A GLOBAL STAGE AWAITS
Strategic positioning and partnerships prepare OPCC for the impact of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Chef David Takes KC
Award-winning leadership, national recognition, and a culinary program redefining convention center dining.
Redefining the welcome
New exterior signage and brand-forward enhancements elevate the arrival experience.
Record-breaking revenue
The highest grossing year in OPCC history — a milestone for performance, partnerships, and growth.
“2025 marked a milestone year for the Overland Park Convention Center — not only as the highest-grossing year in our history, but as a year that positioned us for extraordinary opportunities ahead.
This record performance reflects the continued confidence our clients place in our team and our ability to deliver exceptional experiences at every level.
Our culinary program continued to gain national recognition under the leadership of Executive Chef David Ruiz, whose award-winning work, community partnerships, and commitment to sustainability have elevated our food and beverage experience well beyond expectations. From industry competitions to local collaborations, our kitchen has become a point of pride for both our facility and our region.
At the same time, Kansas City’s global moment is on the horizon. As we prepare for the FIFA World Cup, we are energized by the opportunity to welcome international visitors, corporate partners, and media to our community. This historic event represents more than a series of matches — it represents growth, visibility, and long-term impact for our city and our convention center.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our team. Their professionalism, creativity, and commitment to excellence continue to define who we are.
As we look ahead, we do so with optimism, purpose, and an unwavering desire to create world-class experiences.”
– Brett C. Mitchell, General Manager
SURVEY SCORES
Consistency that earns attention.
In 2025, our staff once again delivered outstanding service, earning strong survey results that reinforce our role as a hospitality leader in the region. With an overall client satisfaction score near 4.78 out of 5, we continued to exceed expectations across every department — from customer service to audiovisual, culinary, and operations.
NAKA-KON ANIME CONVENTION
Every year, voice actors, musicians, cosplayers, artists, designers and industry experts come to the convention center to catch performances, join in cosplay competitions, and learn about working in the anime, manga, and music industries.
In 2025, Naka-Kon generated 2,029 total room nights, contributing an economic impact of $2,071,959 to the local community.
INTERNATIONAL LINEMAN’S RODEO & EXPO
The International Lineman’s Rodeo Convention and Trade Show brings the world’s top linemen together to compete in skill-based events. With over 200 teams and 300 apprentices, this event continues to grow in size and impact.
In 2025, the rodeo generated 6,542 total room nights, contributing an economic impact of $4,671,084 to the local community.
VISION Hi-TECH TRAINING EXPO
Each year, thousands of automotive service professionals from 37 states, Canada, and Australia gather at OPCC for four days of high-impact training and education. VISION delivers top-tier technical sessions, management courses, and a robust exhibit hall experience—making it one of the most respected gatherings in the auto service industry.
In 2025, the event generated 2,072 room nights and contributed an estimated $1.3 million in economic impact to the region.
2025 ACTUALS
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Number of Events
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Attendance
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Total Revenue
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Total Expense
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Total Income
-
196
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290,644
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$15,252,079
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($14,381,595)
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$870,484
Economic Impact
Month
-
January
-
February
-
March
-
April
-
May
-
June
-
July
-
August
-
September
-
October
-
November
-
December
-
TOTAL
Total Event Impact
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$3,043,703
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$4,410,056
-
$6,047,791
-
$2,683,342
-
$2,364,930
-
$1,634,237
-
$1,810,724
-
$2,045,683
-
$4,063,294
-
$7,771,907
-
$4,902,792
-
$1,941,736
-
$42,720,195
2025 ICON-IC MOMENTS
In 2025, Kansas City continued building momentum as a global destination, preparing to welcome millions of visitors when the world’s most prestigious soccer tournament comes to the region in 2026. OPCC is proud to support this moment — contributing our services, space, and hospitality expertise to the international stage.
Official Drop & Ride Location
In 2025, Overland Park Convention Center was named one of Kansas City’s official World Cup transportation hubs — a major milestone in our preparations for 2026. As part of this designation, OPCC will serve as a central drop-and-ride location with dedicated shuttle service to and from Kansas City International Airport and Fan Fest at Union Station (pictured left).
