Spotlight: Brett Oetting
Championing Kansas City’s Growth Through Tourism
Kansas City’s momentum is undeniable, and Brett Oetting is on a mission to ensure the world knows about it. As the COO of Visit KC, Brett leads efforts to showcase the city’s vibrant culture, world-class attractions, and unparalleled sense of community.
A Journey Back to KC
Brett’s career in the hospitality industry began humbly—bussing tables at his parents’ bar and grill in Tescott, Kansas, trading his earnings for video game quarters. Over time, he built an impressive career spanning restaurants, hotels, and tourism, earning national accolades along the way.
But Kansas City has always held a special place in Brett’s heart. Some of his most cherished memories—Christmases on the Plaza and proposing to his wife, Amber, at Manifesto—are rooted in KC. Now, as a leader at Visit KC, Brett has turned a lifelong dream into reality.
Visit KC: Showcasing a City Like No Other
At Visit KC, Brett and his team do more than promote tourism—they’re shaping Kansas City’s economic future.
“Kansas City has a magnetic charm,” Brett shares. “If we can get people here, they fall in love.”
Through their efforts, Visit KC attracts millions of visitors annually, many of whom are:
- Students considering KC for college
- Professionals exploring career opportunities
- Executives eyeing business expansion
- Retirees searching for their forever home
“We don’t just tell people KC is a great place to visit—we show them it’s a great place to be.”
Bringing National Expertise to a Local Mission
Brett’s career has earned him national and international recognition in hospitality, tourism, and leadership. Despite these achievements, he attributes his success to the incredible teams he’s worked alongside, including the passionate professionals at Visit KC.
Since moving back just two months ago, he’s already deepening his connections—attending the KCADC Annual Lunch in his first week and rekindling partnerships with Tim Cowden and all the great folks on the KCADC team.
Since moving back just two months ago, Brett has hit the ground running. From attending the KCADC Annual Lunch in his first week and rekindling partnerships with Tim Cowden and all the great folks on the KCADC team, he’s quickly re-established his roots in the community. In fact, Brett worked with Tim and his team in the past while in Topeka. Both Brett and the New2KC team believe there is no better economic development group in the country and Kansas City is fortunate to have them.
A Vision for Kansas City’s Future
Brett’s vision is clear: To ensure as many people as possible, from all over the world, know that Kansas City is one of the greatest cities in America.
The Visit KC slogan, “From the Heart,” embodies Brett’s sentiment perfectly. Kansas City combines the vibrancy of a metropolitan area with the warmth and authenticity of a small town.
“There’s no other place quite like it,” Brett says. “If you’re looking for a city with unparalleled pride and community spirit, and a quality of life that’s second to none, Kansas City is calling your name.”
How to Connect with Brett
Follow Visit KC on social media and explore visitkc.com for top events, dining, and attractions. . Connect with Brett personally on LinkedIn or catch his KC adventures with Amber on Instagram, where they share their favorite local spots.
Next week, we’ll feature another fantastic leader shaping Kansas City’s future, Edward Jones II.
Together, these stories celebrate the dynamic leaders driving KC’s evolution—inspiring collaboration, innovation, and growth to solidify our city as a top destination for entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers.
New2KC is all about helping people find their community in KC. Join the fun with us.
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