Kansas City company becomes the gameday go-to collaborator for celebrity-jammed events
November 8, 2024 | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Teaming up with the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation for events — like the recent Kelce Car Jam in the Crossroads — is an incredible opportunity for Kansas City’s Platinum XP to showcase its capabilities and build a reputation as a top creative collaborator, said Lauren Rios.
“Platinum XP has the opportunity to work with many impressive organizations and brands nationwide, but when a celebrity like Travis Kelce is involved the visibility is heightened,” continued Rios, vice president of sales and marketing for the River Market-based planning and production company.
For more than five years, Platinum XP — which launched as a one-man DJ company in 2007 — has partnered with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s foundation for its fundraisers, according to the company, carefully crafting the events to align with Kelce’s passions, interests, and personality.
“My favorite part of getting to work with (the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation) is being involved in their unique vision every year of how they want to present themselves to the community,” Kris Nardini, CEO of Platinum XP. “Getting out of the ballroom and into a more creative event space is always energizing for our team.”

Travis Kelce poses with students from the Ignition Lab at Operation Breakthrough during the Kelce Car Jam in the Crossroads Arts District; photo by Adri Guyer, courtesy of Platinum XP
For the Kelce Car Jam — which incorporates Kelce’s passion for vintage cars and raises funds for the Ignition Lab at Operation Breakthrough’s efforts to provide STEM education and resources to Kansas City’s underserved youth — the Platinum XP team was responsible for all aspects of planning and production: from logistics, AV, and large-scale branding to custom fabrication and activations.
“Platinum has had their hand in many celebrity events throughout the years, but this one takes the cake in my book,” said Ellen Valdez, event manager. “Their team has a tough choice when selecting their partner, so we’re so grateful for the years of commitment from A&A Management.”
Check out a photo gallery below by Adri Guyer, courtesy of Platinum XP, then keep reading.
“In a city full of so many top-notch events, it feels special to know we are amongst those bringing them to life,” added Emily Manahan, event coordinator.
From the archives: See the vision for Travis Kelce’s ‘safe haven’ for Operation Breakthrough teens

Jason Kelce, brother of Travis Kelce, makes his way through the crowd at the Kelce Car Jam; photo by Adri Guyer, courtesy of Platinum XP
The event — a festive block party in the Crossroads with more than 800 attendees — featured 30-plus luxury and classic cars, including some from Kelce’s own collection and a 1969 Chevelle that the Ignition Lab students converted into an electric car.
KC rapper Tech N9ne also performed and several Chiefs teammates — including Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and George Karlaftis — supported Kelce’s cause.
“Kansas City always shows up, baby,” Kelce said on his New Heights podcast while discussing the Kelce Car Jam with brother Jason, who also attended the event along with wife Kylie and mom Donna. “That’s why I love it here, man. Whether it’s foundation events or celebrating somebody or just a good, old Chiefs game, they’re showing up.”
“I love being able to work with a cause that both benefits local youth and brings the Kansas City community together,” added Manahan, noting the company worked closely on the event with sponsors Hummer EV, Zen Wtr, Casa Azul, Garage Beer, Raising Cane’s, and Andy’s Frozen Custard.
Featured Business

2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
UMKC’s Bloch Venture Hub offers multi-tier hub for startups at different stages
A new community resource space for Kansas City entrepreneurs at all stages launched Friday with the aim to build a bridge for early-stage ventures. Previously a Country Club Bank location, the facility hopes to cultivate more local entrepreneurial ventures. Located at 4328 Madison St., the Bloch Venture Hub is powered by University of Missouri-Kansas City’s…
Digital Sandbox announces funding for six new companies
On Thursday, Digital Sandbox KC announced its newest cohort of six area startups. Led by entrepreneur Jeff Shackelford, the Kansas City-based incubator welcomed 17° 73° Innovation Co, Anticipate Ventures, FEWDM, Homegrown & Happy, Live-K and TicketRx to the program. “The continued support through partnerships, like Independence, Olathe and Great Plains Energy for the Energy…
During Taste of Techstars, David Cohen offers three tips for hopeful applicants
Founder and co-CEO of Techstars David Cohen addressed Kansas City via a simulcast on Thursday morning, sharing three tips for startups. This preceded the day long workshop Taste of Techstars, which is hosted in multiple Techstars cities. Including simulcast talks, mentor sessions and pitch practice — Kansas City Techstars managing director Lesa Mitchell said she…
Google Fiber clarifies KC plans after reports of mass cancellations
After media reports indicated it canceled “hundreds” of area residents’ installations without a specific reason, Google Fiber is now clarifying its Kansas City plans. The tech giant — which began building an expansive gigabit network in Kansas City, Kan. in 2011 — said that while it remains committed to the area, it is tapering its expansion…