With thousands of international visitors expected, OPCC’s seamless accessibility, ample parking, and central location — surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and walkable amenities — make it a natural choice for both transit and events.
Whether arriving, departing, or celebrating, we’re proud to be part of the journey — and the destination.
AT THE CENTER OF CELEBRATION
As Kansas City prepares for the world’s biggest sporting event in 2026, OPCC is stepping into the global spotlight. In 2025, we worked to position our venue not just as a transportation hub — but as a prime destination for event planners, sponsors, and corporate hosts.
With a dedicated video campaign and a World Cup landing page now live, we’re ready to welcome the world — and show them the best of KC.
In just one year, Chef David Ruiz has become a force in Kansas City’s culinary scene—bringing innovation, recognition, and purpose to OPCC’s kitchen and community.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
With just one year in Kansas City, Chef David Ruiz is already racking up an impressive list of accolades—adding to an already decorated culinary career. Recognition came quickly for Chef Ruiz, as both clients and national publications took note of his creative approach bringing in local buzz, national attention, and industry honors.
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- Named 2025 Meetings Trendsetter by Meetings Today
- Winner of the Libbey #FuelYourFire Plating Competition (with paid trip to ACF Conference in Las Vegas as featured chef)
- Nominated for The Pitch KC’s Best Chef his first year
- Invited to Potato Glory Culinary Council
- Featured in HopeNotes Magazine by HopeKids
“Chef David is showing Kansas City—and the industry—how convention center cuisine can be both elevated and deeply intentional.” — Meetings Today Magazine
MENU INNOVATIONS
Chef David is redefining expectations of convention center food with menus that are seasonal, globally inspired, and purposefully sourced.
TEST KITCHEN POP-UP
In June 2025, Chef David Ruiz was hand-selected to headline The Test Kitchen, Kansas City’s exclusive underground supper club founded by renowned food critic Jenny Vergara.
Known for its invite-only lottery system, secret locations, and multi-course surprises, The Test Kitchen is a rare culinary stage reserved for the city’s most talented and boundary-pushing chefs. For Chef David to be chosen in his first year in Kansas City speaks volumes about the impact he’s already making.
Hosted at Colonial Gardens in Blue Springs, guests didn’t know the location until 24 hours before the event. The evening unfolded under a canopy of trees and string lights, with Chef David serving a globally inspired menu that blended technique, emotion, and bold flavor paired with wine.
Menu Highlights Included:
- Futomaki | Farmstead Greens · Parmesan Anchovy Emulsion · Lemon Preserve
- 30 Day Mole | Mole Poblano · Tamaya Blue Corn Tortilla · Queso Blanco
- Maize Trois | Polenta · Tweet Corn · Popcorn
- Ash & Earth | Smoked Beet · Whipped Goat Cheese · Pistachio
- Chard Red Bird | New Mexico Gochujang · Bone Broth · Black Vinegar
- Maritozzi | Sweet Bun · Grilled Strawberry · Vanilla Cream
Each course reflected Chef David’s signature style: deeply seasonal, thoughtfully plated, and intentionally composed to tell a story — an evening to remember.
COLLABORATIONS
“One of the first places I went when I moved to Kansas City was the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. I wanted to meet the people growing and producing food in this community. Those early conversations turned into real partnerships — we now source from farms like 5 Mile Farms, Hemme Creamery, Burro Chili, and Sava for our event menus.
When the opportunity came up for the Farmers’ Market to host their seasonal vendor kickoff at OPCC, it just made sense. It wasn’t just about bringing an event into the building — it was about bringing the local food community inside our walls. That connection continues to shape the way we cook and the way we serve our guests.”
— David Ruiz, Executive Chef
WELLNESS & SUSTAINABILITY
In 2025, he launched the 86 Challenge, an eight-week wellness initiative developed by Humans of the Kitchen. Recognizing that culinarians spend so much time taking care of others that they often forget to take care of themselves, the program focused on movement, hydration, mental health awareness, and daily team check-ins — giving the kitchen a chance to reset, together.
