As tensions with Iran continue to reshape the global landscape, the International Relations Council welcomes Ambassador Ronald Neumann for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on war, diplomacy, and America’s place in the world. Drawing on decades of experience as a U.S. ambassador and foreign policy leader, Ambassador Neumann will analyze the realities of the ongoing conflict with Iran, the challenges facing the State Department, and what American diplomacy looks like in 2026. When military crises, political polarization, and global instability are testing U.S. leadership, this discussion will examine whether America still has the diplomatic tools and institutional strength to navigate an increasingly turbulent world.
As tensions with Iran continue to shape global security and U.S. foreign policy, this program offers a timely opportunity to engage with one of the most consequential international issues facing America today. Ambassador Ronald Neumann will provide expert insight into the evolving conflict, the future of U.S. diplomacy, and the challenges confronting American leadership in an increasingly unstable world. Businesses that sponsor this event demonstrate support for informed public discussion on issues that affect global markets, national security, and the international environment in which companies operate. Sponsorship aligns your organization with thoughtful dialogue on matters of critical importance to our community and country.
Formerly a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Ronald E. Neumann served three times as Ambassador; to Algeria, Bahrain, and finally to Afghanistan from July 2005 to April 2007. Before Afghanistan, Mr. Neumann, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, served in Baghdad from February 2004 with the Coalition Provisional Authority and then as Embassy Baghdad’s liaison with the Multinational Command, where he was deeply involved in coordinating the political part of military actions.
Prior to working in Iraq, he was Ambassador in Manama, Bahrain (2001-2004), Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Near East Affairs (1997-2000) with responsibility for North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and Ambassador to Algeria (1994 to 1997). He was Director of the Office of Northern Gulf Affairs (Iran and Iraq; 1991 to 1994). Earlier in his career, he was Deputy Chief of Mission in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and in Sanaa in Yemen, Principal Officer in Tabriz, Iran, and Economic/Commercial Officer in Dakar, Senegal. His previous Washington assignments include service as Jordan Desk officer, Staff Assistant in the Middle East (NEA) Bureau, and Political Officer in the Office of Southern European Affairs.
| Program Sponsorship Benefits | Presenting Sponsor $2,000 | Sustaining Sponsor $1,000 | Supporting Sponsor $500 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Invitation to a private dinner with the speaker after the program | 4 Seats | 2 Seats | 1 Seat | | Sponsorship recognition on event logo, website, and verbally during event | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | | Sponsorship recognition on separate FB/LinkedIn/IG posts | 3 posts | 2 posts | 1 post | | Reserved, prime seating at the speaker program | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | | Opportunity to provide one question to moderator during moderator Q&A | ⬤ | | | | Organizational information shared in post-event email | ⬤ | | |
Avila University Burns & McDonnell Cerner Commerce Bank
Garmin Husch Blackwell Park University Stinson LLP University of Kansas University of Kansas Medical Center
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Evan Verploegh, Executive Director, at 913-213-3007 or [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
International Relations Council 300 E 39th Street, Suite #4M Kansas City, Missouri 64111 www.irckc.org • 913-213-3007
The International Relations Council strengthens Kansas City’s global perspective by maintaining an active dialogue around world events, global issues, and their impact on our community. As a nonpartisan, educational nonprofit organization, the IRC values informed civil discourse, accessibility, and substance as we work to sharpen our community’s 21st-century global acumen.