About this Event
January 27 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Location: Osso Kristalla, Downtown Houston
Houston is gearing up for one of the most transformational hospitality moments in its history. In 2026 the FIFA World Cup — the largest edition ever with 48 teams and 104 matches — will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and Houston is one of the premier host cities, scheduled to host seven World Cup matches including group stage and knockout rounds at NRG Stadium.
This expanded global event will draw millions of visitors to the Houston region, including international fans, corporate travelers, tourism groups, and support personnel. Mid-June kickoffs and high-profile matchups featuring teams like Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands make Houston a nexus for culture, sports, and hospitality activity that summer.
The Hospitality Industry Networking Power Lunch at Osso Kristalla brings together leaders from across the ecosystem to prepare, connect, and strategize for what’s ahead. This afternoon gathering is designed for hospitality operators, hotel leadership, restaurant and bar managers, event planners, creative professionals, suppliers, and anyone looking to build relationships inside Houston’s hospitality community.
What to Expect
Connect with Local Leaders
Meet restaurant owners, hotel executives, venue operators, bar managers, and hospitality professionals who are actively planning for 2026 and beyond.
Engage with Event Planners & Creatives
Increase your referral network and explore partnership opportunities with event designers, production companies, marketers, and brand storytellers whose work supports venue activations and guest experiences.
World Cup 2026 Topic Discussion
We’ll surface current opportunities, trends, and strategic considerations tied to World Cup traffic, global audiences, and hospitality demand — giving you insight into how other markets and operators are thinking about this moment.
Media Station & Brand Share
Take advantage of an on-site media station where attendees can share their brand vision, upcoming projects, or strategic initiatives. These spots are designed to help you articulate your value, increase your visibility, and tell your story in a way that resonates across our network channels.
How Attendees Will Benefit
Hospitality Operators & Venue Owners
This event is a chance to begin thinking about how your property will integrate World Cup-era traffic, group bookings, themed experiences, and partnerships with brands and planners. You’ll leave with ideas that can help shape early strategy and marketing.
Hotel Leadership & Lodging Professionals
Gain perspective on collaborative activations, cross-venue programming, coordinated guest experiences, and ways to support group business tied to matches, fan travel, and corporate visits.
Event Planners, Creatives & Producers
Connect to venue partners and operators who will need strategic planning support, creative programming, and execution expertise for events leading up to and during the World Cup window.
Brand & Supplier Partners
Position your products and services in front of mission-critical hospitality stakeholders. From technology and infrastructure to beverages and décor, this is a chance to insert yourself into relevant conversations early.
Community Builders & Storytellers
Amplify your reach by engaging in discussion around collaborative hospitality ecosystems, local experiences, and audience engagement that extends beyond the tournament.
Optional Media Spotlight for Attendees
In addition to open networking, we are offering a limited number of on-site media spotlight sessions for attendees who want to elevate their visibility.
This option is ideal for:
- Hospitality operators launching new initiatives
- Brands and suppliers serving restaurants, bars, and hotels
- Event planners and creatives looking to showcase their work
- Entrepreneurs with concepts tied to hospitality, events, or World Cup 2026
Participants who select the Media Spotlight Add-On will receive a professionally filmed interview and headshot captured during the event. These interviews are designed to clearly communicate who you are, what you offer, and how you fit into the hospitality ecosystem.
Your content will be:
- Edited and shared across Railz Hospitality and partner channels
- Distributed to a hospitality-focused audience of over 4,000 professionals
- Delivered to you for use on your own platforms
This is not a sales pitch or commercial shoot. It is a short, high-quality storytelling opportunity designed to help the right people discover what you are building.
If you are looking to introduce your brand, test messaging, or build early awareness with hospitality decision makers, this add-on is a strong complement to the networking experience.
Why This Matters Now
The World Cup represents a rare convergence of global sports, tourism, and hospitality demand. Houston’s diverse population, infrastructure, and cultural footprint position it as one of the most exciting host cities in the tournament. Operators who prepare early — by building relationships, sharing knowledge, and identifying partnership opportunities — will benefit from increased visibility, bookings, cross-commercial opportunities, and long-term positioning in a market that will be in the global spotlight.
This power lunch is intentionally designed as a thoughtful, relational, and value-driven gathering — not a formal conference. It is about building trust, creating connection, and surfacing actionable ideas that attendees can take into their businesses immediately.
Who Should Attend
- Restaurant and bar owners
- Hotel operators and sales leaders
- Event planners and production teams
- Creative professionals (media, design, marketing)
- Beverage brands and hospitality suppliers
- Real estate and mixed-use venue operators
- Anyone looking to be part of Houston’s World Cup strategy
Join Us
If you are aiming to deepen your understanding of how the World Cup will impact hospitality, expand your professional network, and explore collaboration opportunities with key local leaders, this lunch is for you.
Learn ideas, find partners, and position your business for the opportunities ahead.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Osso & Kristalla, 1515 Texas Avenue, Houston, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 36.64
