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• International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City's 81st Annual Meeting

  • When
    Thursday, September 17, 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Milburn Country Club, 7501 W 69th St, Overland Park, KS 66204

  Register

  The International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City's 81st Annual Meeting

  
  

  Trade at the Crossroads

  with

  Pete Mento 

  
  

  Date: Thursday, September 17, 20256

  Time: 5:30- 8:00 PM

  Location: Milburn Country Club
  7501 W 69th Street, Overland Park, KS 66204
  
  

  International trade is changing faster than ever. From shifting tariffs and evolving trade policy to geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruption, businesses need more than headlines—they need trusted insights.

  Join the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City for an exclusive opportunity to hear from Pete Mento, Director of Global Trade Advisory at Baker Tilly US. With more than 30 years of experience in customs, compliance, and global trade strategy, Pete is one of the nation's leading voices on international trade. A licensed Customs House Broker, he combines extensive industry experience with academic expertise, including a PhD in Customs and Economics from Durham University and a master's degree in Government from Harvard University.

  Known for his engaging, candid presentations, Pete breaks down today's rapidly changing trade environment into practical business insights. This timely discussion will explore the issues shaping global commerce today and what organizations should be watching in the months ahead.

  If you want the unfiltered perspective on what's happening in international trade—and what it could mean for your business—this is a program you won't want to miss.

  What You'll Take Away

  • The latest developments in tariffs, trade policy, and customs enforcement.
  • A practical understanding of how recent administration actions could impact your business.
  • Insights into the geopolitical forces driving today's global marketplace.
  • Strategies for managing risk amid ongoing trade uncertainty.
  • What importers and exporters should be watching over the next 6–12 months.
  • Actionable ideas to help your organization adapt to changing regulations and supply chain dynamics.
  • An opportunity to ask your toughest questions during a live discussion with one of the industry's leading trade advisors.

  ✨ Event Highlights:

  • 5:30 PM | Networking & Cocktail Hour
    

  • 6:30 PM | Dinner

  • 7:00 PM | Keynote Speaker

  Pete Mento | LinkedIn

  Pete Mento is a licensed Customs House Broker and leading authority in global customs, trade compliance and duty‑minimization. At Baker Tilly US he heads the Global Trade Advisory practice, bringing more than three decades of experience including senior leadership roles at DSV Air & Sea and other major trade‑and‑logistics firms. Pete holds a master’s degree in Government/Trade Theory from Harvard University and completed undergraduate studies at Maine Maritime Academy.

  Presenting Sponsor

  
  

  Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
  

  Program Sponsors

                    
  

  
  

  ITC Gold and Silver Sponsors:

     

        

  Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

  Questions about the event? Contact Heidi Stevens at office@itcgkc.org. 

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• LinkedIn Best Practices- Virtual Workshop

  • When
    Tuesday, September 29, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  
  

  LinkedIn That Works: Make Your Profile Work for You

  Your LinkedIn profile can be one of your most valuable professional tools—but only if it’s working for you.

  Join ITCGKC for a practical, personal-development session focused on getting noticed, staying secure, building visibility, and creating opportunities on LinkedIn. Whether you're actively looking for a new position or simply want to strengthen your professional presence, you'll leave with actionable tips you can put to work immediately.

  We’ll Cover:

  • Create a Profile That Gets Noticed — Learn what makes a strong profile stand out and walk away with specific action items to improve yours.
  • Privacy & Security — Discover the settings you should know about and the steps you can take to better protect your professional information.
  • Job-Seeking Tips — Learn how to use LinkedIn more effectively when exploring your next career opportunity—and how to make your profile work for you even when you're not job hunting.
  • Networking & Visibility — Get practical tips and tricks for building meaningful connections, increasing your visibility, and getting your expertise in front of the right people.

  This is more than a LinkedIn tutorial. It’s an opportunity to take a fresh look at how you present yourself professionally, make a few strategic changes, and turn LinkedIn into a stronger tool for your career and your network.

  Come ready to learn—and ready to make your profile better.

  
  

  Free to all Current ITC members! Only $15 to any non-member.

  
  

  Date: Tuesday, September 29th, 2026

  Time: 12:00-1:00 PM 

  Place: Virtual

  
  

  Our Expert:

  
  

  Jeannie Hodes: is Director of Transition Support at MyNextSeason, where she partners with advisors to help senior executives clarify what they want next—and ensure their experience is positioned for the opportunities ahead. She has supported numerous Fortune 100 clients exploring a range of next-season paths, including board service, nonprofit engagement, consulting, or full-time leadership roles. Jeannie leads a team of writers responsible for developing compelling resumes, biographies, and LinkedIn profiles that translate each leader’s experience into a clear, credible narrative aligned to the roles they want most.

  A former television news reporter, Jeannie blends her engaging interviewing skills and attentive writing style to help clients rebrand themselves with professional materials that inspire confidence. Before joining MyNextSeason, she co-hosted a political interview program for Spectrum, managed a capitol news bureau in Trenton, New Jersey, and reported for news stations in Fort Myers, Florida and Topeka, Kansas.