Under Chef David’s leadership, OPCC continues operating as a zero-waste kitchen, partnering with organizations like Pete’s Garden to redirect surplus food and reduce environmental impact. His commitment to local sourcing strengthens both our menus and our community.
FOOD & BEVERAGE DIVERSION REPORT
Month
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January
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February
-
March
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April
-
May
-
June
-
July
-
August
-
September
-
October
-
November
-
December
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TOTAL
Total Landfill Diversion (lbs)
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6,095
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6,694
-
7,791
-
4,513
-
7,100
-
1,760
-
2,080
-
3,384
-
6,641
-
6,658
-
6,355
-
5,658
-
64,728
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Chef David made it a priority to establish a formal connection with Johnson County Community College’s Culinary Apprenticeship Program (pictured left) — a competitive program known for producing top young talent. After touring the school and building the relationship, OPCC welcomed three apprentices into the kitchen, with plans to expand the partnership in the years ahead.
In 2025, he also hosted a hands-on cooking class for HopeKids families (highlighted below), creating a joyful, interactive experience that gave children and parents the chance to cook, learn, and connect together. He also partnered with Horizons Academy, continuing OPCC’s commitment to community engagement through culinary education.
In 2024, Overland Park Convention Center reintroduced itself to the world with a bold new brand identity. In 2025, we took that vision to the curb — literally.
Partnering with Dimensional Innovations, we launched a comprehensive signage transformation, replacing dated silver monuments with sleek, illuminated markers designed to match our modern brand. These updates signal more than just a new look — they mark our ongoing investment in first impressions and guest experience.
Design to delivery
A project of this scale took vision, collaboration, and attention to every detail — from updated lighting specs and materials to typography that aligns with our refreshed logo. Thanks to our partners at Dimensional Innovations, we brought this vision to life without disrupting operations, using existing infrastructure and concrete bases for a seamless installation.
MAKING AN ENTRANCE
Located at the main entrance on College Boulevard, this prominent sign welcomes guests with modern elegance and elevated visibility. Energy-efficient LEDs now enhance nighttime readability, while landscaping ties the signage into the surrounding property. It’s the first impression of the OPCC experience — and a lasting one.
FROM PLAN TO PLACEMENT
Each sign was custom fabricated using push-through acrylic, LED backlighting, and color-matched accents to our brand palette. Installation was carefully coordinated to minimize disruption and maximize visibility — resulting in a seamless transition from old to new.
The transformation even made its way to social media, where our installation video generated buzz and positive feedback from the community.
These MOMENTS helped shape our momentum in 2025
But there’s still more to the story…
Playing with purPose: Supporting HOPEKIDS
In August 2025, the Overland Park Convention Center proudly teed off once again at the HopeKids Golf Classic Tournament at Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate — an annual event supporting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
As a HopeKids Kansas City board member, Britaney Wehrmeister (center) helped organize and host the tournament, while Executive Chef David Ruiz, Barb Silin, Ashley Flagler, and Scott Riesterer represented OPCC on the course. The tournament raised critical awareness and funds to help HopeKids provide uplifting, community-building events for families navigating medical challenges.
At OPCC, we believe our impact extends far beyond our walls — and this partnership is a powerful example of that commitment.
All 2025 charitable giving
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Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
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American Heart Association
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Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park
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Blue Valley Education Foundation
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Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City
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Child Protection Center
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Christian Okoye Foundation
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Curing Stomach Cancer
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HopeKids Kansas City, Inc.
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Horizon Academy
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Johnson County Community College Culinary School
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Kansas State University
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Marine Corps (Toys for Tots)
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Variety Kansas City
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Victoria’s Voice Foundation
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United Way
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World Parkinson Day
SEMPER FI DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN Award
In 2025, the Overland Park Convention Center was honored with the Semper Fi Distinguished Citizen Award from the Marine Corps League in recognition of more than a decade of support for the Kansas City Toys for Tots campaign.
