KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Did you know Kansas City is the home of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce?
From Oct. 6-8, the 45th annual US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Convention will bring over 1,000 people to KC.
"Kansas City has an amazing Hispanic community, an amazing number of Hispanic business leaders who have opened their doors and arms wide open for us to be here," said Jackie Puente, chair of the event.
Puente also serves as the vice president of external affairs for Comcast and NBC Universal.
The chamber represents 5 million small and large Latino businesses throughout the country.
During the event, attendees will network, listen to speakers and participate in workshops.
Sessions will address topics like how to modernize chambers, build stronger networks and drive resources.
This year's main topic revolves around health and wellness and artificial intelligence.
"There are always new issues, but you see many of the same leaders coming together trying to solve challenges," Puente said.
Eduardo Parra is a first-time conference attendee.
He owns a small infrastructure design firm in Houston but is originally from Venezuela.
Already, he said the connections and exposure provided at the convention have helped him in ways he could've never imagined.
"There are some national firms that we would like exposure to, and as a small business, it’s hard to find it," Parra said. "I have already lined up three meetings with national firms during this conference."
Ivette Agudelo Lopez is back for her second year.
She runs a digital marketing firm she started in her home country, Venezuela.
When she brought it to the United States 10 years ago, she said the chamber was able to help her overcome challenges.
"We are going through the same issues, through the same challenges, and maybe we can find opportunities to connect, to partner and lift up each other," Agudelo Lopez said.
The conference wraps up Tuesday.
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KSHB 41 reporter Caroline Hogan covers development across the Kansas City area. Share your story idea with Caroline.
