Downtown Council to celebrate ‘Place Matters’ at Annual Luncheon

The Downtown Council of Kansas City will feature New York Times best-selling author Dan Gardner as the keynote speaker for its 2023 Downtown KC Annual Luncheon in April.

Gardner will take the themes and lessons learned, as outlined in his latest book, “How Big Things Get Done” (co-authored with Bent Flyvbjerg), and apply them to catalytic projects – including the South Loop Project and Ballpark District – that will shape the future of Downtown Kansas City. 

The Annual Luncheon, set for noon Friday, April 14 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel, will build on the momentum of last year’s event where the Downtown Council launched the Imagine Downtown KC 2030 Strategic Plan, featuring the vision, goals, transformative strategies, and catalytic projects for Downtown KC over the next decade. 

The keynote speaker will join us in person, thanks to the generous support of JE Dunn, the luncheon’s Keynote Sponsor. The DTC has partnered with Populous, the event’s Book Sponsor, and hometown bookstore Rainy Day Books to provide each attendee with a copy of Gardner’s book.

Gardner is the co-author of “Risk,” “Future Babble,” “Superforecasting,” and “How Big Things Get Done.” His books have been published in 26 countries and 20 languages. 

Place Matters: Annual Luncheon Highlights

• Keynote Speaker: Dan Gardner
• Kirk Award in Recognition of Downtown Stewardship & Community Vision
• Urban Hero Awards, honoring five individuals who impact greater Downtown at the grassroots level
• Downtown CID 20th Year Anniversary Celebration & Harvey Fried Award presentation for exemplary service by a Community Improvement District Ambassador
• Mayor Quinton Lucas – State of Downtown remarks
• Spirit of Downtown KC Exhibition from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. showcasing Downtown Kansas City with a networking exhibition of businesses, cultural and non-profit organizations, and new developments
• Annual Luncheon program from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Loews Kansas City Hotel Ballroom

Kay Barnes, Kansas City Mayor from 1999-2007, and currently Senior Director for University Engagement at Park University, will serve as honorary chair of the luncheon. 

Dr. Kimberly Beatty, Chancellor of Metropolitan Community College, and Mike Klamm, Senior Vice President of CBRE, are the planning chairs. Klamm and Dr. Beatty currently serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the DTC Board of Directors.

Click here to learn more, become a sponsor, or reserve your seats for this annual showcase for Downtown Kansas City.

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