Goal 2026: The Business Playbook

The Non-Tourism Playbook

(Traffic, Staffing, & Continuity)

If your business isn’t tourism-based, you might be thinking, “This won’t affect me.”

 

The reality: massive regional events don’t just bring visitors—they bring traffic shifts, schedule disruptions, delivery delays, and staffing challenges. These impacts can ripple into your business even if your customer base doesn't change at all.

 

This focus is on non-tourism readiness: practical steps to protect your operations and keep your business steady during June and July 2026.

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The Goal: Build Resilience

Reduce the ways a busy metro spills over into your daily work.

 

Plan for “Motorcade Moments”

As international teams move between base camps and training sites in the Kansas City area, they often travel with motorcade escorts. This can lead to temporary, unannounced road closures.

• The Fix: If you have employees commuting or delivery routes that run through the metro, build in a "buffer window," identify alternate routes, and keep your schedule flexible on short notice.

 

Your 20-Minute Continuity Checklist

A. Define Your Workforce "Rulebook"

Decide on your policy now so it’s clear when the tournament begins. Putting this in writing early replaces chaos with confidence:

• Flexible Start Times: Even a 30–60 minute window helps staff navigate traffic.

• Remote/Hybrid Options: If a role can be done from home, consider it for peak match weeks.

• Traffic Grace Policy: Ensure late arrivals due to documented regional closures are handled consistently.

• Cross-Training: Identify critical tasks and ensure more than one person knows how to do them so one absence doesn't stall your operations.

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B. Delivery & Vendor Readiness If you rely on supplies, parts, or service tech routes:

• Audit Your Top 5: Identify your most critical vendors.

• Ask the Question: "What is your logistics plan for the June/July regional congestion?"

• Safety Stock: Consider ordering essential supplies one step earlier than normal to avoid being caught in a delivery delay.

 

C. Proactive Customer Communication Even if you aren't serving tourists, help your regulars navigate the season:

• Add a Travel Note: Include one line in your appointment confirmations: "Please allow extra travel time during high-traffic periods in June/July."

• Virtual Options: Offer virtual consultations for services where possible to save your clients the commute.

 

Why This Matters for Smithville

It’s easy to think of the 2026 games as a "downtown" or "stadium" event, but Smithville is uniquely positioned to feel the impact. We are more than just a neighbor to the host city; we are a primary destination for those looking to escape the hustle of the metro while staying close to the action.

• The Lodging Surge: With Kansas City hotels expected to hit 100% capacity, visitors will flood into our local Airbnbs, the Smith’s Fork Campground, and regional rentals. These visitors will be grocery shopping, dining out, and fueling up right here in town.

• The "Base Camp" Effect: With international teams training at nearby facilities (like the KC Current’s Riverside complex and Swope Soccer Village), the Northland will see a spike in specialized traffic and security motorcades.

• Recreation Demand: International travelers often stay for 9+ days. When they aren't at a match, they’ll be looking for "The Missouri Experience"—boating at Smithville Lake, golfing at Paradise Pointe, and exploring our Main Street District.

 

Whether you are a retail shop on Main Street, a service provider, or a resident, we want Smithville businesses to be prepared, steady, and ready to show the world our local hospitality.

 

One Action to Take Today:

Send a short note to your team to set expectations and reduce stress:

 

          “Team, Summer 2026 may bring unpredictable metro traffic at times. If delays happen, here’s how we’ll handle it: [Flex start 

           window/Remote option/Traffic grace policy]. Our goal is to stay steady and reduce stress. More details to come as we get

           closer.”