O’Neill Events & Marketing Review: The Architects of Kansas City’s Most Unforgettable Moments

There’s something magical about attending an event where every detail feels intentional—where the energy is electric, the branding is seamless, and the experience lingers long after you’ve gone home. That’s the kind of magic O’Neill Events & Marketing has been crafting in Kansas City for over six decades. From the roaring crowds at the 2015 World Series Parade to the lively pints raised at KC Irish Fest, this locally owned, WBE-certified agency doesn’t just plan events; they engineer wonder.

I had the chance to work with them on a community festival, and what stood out wasn’t just their expertise (though there’s plenty of that), but their ability to weave a client’s mission into every touchpoint—making an event feel less like a transaction and more like a story. Here’s why they’re a standout in the Midwest’s event and marketing scene.

Event Mastery: Where Vision Meets Precision

O’Neill’s portfolio reads like a highlight reel of Kansas City’s cultural heartbeat. They’ve orchestrated everything from presidential appearances to niche festivals like Boulevardia, and their depth of experience shows. What impressed me most was their knack for balancing grand-scale logistics with intimate, attendee-focused details.

For example, their work on KC Riverfest transformed a simple riverside gathering into a multi-sensory experience—local vendors, live music, and interactive installations all tied together with flawless execution. The team doesn’t just "set up tents"; they design ecosystems where every element serves a purpose.

Marketing That Doesn’t Just Speak—It Connects

Beyond events, O’Neill’s marketing campaigns are where their creativity truly shines. They blend traditional and digital strategies effortlessly, whether it’s crafting nostalgic radio spots for a car show or deploying targeted social media campaigns for Boulevardia. Their ability to pivot between mediums—while keeping messaging cohesive—ensures audiences aren’t just reached but engaged.

One subtle strength? Their storytelling. They don’t just promote an event; they build anticipation by highlighting its soul. For KC Irish Fest, they didn’t just advertise "music and beer"; they celebrated Kansas City’s Irish heritage, making attendees feel like part of a legacy.

The Human Touch: Local Roots, Global Mindset

As a locally owned firm, O’Neill understands Kansas City’s quirks and passions intimately. But they’re not stuck in nostalgia—they bring a forward-thinking approach to trends like experiential marketing and immersive tech. That said, their smaller-scale, community-driven projects (like civic campaigns) sometimes lack the same polish as their marquee events. It’s a minor critique, but worth noting for clients with hyper-local, modest budgets.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Strengths:

• Decades of institutional knowledge—they’ve literally seen it all, from Elvis to World Series parades.
• Seamless integration of client missions into events, making brands feel organic, not promotional.
• Full-service versatility—equally adept at digital marketing, traditional ads, and hands-on event production.
• Local pride with professional rigor—they care deeply about KC but operate with national-caliber precision.

Areas for Growth:

• Smaller projects can occasionally feel like they’re playing second fiddle to blockbuster events.
• Pricing transparency—while their value is clear, some smaller businesses might need clearer tiered options upfront.

Final Thoughts

O’Neill Events & Marketing isn’t just an agency; they’re cultural architects. Whether you’re planning a citywide spectacle or a targeted campaign, their blend of creativity, logistical mastery, and hometown heart makes them a rare find. If you want an event that doesn’t just happen but matters, they’re the team to call—just be ready to be spoiled for anyone else.