Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

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  • VIP Perks: Kansas City Meeting Incentives
  • Meet & Greet
  • Opening Remarks
  • Welcome Reception
  • Breakout Sessions
  • Keynotes

  • VIP Perks: Kansas City Meeting Incentives

    Being a VIP has its PERKS. Eligible planners will enjoy a site visit for two to Kansas City AND have the opportunity to win a $500 American Express Gift Card, thanks to our hot new incentives for groups that book either a one-hotel meeting or a convention using multiple hotels. Consider it a reward for a job well done.. Learn More

  • Meet & Greet

    Let us introduce you to a whole new Kansas City. A Kansas City that has undergone a landmark urban renaissance being led by a $5 billion revitalized downtown convention district. Discover a destination committed to providing you a premier convention experience from state-of-the-art meeting space to world-class attractions and entertainment options.. Learn More

  • Opening Remarks

    We are here to make sure your meeting is a success, from start to finish. We are excited to share with you why Kansas City is a great convention destination. And, tell you a little about our $5 billion downtown convention renaissance.. Learn More

  • Welcome Reception

    With all of our recent upgrades, we now have the perfect ensemble in place that delivers one command performance. Meet a convention center complex that now includes one of the ten largest, most sophisticated convention center ballrooms in the nation.. Learn More

  • Breakout Sessions

    With so much change around you, chances are you’ll not only think outside the box, you’ll actually want to walk outside it. From an intimate evening reception to a grand celebration, you’ll discover a range of venues to handle your group. Search our database of off-site facilities to find the perfect location for your event.. Learn More

  • Keynotes

    Put Kansas City’s world-class convention facilities, renovated hotels and glittering eight-block entertainment district on center stage, and you’ll know why some business meetings sound better than others. We're excited to work with your teams to put together the best Kansas City meeting possible.. Learn More

  • VIP Perks: Kansas City Meeting Incentives
  • Meet & Greet
  • Opening Remarks
  • Welcome Reception
  • Breakout Sessions
  • Keynotes

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2013 Annual Meeting Salutes Long Standing KC Conventions

The Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association (KCCVA) held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2013. The luncheon celebrated the importance of meetings and meeting planners. Nan Marchand Beauvois, senior director, National Councils General Manager of Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) of the U.S. Travel Association provided the keynote address. Also joining the meeting are more than 150 meeting professionals on behalf of the Kansas City Meetings Industry Council (KC MIC). Corporate and tourism awards were presented including the inaugural class of the KC Meetings Hall of Fame. Awardees include:

  • Advanstar Communications,
  • American Academy of Family Physicians,
  • Cerner Corporation,
  • H&R Block,
  • The International House of Prayer,
  • Silpada Designs,
  • NAIA,
  • MIAA

10 Great Reasons to Book KC

  • Great Facilities
  • Superb Hotels
  • Convenience
  • Affordability
  • Top-Notch Attractions
  • Entertainment & Nightlife
  • Restaurants
  • Shopping
  • Midwest Hospitality
  • Downtown Renaissance

Download the VisitKC App

In June 2012, the Kansas City CVA published two brand new mobile apps.These mobile apps help you navigate, explore and discover all that is great about Kansas City. Whether you are looking for something to do during your down time at a conference, need to find a restaurant to enjoy a bite with your new industry friends or just want to see what Kansas City is all about - we can help.

Visit KC App 2012

This Official Guide to Kansas City offers visitor information from more than 2,000 Kansas City Area businesses and organizations.

Download NOW for iOS (Apple) and Android.

New features coming soon including interactive downtown parking maps.

 

Convention Center Grand Ballroom

Top 5 National Rankings

  1. America’s Best Downtowns – Forbes
  2. Top Destinations in 2012 – Frommer’s (only American city)
  3. #1 Most Affordable Getaway – Travel + Leisure
  4. Top Culinary Destination in 2012 – Saveur
  5. Top Budget Travel Destinations for 2012 – Budget Travel

Kansas City Power & Light District

KC Power & Light District

See the crown jewel of downtown Kansas City. The Power & Light District is home to entertainment, dining and shopping.

 

Looking for Kansas City Visitor Information?

vkc-discover-thingstodo

 
Find things to do, where to eat, places to stay and more at VisitKC.com: Kansas City's Official Travel Source.

 

VisitKC.com is maintained and managed by the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.

 

Recent Testimonials

Scroll through below our list of testimonials from meeting planners that recently held meetings in Kansas City.

Director of Meetings, ASTM

08/04/2010
Betty S. - West Conshohocken, PA

"It was exciting to bring our meeting back to Kansas City and see our attendee's amazement of all the new restaurants and attractions. KC Live and the Power and Light District was our second home when the meetings ended. The hotel and service was exceptional, and attendees left with a great meeting experience."