Presented to individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding community service, character, and dedication, the award recognizes the collective efforts of the entire OPCC team. Each holiday season, staff members across departments help make the campaign possible — collecting donations, answering questions, directing traffic during peak drop-off days, and supporting the logistics behind one of the region’s largest toy collection sites.
As the largest Toys for Tots donation location in the Kansas City area, OPCC’s team plays a vital role in helping bring joy to thousands of local children each year. This recognition reflects the shared commitment of every employee who contributes their time and energy to making the holiday season brighter for families across the community.
Meetings TODAY MAGAZINE: Trendsetters of the year
Executive Chef David Ruiz was named a 2025 Meetings Trendsetter by Meetings Today Magazine, an honor awarded to industry leaders who are redefining the meetings and events landscape.
Recognized for purpose-driven leadership through food, Chef David continues to reshape convention center dining — blending sustainability, innovation, and elevated guest experiences in ways that resonate nationally.
This recognition further positions OPCC as a leader not only in hospitality, but in culinary innovation.
INGRAM’s MAGAZINE: 40 under forty
Britaney Wehrmeister was selected for Ingram’s prestigious 40 Under Forty Class of 2025, recognizing emerging leaders who are making a measurable impact in Kansas City.
Britaney’s strategic leadership has driven brand growth, award recognition, and community campaign initiatives — positioning OPCC at the forefront of the meetings industry.
ARAMARK ACE COMPETITION FINALIST
Chef David was named a finalist in Aramark’s prestigious Culinary Excellence (ACE) Competition, a year-long global showcase of the company’s top culinary talent.
Competing through district and regional rounds to reach the national stage, chefs are judged on creativity, technical execution, flavor, and innovation.
Being named a finalist places Chef David among Aramark’s elite chefs worldwide — further elevating OPCC’s culinary reputation.
All Industry Accomplishments
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Impact Award, Aramark IMPACTO – Chef David Ruiz
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Finalist, Aramark ACE Chef Competition – Chef David Ruiz
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Top 25 Centers of Excellence, EXHIBITOR Magazine
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Prime Site & Top Destination Award, Facilities & Destinations Magazine
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1st Vice Chair, IAVM – Brett C. Mitchell
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40 Under Forty, Ingram’s Magazine – Britaney Wehrmeister
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Best Meeting & Conference Facility, Ingram’s Magazine
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GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, ISSA
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Sensory Inclusive Certification, KultureCity
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Grand Prize Winner Fuel Your Fire Contest, Libbey – Chef David Ruiz
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Semper Fi Distinguished Citizen Award, Marine Corps League
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Community Service Medal, Marine Corps League – Britaney Wehrmeister
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Trendsetters of the Year, Meetings Today Magazine – Chef David Ruiz
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Silver: Best Convention Center Midwest, Northstar Stella Awards
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Best Chef of Kansas City Nominee, The Pitch – Chef David Ruiz
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Culinary Council Member, Potato Glory Council – Chef David Ruiz
OUR PARTNERS
OUR SPONSORS
2026 Outlook
- Serving as a transportation hub and welcome center during World Cup 2026, helping connect visitors, partners, and fans to the Kansas City region
- Strategic positioning and corporate hospitality partnerships in preparation for the World Cup 2026, welcoming global audiences to Kansas City
- Launch of CURA, OPCC’s reimagined café concept — bringing Chef David Ruiz’s culinary vision to a daily guest experience rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients and elevated simplicity
- Expansion of Chef David’s culinary footprint — from curated pop-ups and specialty programming to retail spice blends that bring the OPCC experience home
- Investment in next-generation connectivity, enhancing fast, reliable Wi-Fi and digital infrastructure
“As we look ahead to 2026, we’re building on the strength of a record-setting year while preparing for transformative opportunities ahead. With major initiatives on the horizon — including the introduction of CURA and the regional impact of FIFA — we are focused on thoughtful investment, operational readiness, and sustainable growth. Our goal remains clear: to ensure OPCC is positioned to perform at the highest level, today and into the future.”
– Scott Riesterer, Director of Finance
