Douglas County Businesses Prepare for World Cup Visitors with Social Media Workshop

Local businesses learn strategies to engage with potential Algeria fans and other international visitors.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

About 70 businesses and organizations from across Douglas County, Kansas gathered for a social media workshop hosted by Lawrence 2026 to prepare for the influx of visitors expected for the 2026 World Cup. The workshop provided tips on how small businesses can increase their online presence and engagement across social media platforms to welcome potential visitors, including the possibility of Algeria choosing nearby Rock Chalk Park as its base camp.

Why it matters

With thousands of international visitors expected in the region for the World Cup, local businesses are looking to leverage social media to connect with fans and ensure they feel welcomed. This is especially important if Algeria, a predominantly Muslim country, selects Lawrence as its base, as businesses will need to adapt their offerings to accommodate cultural preferences.

The details

The workshop was led by Matt Hyde, co-owner of 715 Restaurant in Lawrence, who shared his approach to using social media to showcase his business's personality and reach customers. Other attendees, like Lora Wiley of the European marketplace Au Marche and Jill Riley, the market's creative director, discussed plans to expand their international product offerings and collaborate with neighboring businesses on social media campaigns for the World Cup.

  • The social media workshop was held on February 19, 2026.
  • Lawrence 2026 is hosting a second workshop for Douglas County businesses on March 4, 2026, focusing on algorithms, photography, videography and strategic communications.

The players

Matt Hyde

Co-owner of 715 Restaurant in Lawrence, Kansas, and a panelist at the social media workshop who shared his approach to using social media to showcase his business's personality and reach customers.

Lora Wiley

Owner of the European marketplace Au Marche in downtown Lawrence, Kansas, who attended the social media workshop and plans to add more international products to her store's inventory to cater to potential World Cup visitors.

Jill Riley

Creative director of the Au Marche market in Lawrence, Kansas, who attended the social media workshop and discussed collaborating with neighboring businesses on social media campaigns for the World Cup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It reminds people that we exist 17 years later.”

— Matt Hyde, Co-owner, 715 Restaurant

“We're looking to make sure that the messaging we put out there, the food we put out there, is inclusive and inviting to people from other places.”

— Matt Hyde, Co-owner, 715 Restaurant

“We all think Algeria is coming, and that's very exciting.”

— Lora Wiley, Owner, Au Marche

“Our short and sweet TikTok videos are typically done by our younger staffers.”

— Jill Riley, Creative Director, Au Marche

What’s next

Lawrence 2026 is hosting a second workshop for Douglas County businesses on March 4, 2026, which will focus on algorithms, photography, videography and strategic communications.

The takeaway

Local businesses in Douglas County are proactively preparing for the influx of World Cup visitors by learning how to effectively leverage social media to connect with potential fans, especially if Algeria selects nearby Rock Chalk Park as its base camp. This workshop highlights the importance of small businesses adapting their offerings and marketing strategies to create a welcoming environment for international visitors.