Independent list · re-checked September 28, 2026 · published by Primortul LLC

advertising agencies in Kansas City, MO

2 of the 15 advertising agencies on this list are based in Kansas City, Missouri. The other 13 are based elsewhere on the list. Who leads them, the work they can show, a published price if they posted one, and why each one made the list. Nobody pays to be ranked.

  1. 08 on the list · Kansas City, MO

    VML

    Since 1992 · 500+ people

    VML is WPP's largest creative and customer-experience network, formed in 2023 by merging VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, and traces its roots to VML, founded in Kansas City in 1992. The network reports 26,000 people across more than 150 offices in 50-plus markets, with Kansas City remaining its global headquarters. It won a Titanium Lion at Cannes 2026 for Oreo and was named Campaign's Global Network of the Year in 2026.

    Why it’s hereA WPP network with global headquarters in Kansas City, 26,000 staff and 2026 honours including a Cannes Titanium Lion.

    Who leads itJon Cook, Global CEO.

    Work they can showOREO. The OREO Cows campaign, which won a Titanium Lion at Cannes in 2026.

    Estimated cost

    Estimated: $8,000–$30,000/mo, typical for Midwest advertising retainers; not a quote.

    Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.

    brand experience · customer experience · commerce · global creative network · holding company: WPP

  2. 09 on the list · Kansas City, MO

    BarkleyOKRP

    Since 1964 · 500+ people

    BarkleyOKRP is an independent advertising agency formed in 2024 when Kansas City's Barkley (founded 1964) merged with Chicago's OKRP. It has more than 600 staff, an in-house production unit called The Bananary and a media arm, MissionOne Media, with $1.1 billion in billings. The agency is a certified B Corp and describes itself as holding-company free.

    Why it’s hereThe largest independent agency in Kansas City, with 600-plus staff, $1.1 billion in media billings and national accounts such as Burger King and Macy's.

    Who leads itKaty Hornaday, CEO.

    Work they can showBurger King. Ran the Million Dollar Whopper promotion, an AI-assisted contest where fans designed their own Whopper for a $1 million prize. Red Lobster. Built a comeback campaign fronted by the chain's CEO, which the agency describes as Red Lobster's biggest launch ever. Frontier Airlines. Created the brand campaign built around a 30-year-old customer promise.

    Estimated cost

    Estimated: $8,000–$30,000/mo, typical for Midwest advertising retainers; not a quote.

    Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.

    integrated campaigns · media · brand strategy · restaurant and retail · in-house production

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