  Jeannie also serves as a Breakthrough T1D Community Outreach Volunteer, supporting families and their children who are recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas and lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with her husband and two children. 
  

  
  

  ITC Gold and Silver Sponsors:

     

        

  
  

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• Charting New Waters: Setting Sail- Understanding AI

  • When
    Thursday, October 15, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Laufer Group International, 11500 NW Ambassador Dr, KCMO, Atlantic Room

  Register

  
  

  Setting Sail: Understanding AI

  Charting New Waters: Using AI in Trade Series

  Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way businesses work, make decisions, manage information, and compete in a global marketplace. But with so many tools, platforms, and possibilities, where do you start?

  Join the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City for the inaugural event in our new series, Charting New Waters: Using AI in Trade Series.

  Setting Sail: Understanding AI is designed to give international trade professionals a practical, approachable look at the current AI landscape—and what it means for the way we do business.

  What You’ll Explore

  • The AI landscape: Understand the major AI platforms and how they differ.

  • Tools you can use: Explore platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others.

  • AI in international trade: See how AI can support logistics, supply chain management, compliance, market research, and business development.

  • Real-world applications: Learn how businesses are already putting AI to work.

  • Beyond the hype: Separate practical opportunities from the noise and identify where AI can actually add value.

  • Preparing for what’s next: Gain a better understanding of how AI may shape the future of global trade and your role within it.

  Whether you are already experimenting with AI or are still trying to figure out where to begin, this event will provide a foundation for navigating the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence.

  Featured Speaker

  Thad Neal 

  Thad Neal | LinkedIn
  Principal, Microsoft Growth Leader
  RSM US LLP

  Thad brings a business-focused perspective on AI and technology, helping organizations understand how emerging tools can translate into real-world opportunities.

  Event Details

  Thursday, October 15, 2026
  10:00 AM

  In Person:

  
  Laufer Group International
  11500 NW Ambassador Dr.
  Kansas City, MO
  Atlantic Room

  Online: Virtual participation will also be available.

  Chart the course. Understand the tools. Prepare for what’s next.

  Join us as we set sail into the future of AI and international trade.

  
  

  ITC Gold and Silver Sponsors:

     

        

  
  

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• Recycling Extravaganza

  • When
    Saturday, October 17, 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Shamrock Trading Corporation, 9325 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park

  Register

  
  

  GLOBAL CONNECTIONS. LOCAL IMPACT.

  International Trade Starts with Strong Communities.

  While the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City connects businesses across the globe, we also believe in investing in the place we call home.

  Join fellow ITC members as we volunteer at the Johnson County Library Recycling Extravaganza, helping receive and unload donated books from our community. It's a fun opportunity to network, give back, and make a tangible difference—one box of books at a time.

  Saturday, October 17th

  11:30 AM- 2:00 PM

  Shamrock Trading Company

  9325 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
  

  Volunteer Your Time- Register today to reserve your place!

  Lend a hand, meet fellow trade professionals, and help support literacy and sustainability in our community.

  Can't Volunteer? You Can Still Help!

  Drive through the event and donate your gently used books. Every donation helps keep books out of landfills and into the hands of readers.

  Together, we're building stronger global connections by creating a stronger local community.

  Join us in making an impact—both around the world and right here at home!

  
  

  ITC Gold and Silver Sponsors:

     

        

  
  

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• ITC's Member Appreciation 2026 Holiday Happy Hour

  • When
    Tuesday, December 01, 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Scarbrough Global, 7280 NW 87th Terrace, Kansas City. MO

  Register

  
  

  ITC Holiday Party: Celebrate, Connect & Give Back

  Join the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City as we wrap up 2026 and celebrate all we have made it through together!

  This is our chance to step away from the day-to-day, reconnect with friends and colleagues across Kansas City’s international trade community, and toast to the year ahead. Enjoy light appetizers, drinks, great conversation, and a festive winter atmosphere.

  Event Details

  Tuesday, December 1, 2026
  5:30–7:00 PM

  

  Scarbrough Global
  7280 NW 87th Terrace
  Kansas City, MO

  
  

  Give Back & Win!

  We’ll have a raffle featuring giveaways throughout the evening.

  Want raffle tickets? Bring your generosity along with you!

  • Bring 3 canned food items to benefit Harvesters
    OR

  • Make a $10 donation

  Your contribution helps support our local community while giving you a chance to take home a prize!

  Bring a Guest!

  The more, the merrier. Bring a colleague, friend, business partner, or someone who would enjoy getting connected with the ITC community.

  Let’s close out 2026 by celebrating our accomplishments, strengthening our connections, and giving back to the community we call home.

  Light appetizers and drinks will be provided.

  We look forward to celebrating with you!

  ITC Gold and Silver Sponsors:

     

        

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