World Cup Connect LA

​World Cup Connect: LA is a curated convening bringing together public leaders, international diplomats, and industry voices to explore the growing role of sport as a driver of global economic activity, tourism, and cross-border investment.

​Taking place on June 8, 2026 (5:00–8:00 PM) at BLANKSPACES Venice Beach, the event is timed to align with the global World Cup moment—when international attention, capital, and visitors converge on Los Angeles.

​The program will feature leaders including CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board President and CEO Adam Burke, Australia Consul-General Tanya Bennett, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce CEO Ron Frierson, Managing Director of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at Bank of America Cindy Thomas, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Relations Dilpreet Sidhu, and Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park.

​Together, the conversation will focus on how major global sporting events like the World Cup and LA28 Olympics are shaping investment flows, tourism, and long-term economic opportunity across Los Angeles and beyond.

​Hosted by Community Collective, this is a highly curated, limited-capacity gathering designed for meaningful dialogue, connection, and engagement at the intersection of sport, culture, and global business.

​The event starts at 5:00 PM, and the panel begins promptly at 5:30 PM with networking to follow.

​Schedule:

​5 PM Bites, Cocktails & Networking

​5:30-7 PM Panel

​7-8 PM Networking

​Tickets at $25 and include hosted bites from LeVain Bakery, Emporium Thai, and Fuegos LA, and beverages from Sonrisa Rum, Boomtown Brewery, and Malibu Sips.

​Sponsored by: Blankspaces, Visit Venice CA, Venice Paparazzi, Absolute Media Labs, Venice Chamber of Commerce, Netherlands LA,  Spin PR Group, Local Action Marketing, Sonrisa Rum, Malibu Sips, Levain Bakery, Malibu Sips, Pixie Photo Booth, Boomtown Brewery, Fuegos LA, and Emporium Thai