10 top event picks for GEWKC; build your own schedule from 60+ sessions

With dozens of events on the calendar for GEWKC, Union Station will be bustling with activity, said Callie England, noting organizers intentionally curated a week where attendees can’t go wrong — no matter how they fill out their itinerary.

“While the schedule can feel full, it’s truly the best of the best,” said England, director of Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City for KCSourceLink, which has organized the event since 2008.

Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks during LaunchKC’s finalist reveal party in 2024 at J. Rieger & Co.; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

The city’s premier, multi-day entrepreneurship conference returns Nov. 17-21 with marquee base camp events and a maker fair set for Tuesday through Thursday at historic Union Station.

Click here to explore the GEWKC schedule and build your own agenda.

England emphasized that while more than 200 session ideas were submitted, only about 60 ultimately were chosen for the city’s premier, multi-day entrepreneurship conference, with GEWKC organizers listening to feedback and avoiding topics that might feel like sales pitches.

“This new approach really prioritizes practical, high-value content,” she said.

Among the most-compelling events throughout the week:

• LaunchKC Liftoff — Join the crowd as the 8th class of winners from the 2026 LaunchKC grants competitions are announced alongside cocktails, food and premier networking. (4:30-7 p.m. Monday at J. Rieger & Co. distillery)

• KC Game Plan Track — A panel conversation and Q&A with Kansas City business and trade leaders on how entrepreneurs can seize their global moment last the city prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026. Expected panelists include: Tracy Whelpley, KC2026; Dulcinea Herrera, Cafe Corazon; Alan Kneeland, The Combine KC; Laurie Pieper, Kansas Department of Commerce; and Janet Elie, SCORE Mentors (9-10 a.m. Tuesday at Union Station, Planetarium)

• Small Business Day with the City — This one-day event offers Kansas City entrepreneurs and small business owners an opportunity to connect directly with KCMO departments and access the tools they need to thrive and ensure their businesses are compliant, prepared, and positioned for success ahead of the World Cup. (9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, Rotunda)

• Emerging Tech Company Showcase — Hear from founders who are building a next wave of innovative tech companies in Kansas City. Panelists include: Donnie Hampton, Roz; Romy Carlson, Enrichly; Lizz Whitacre, Pawlytics; and Mitch Mabrey, Resonus. (3:15-4:15 p.m. Tuesday at Union Station, Stillwell)

• KC Capital Day — The Accelerated Growth Capital Series culminates with short founder pitches, a showcase of two rising startups from the Heartland innovation economy, and networking with founders, advisors, community leaders, and supporters. (3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Aspiria Now)

• Brand Battles — Experience a candid panel conversation with real-life entrepreneur stories that explore how they navigated trademarks, cease and desist letters, and other legal landmines; hosted by Maggie Mannebach from Husch Blackwell. Panelists include: Bo Nelson, Thou Mayest; Alex Lindsey, West Bottoms Whiskey Co.; and Callie England, WallyGrow. (3:15-4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Union Station, Planetarium)

• AltCap Your Biz Pitch Competition — With $60,000 on the line, 10 entrepreneurs from across industries will take the stage to deliver their five-minute pitches, followed by a rapid-fire Q&A with an esteemed panel of judges. After four intense rounds of scoring, see who walks away with the top prize — and the title of Kansas City’s Next Big Thing. (3-7 p.m. Wednesday at Union Station, City Stage)

• On the Road with City Entrepreneur — Join a happy hour celebration and Season 3 finale, featuring a live podcast recording, short panel conversation, networking and live music. (5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the National WWI Museum and Memorial)

• Corporate Connections — This 90-minute session explores how corporations can engage with startups in ways that create long-term value for both sides. The first 30 minutes will introduce Keystone’s new Corporate Connections Accelerator, designed to help high-growth startups find enterprise partners. A panel discussion will follow, moderated by Endeavor Heartland and featuring a successful startup-corporate case study. (10:15-11:30 a.m. Thursday at Union Station, Chamber Board Room)

• Understanding Entrepreneurship-Centered Economic Development Capital — The panel will discuss how entrepreneur support organizations can better understand the capital landscape of state, federal, philanthropic, and private funds to fund ecosystem-building programs and initiatives in mid-sized cities, moderated by Richard Kim, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. They will also discuss how the availability of this capital directly affects entrepreneurs. Panelists include: Allison Greenwood-Bajracharya, Kauffman Foundation; Dr. Joann Massey, EDGE (Economic Development Growth Engine); Joy Polefrone, Alliance for Building Better Medicine; and Ned Staebler, TechTown Detroit. (2-3 p.m. Thursday at Union Station, Chamber Board Room)