Events Calendar

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Lawrence Hosts Business Readiness Forum for 2026 World Cup! Business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs are invited to join a powerful one-day event designed to prepare local businesses for the opportunities surrounding the 2026 World Cup. Hosted by Kira Chereé Cobb of the Actuate Consulting Team in collaboration with The Chamber, Lawrence, this regional forum will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the KU Innovation Park Auditorium in Lawrence, KS. Registration is just $20.00, which includes a continental breakfast and boxed lunch. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. This highly anticipated gathering will feature experts, city officials, and resource providers from across the region, offering actionable insights and guidance for leveraging one of the largest international sporting events ever hosted in the United States. Event Highlights Include: 2026 World Cup Overview Business Readiness Strategies for Small Businesses by Kira Cobb Municipalities Compliance Panel with leaders from Lawrence, Eudora, Ballwin, and Lecompton, KS Insights from the KS Department of Labor Working Lunch focused on Creating Collaborative Experiences for International Travelers Cultural Awareness Session led by KU International Affairs Department Food Entrepreneurs & Restaurant Panel featuring the DoCo Food Entrepreneurs Policy Group and Rick Renfro of Johnny’s Finance & Funding Panel with Network KS, Local Bank Representatives, and AltCap Technical Assistance Resource Fair connecting attendees to business support organizations “This forum is not just about preparing for the World Cup—it’s about creating long-term impact through business readiness, cross-sector collaboration, and economic development,” says Kira Cheree Cobb, CEO of Actuate Consulting Team ... read more

entrepreneurial support, local networking, small business, professional networking event, coffee ... read more

entrepreneurial support, local networking, small business, professional networking event, coffee ... read more

Every Saturday morning from April through November, shop for fresh, locally grown produce, farm-raised meats, artisanal baked goods, handmade crafts, and more! ... read more

Every month our Envoy group meets to network, discuss current intitiatives, and have fun! What is an Envoy?! 1. Our Envoy committee represents The Chamber in the community. 2. Envoys support local businesses and non-profits and encourage others to do the same. 3. Envoy members attend ribbon cuttings, business after hours, and other Chamber events! 4. This group welcomes new Chamber members and serves as ambassadors for our organization to the business community and the Lawrence community as a whole. 5. Envoys get weekly emails including last minute reminders for events, upcoming event agendas, and more! Who Can Join?! Any employee of a Chamber member business can join the Envoy Committee! It?s a free benefit to members, with the option to purchase an Envoy name tag for a small fee. Interested in joining? Contact Jared Martin at JMartin@LawrenceChamber.com today! Special thanks to our 2024 Envoy Tri-Chairs Secily Rees at Envista Credit Union, Audra Fussell at Truity Credit Union and Todd Chapple at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas! ... read more

Kids Expo ... read more

This monthly event spotlights new and existing members of The Chamber while also allowing time for networking with and introducing yourself to those in attendance. No matter how long you've been a member, we invite you to grab a hosted coffee and hear from member businesses! ... read more

entrepreneurial support, local networking, small business, professional networking event, coffee ... read more

Join The Chamber and Stevens & Brand for this great event to network with other Chamber members and celebrate Stevens & Brand.100th Anniversary! More details to come! More details to come! More details on what will be hosted coming soon! Enjoy hosted refreshments throughout the event. ... read more

entrepreneurial support, local networking, small business, professional networking event, coffee ... read more

entrepreneurial support, local networking, small business, professional networking event, coffee ... read more

Every Saturday morning from April through November, shop for fresh, locally grown produce, farm-raised meats, artisanal baked goods, handmade crafts, and more! ... read more

Looking to grow your side business to a full-time career but needing support? Are you a large business interested in programs to support small, local businesses? Wanting to learn more on marketing your business in-person and online? What are the best practices for cyber security? If so, The Chamber invites you to attend the Empowerment Expo! Our mission: create an inclusive space to learn, connect, and build together a powerful business community strengthened by the invaluable connections and knowledge gained. The Empowerment Expo will be comprised of breakout sessions ? each with 3 various topics, hosted lunch, and an afternoon of networking with fellow attendees and our event partners (see below). This event is open to the public! **The Chamber has invested into complimentary Bluetooth earbuds and will gladly provide them to those utilizing the English to Spanish translation services in breakout rooms and panel discussions. ***If you need accommodations due to dietary needs, etc. please contact Jared Martin, Director of Events, at JMartin@LawrenceChamber.com prior to the event. Topics to be presented on include Resources available to businesses of all sizes Cybersecurity Marketing and pitching your business to investors and clients Start Up and Entrepreneur guidance Opportunities for large businesses to grow while supporting local, small businesses Certifications for woman, veteran, and minority owned entities ... read more

entrepreneurial support, local networking, small business, professional networking event, coffee ... read more

Join The Chamber as we celebrate Maceli?s for their business expansion, remodel, and 30 years of business! ? Stick around after the ribbon cutting for food, beverage, and all the celebratory festivities. ... read more