Kansas City Hosts 45th Annual US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Convention, Uniting Over 1,000 Business Leaders

Kansas City Welcomes the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Convention

Kansas City, Missouri, is bustling with excitement as the city prepares to host the 45th annual US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Convention from October 6th to 8th. This year promises to be a remarkable gathering of over 1,000 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates, all coming together to celebrate and support the Hispanic community.

A Celebration of Community and Business

Jackie Puente, who is serving as the chair of the event, emphasizes the vibrant and welcoming nature of Kansas City’s Hispanic community. “Kansas City has an amazing Hispanic community, an amazing number of Hispanic business leaders who have opened their doors and arms wide open for us to be here,” she said enthusiastically. In addition to her role as chair, Puente also holds the position of vice president of external affairs for Comcast and NBC Universal, showcasing her dedication to advancing the interests of the Hispanic business landscape.

The Hispanic Chamber represents an astounding 5 million Latino businesses across the United States, both small and large. This convention presents a prime opportunity for attendees to network, exchange ideas, and enhance their professional skills.

Sessions on the Horizon

Throughout the three-day event, attendees will engage in a variety of workshops and sessions geared towards helping businesses modernize and build stronger networks. This year, the major themes revolve around health and wellness and the promising future of artificial intelligence. These topics are ever-evolving, but as Puente notes, “There are always new issues, but you see many of the same leaders coming together trying to solve challenges.” The collective knowledge at this convention aims to foster growth and innovation within the Hispanic business community.

Voices of First-Time Attendees

Among the first-time attendees is Eduardo Parra, who owns a small infrastructure design firm in Houston, though he hails from Venezuela. Eduardo expresses gratitude for the connections and resources available at the convention. “There are some national firms that we would like exposure to, and as a small business, it’s hard to find it,” he shares with optimism. “I have already lined up three meetings with national firms during this conference.” His experience highlights the important role this gathering plays in opening doors for budding entrepreneurs.

Returning Voices of Experience

Returning to the convention is Ivette Agudelo Lopez, who runs a digital marketing firm that she initially started in Venezuela. Moving her business to the United States a decade ago brought its challenges, but with the help of the chamber, she has navigated them successfully. “We are going through the same issues, through the same challenges, and maybe we can find opportunities to connect, to partner, and lift up each other,” Agudelo Lopez adds. Her perspective reflects the overarching sentiment of camaraderie and partnership evident among Hispanic business leaders.

Looking Ahead

The convention is set to conclude on Tuesday, and it promises to leave a lasting impact on all who participate. As Kansas City takes center stage, the hope is that the connections made and insights shared will empower a new generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs and leaders in business.

As this vibrant community comes together, it’s a reminder of the strength that lies in unity and collaboration. The festivities, learning opportunities, and networking sessions are sure to inspire and uplift the attendees as they continue their important work in the field of business and beyond.