The 2021 Heart of Kansas City Awards were presented on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Ambassador of the Year:  Kelly Jander - Kansas City, MO Parks and Recreation
Presented to honor an outstanding front of house staff member OR volunteer who demonstrates exemplary effort in customer service while helping to further the goals, objectives and spirit of the tourism and hospitality industry.

Special Achievement:  KCK Taco Trail - Alan Carr, Visit Kansas City, Kansas
Presented to honor an individual or organization who coordinated a unique event/program/campaign or adapted a current event/program/campaign to go above & beyond in furthering the goals, objectives and spirit of the tourism and hospitality industry.

Allied Member of the Year:  Fasone & Partners
Presented to honor an allied member (non-attraction) that demonstrates excellence in supporting the tourism and hospitality industry.

Individual Achievement:  Randy Wisthoff - Kansas City Zoo
Presented to a respected and distinguished individual who has demonstrated extraordinary achievement and/or service in helping to further the goals, objectives and spirit of the tourism and hospitality industry for many years.

Attraction of the Year:  Kansas City Zoo
Presented to honor an attraction that has an impact on and demonstrates excellence in advancing the goals, objectives and spirit of the tourism and hospitality industry.

Legacy Award:  Angie Jeffries - Jackson County, MO Parks and Recreation
The final award of the evening was presented to Jackson County MO communications director Angie Jeffries for her contributions to the association over the past 19 years. She has served two terms as vice president and president of the board of directors, and led various committees including the membership committee, the nomination committee, and more.