Kansas City Visitor Center hosting a free “Culture & Hospitality Training Series” ahead of FIFA World Cup
Soccer fans react to the official FIFA World Cup host city announcement on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the Kansas City Power and Light District in Kansas City. (Zachary Linhares/The Beacon)
The VisitKC Foundation is hosting a free Culture & Hospitality Training Series for restaurant, hospitality, and other customer-facing workers. Facilitated by The Protocol School of Washington, the training will help staff best accommodate thousands of expected international travelers for the World Cup.
The website states, “With an unprecedented number of international and domestic visitors expected this summer, each and every member of the hospitality community has a crucial role to play in making Kansas City shine.” While many World Cup logistics remain uncertain, Kansas City is relying on hospitality professionals to step up and ensure every visitor has a positive experience.
Three sessions will be led by experienced hospitality consultants and protocol trainers. Whether you want to represent Kansas City well or earn extra tips, this training aims to “empower hospitality professionals to deliver outstanding service with confidence.” Session information is listed below:
Session 1: Heart, Passion, & Pride
When: Tuesday, April 7: 8-10 a.m. or 3-5 p.m.
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial
This session is for hospitality or attraction leaders. It helps guide teams to deliver adequate service, regardless of cultural background. The framework covers personality styles and universal human expectations. Training is held in person.
Session 2: The Playbook – SOLD OUT
When: Tuesday, April 14: 10-11:15 a.m.
Thursday, April 16: 3-4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21: 12-1:15 p.m.
Where: Online
While this session was quick to sell out, there is hope that other directions will be provided by VisitKC. This session is the only online session and aims to provide cultural awareness to supervisors and managers.
Session 3: Boots on the Ground
When: Wednesday, May 13: 8:30-10 a.m or 10:30 a.m – 12 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center
A month before the World Cup festivities, this in-person training will provide hands-on examples of service across various cultures. Any customer-facing staff is encouraged to sign up.
