44 Days Out: The 3 Things Every Kearney & Holt Organization Should Do This Week

We’re getting close — and today’s KC2026 update meeting was the last official community update before games commence. That means this week isn’t about new ideas — it’s about getting your organization visible, prepared, and confident.

KC2026’s Community Activation Playbook reminds us that being a Host City region is bigger than matches: the impact extends across the region and every community has a role in creating a safe, welcoming experience.

Why this matters in Kearney

We’re not downtown KC — but we’re connected to it. When the metro gets busy, the ripple hits us through:

• workforce and commute disruptions
• visitor overflow and last-minute “easy stop” decisions
• families hosting guests who want convenient meals, errands, and experiences close to where they’re staying

Kearney has a lot going for it this summer: Jesse James Birthplace, Go North KC watch parties, Parade of Hearts attention, and the Friendship Era Tour. Our job is to make sure the world can find what’s happening here. (And that starts with listings.)

Your 3-step checklist (do this now)

1) Read the updated KC2026 Community Activation Playbook (10 minutes)

This Playbook is your “source of truth” for:

• what’s happening and where
• who’s coming (and what they’re like)
• public viewing/watch party rules (including licensing categories + naming dos/don’ts)
• FIFA brand/IP guardrails (what to avoid)

Key reminder: The Playbook stresses this is bigger than the stadium — it’s about the whole region showing up with “authentic warmth.”

Access the Playbook Here.

2) Download the International Visitor Profiles (and use them)

KC2026 has created International Visitor Profiles so businesses can welcome visitors with confidence (fan culture, helpful phrases, and what to expect). Use them as:

• a quick staff huddle tool
• a counter/desk reference
• a social content spark (“Here’s how we’re welcoming visitors this summer”)

Pro move: Pick one profile, skim it, and add 1 simple change (signage, phrasing, menu clarity, process clarity).

Download the International Visitor Profiles Here.

3) Get listed everywhere that matters (visibility = impact)

This is the week to stop assuming “people will hear about you” and start ensuring they can find you.

A) Put your event on the MARC regional calendar

KC2026 calls this one of the easiest ways to maximize impact and says it helps planning/safety and increases visibility.

There is no cost to submit your event, and submission does not obligate you to move forward.

STEP 1: CREATE AN ACCOUNT

• Submit your request to MARC for a community account at https://www.marc.org/world-cup#member-center
• You’ll receive an email within two business days with instructions for setting up your account.

STEP 2: ADD YOUR EVENT

• Once you’ve set up your account and logged in, select “Events” left menu and “Add New Event.”
• Be sure to select the World Cup™ 2026 Community Activations calendar and click “done” to add your event. 

B) Add your listing to the Official FIFA World Cup App

The KC2026 Host City digital journey planner serves as Kansas City’s front door for the tournament, delivering trusted local information directly through the official FIFA World Cup 2026 app. No separate app download is required. Fans and residents will be able to access schedules and ticketing for FIFA Fan Festival™ and ConnectKC26 transportation service, local business listings, regional events, dining, and visitor resources — all within the primary app audiences will already be using throughout the tournament.

HOW TO GET LISTED – MISSOURI LOCATIONS

Is your business already listed? Check HERE

To update an existing listing, submit this Form

Within 5-7 business days you will receive an email providing you with information to access the portal where you can edit your listing.

To request a new listing, submit this Form

Within 5-7 business days you will receive an email providing you with information to access the portal where you can view and edit your listing.

NOTE: All new listings or listing changes require approval before they appear on KC2026 Host City Web App. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing and check your email in case edits are needed.

If you have additional questions, please contact Community@KansasCityfwc26.com.

C) Share your location on the Parade of Hearts App

A new feature for this year's Parade of Hearts exhibit is the design of an app that will allow the public to see what attractions/businesses/events are nearby each heart statue (viewers will access a code on each heart that will take them directly to a page associated with the location - what's to see & do plus special offers).

Below is a link to the promotions form that your businesses can submit (one offer per month for each business - can not do multiple offers in a specific month).

https://legacy.theparadeofhearts.com/promos/go-north-kc

Businesses can submit the form with their specials/offers - once approved the promotions will then be listed on the app under the Go North KC page.

D) List in the Visit Kearney mobile app + Chamber landing page

For Kearney/Holt, this is your local “conversion tool.” If your organization has:

• a special
• an extended hour plan
• a Tour/Hearts activation
• an event
• Send it to the Chamber so we can put it in the app, on the community calendar and on the Tour pages.

Confidence tips for welcoming international visitors (simple + real)

You don’t need to be multilingual — you just need to be clear and kind:

• use icons on signage (restrooms, order here, hours)
• keep directions short and friendly
• have a translation app ready for quick help
• make your process “visitor-proof” (what to do next)

This week’s one action

Pick ONE thing you’re doing this summer (event, offer, activation, extended hours, watch party tie-in) and get it listed in at least two places:

• Visit Kearney app + Chamber page
• MARC calendar
• Parade of Hearts
• KC2026 listings

If we want the region to find Kearney, we have to be findable.