Samantha Whitehorne
Samantha Whitehorne is editorial director of Associations Now in Washington, DC.
Thanks to flexible convention facilities, a convenient streetcar system, and ample food and venue choices, Missouri's largest city is sure to welcome attendees.
KC’s versatile convention facilities, entertainment options, and streetcar service make it a top meeting location.
Flexible convention facilities. At more than 800,000-plus square feet, the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities can serve a variety of meeting needs. The eight-square-block area features 388,800 square feet of column-free exhibit space, 48 meeting rooms, a 2,400-seat fine arts theater, a 10,700-seat arena, and an outdoor festival plaza. The complex is also connected to downtown hotels and parking by skywalks and underground walkways.
Dining destination. The Kansas City Power and Light District offers eight blocks of dining and nightlife just steps from the convention center. It features more than 50 restaurants and entertainment venues, with everything from fine dining to line dancing. In addition, its KC Live! stage has entertainment more than 150 days per year.
Free ride. Sleek, convenient, and no cost to ride, the new KC Streetcar adds a layer of accessibility to downtown travel. The 2.2-mile route serves the central business and convention districts and Crown Center—along with businesses, restaurants, galleries, and hotels along the way.
Recent and future association meetings: International City/County Management Association’s Annual Conference, North American Association of Summer Sessions’ Annual Conference, Business Technology Association’s National Conference
Hotel rooms within three blocks of the convention center: 2,500
Convention center exhibit hall footage: 388,800
Distance from airport to downtown: 19 miles
What Else? When most people think of Kansas City, they think of barbecue. And there’s good reason: The city’s signature food is served up at more than 100 establishments, each boasting a house specialty.