podcast recordings and founder success stories
- Soccer Match watch parties, tailgates, tequila tastings, and cultural activations
- Business-meets-fútbol atmosphere designed for meaningful connections
Tuesday, June 16 | Opening Night + Soccer Match Watch Party Experience
Kick off The Founders Pitch KC with an immersive hospitality and networking experience centered around 2026 World Largest Soccer Tournament excitement and Kansas City culture.
5:00 PM
VIP Arrival and Executive Networking
6:00 PM
World Soccer Match Tailgate
7:00 PM
Sponsor Hospitality and Founder Networking
8:00 PM
WATCH PARTY: Argentina Match Experience
WEDNesday, June 17 | LEADERSHIP + ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT
A day focused on leadership development, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and sports diplomacy featuring executives, founders, and community leaders.
9:00 AM
Registration and Morning Networking
9:50 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome Remarks
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Opening Session: Leadership Shifts: Game Day Ready Leadership Matrix
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Mark Madrid Podcast: Our Stories, Our Legacy: From the Midwest to the National Mall
12:00 PM
Lunch Opens
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Welcome to Kansas City, Kansas by Mayor Christal Watson
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Fireside Chat: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace with Mark Madrid
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Civic Leadership: The Leadership Multiplier
2:00 PM
VIP Networking + Optional Match Viewing Experiences
THURSDAY, JUNE 18 | SPORTS MARKETING + INNOVATION DAY
Explore how sports, technology, media, and branding intersect through conversations with sports executives, marketers, creators, and innovators.
9:30 AM
Registration
09:50 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome Remarks
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ASPEN Institute Conexión Session
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
GFIBER Innovation Lunch Session
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Open Networking and Collaboration Sessions
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Game On: Winning with Sports Marketing Strategies
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
The Heart Beat of Kansas City: The Heart of Parade of Hearts
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Long Game: Building Growing and Realizing Success
5:00 PM
VIP Hospitality Opens
7:00 PM
Executive Networking Reception
8:00 PM
WATCH PARTY: Mexico Match Experience
FRIDAY, JUNE 19 | VERIZON PITCH COMPETITION + CLOSING CELEBRATION
Celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging founders through workshops, pitch competitions, and closing networking experiences.
9:45 AM
Registration
10:30 AM
Opening Remarks
10:35 AM - 11:00 AM
VERIZON Small Business Digital Ready Presents Fireside Chat with USHCC Leadership
11:00 AM - 11:35 AM
VERIZON Small Business Digital Ready Presents Pitch Workshop with Precious Williams
11:35 AM - 12:30 PM
VERIZON Small Business Digital Ready Pitch Competition
12:45 PM - 12:50 PM
Winner Announcement
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch and Networking
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Closing Reception and Watch Party (USA vs Australia)
WHY ATTEND?
- Connect with founders, executives, and sports industry leaders
- Experience the 2026 World Largest Soccer Tournament energy in Kansas City
- Build relationships through curated hospitality experiences
- Learn from leadership, marketing, and entrepreneurship experts
- Engage with sponsors, creators, and innovators in a unique environment
Disclaimer: Event dates, times, locations, and broadcast schedules are subject to change without notice. Registration purchase provides admission to The Founders Pitch KC event and related programming, including networking opportunities, panel discussions, entertainment, and hospitality experiences. No portion of the ticket price is allocated to the purchase of alcoholic beverages. Any alcoholic beverages offered during the event are provided on a complimentary basis to eligible guests, 21 and over, and are not included in, nor purchased through, the event registration fee.