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, 2010 AGOA Conference

08/26/2010
Johnnie C. - Washington, DC

"Because of the generousity of your organization and the professionalism of your staff, this year's Forum was a landmark event that will set the standard for future Forums. Holding the Forum in Kansas City, Missouri resulted in one of the best AGOA conferences ever held. You did an outstanding job in supporting us and ensuring the Forum went smoothly."

2010 NAACP Annual Convention, Branch President

09/23/2010
Anita R. - Kansas City, MO

"On behalf of the NAACP Officers, Executive Committee, Members and the Local Organizing Committee for the 10ISt NAACP National Convention, we thank you for all the support you have given… It is difficult to find the words to convey our appreciation of all the help you and your staff provided our branch for our national convention.

Our goal to showcase our city was accomplished. The economic impact from the NAACP choosing Kansas City will be felt for many years to come. Some of our guests expressed an interest in recommending Kansas City as a convention site for other organizations they hold memberships in. We received compliments on our city from the large convention center, beautiful art galleries and museums, good barbeque, jazz and blues to the helpfulness of our Police Department.

The convention was a huge success because of the generosity of Kansas City people from City Hall to the 800 volunteers who demonstrated Midwest hospitality. The NAACP's beginning of its second century in Kansas City will be talked about for many years to come."

2011 National School Foundation Association, Executive Director

05/12/2011
Jim C. - Des Moines, IA

"Many attendees have never been to KC. They were very suprised and pleased with the Plaza shopping, dining, flowers and Brush Creek."

2011 International House of Prayer, Director of Events

05/12/2011
Nick S. - Kansas City, MO

"The KCCVA Services Team was amazing to work with – they sold a somewhat nervous event planner on the benefits of using the CVA Passkey housing system. Thank goodness. The system proved an invaluable resource for us and was a great improvement on anything we had done in the past. Helping and advising us to hold a pre-con (the first time we’ve done it in ten years) also was responsible helping our event be the smoothest we have ever had. And the help to our Welcome Center by the CVA’s booth was an amazing resource for our conference attendees."

U.S. Department of Energy, 12th Annual Small Business Conference & Expo - Senior Event Manager

06/24/2011
Andrea B. - Falls Church, VA

"The KCCVA Team were nothing short of fantastic!! Other cities could learn from them in ensuring open, honest and proactive communication and coordination.

The microsite was FANTASTIC and a huge help to folks attending the event."

2011 General Council of The Christian & Missionary Alliance, Executive Director

06/28/2011
Jerry M. - York, PA

"2011 Christian & Missionary Alliance, General Council.The KCCVA Team was outstanding in caring for us, showing us the city, KC Convention Center, hotel blocks and restaurants. They were always on time with their commitments, information needed and support. The Housing Team went above and beyond to help us when we needed to expand our housing block. They spent hours working with our team through the entire process."

Associate Director, Conference Management Services

07/12/2011
Shelly C. - Leesburg, VA

"2011 The "tag team" approach with the staff at the Kansas City Convention Center is noticed and appreciated. Service is excellent! Professional, courteous, very friendly and service conscious. The building continues to improve and the overall condition was excellent."

Convention Coordinator, Piano Technicians Guild

08/02/2011
Sandy R. - Kansas City, KS

"The Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association sales and services teams are wonderful to work with."

2011 AUSA Annual Meeting, Senior Meeting Manager

08/03/2011
Diane F. - Arlington, VA

"The KCCVA sales and services teams are true professionals and a pleasure to work with. I found them to be very helpful and friendly. The response time to our needs were immediate. "

2011, The MO Bar Annual Conference, Meeting Event Planner

09/29/2011
Lesa L. - Jefferson City, MO

"The KCCVA Convention Services team is on the ball!! They took care of all of our needs and had an information table set up at registration to help with questions. Great to work with!! Thanks for your assistance at our conference!"

2011 National Federation of Republican Women, Special Events Coordinator

10/17/2011
Bethany N. - Alexandria, VA

"The KCCVA Services team has been an amazing partner in our Convention planning process. They have been able to answer every question we asked and had provided us with countless suggestions and knowledge about the City. They are also just an all-around fun group to spend time with! We couldn't have asked for a better understanding of the needs of our group and work with us to help make the event a success."

2011 National Educational Telecommunications Association Director Member Services

11/17/2011
Lisa T. - Columbia, SC

"Kansas City was like finding a pearl in an oyster (and that has only happened to me once). I was expecting a small town but discovered a first rate city with it’s first class culture, food and design fused with the ambiance of cordiality."

Manager of Administration

02/07/2012
Judy V. - Indianapolis, IN

"2012 40th RCMA Conference - I must say it was our very best ever from every aspect. The housing from our end was flawless and I had no one calling with problems.

Vada and Juanita were outstanding to work with. I just wish we could work with you each year.
"

Convention Manager

02/16/2012
Rob R. - Wayne, PA

"Success of the convention this year. Service from the KCCVA ... friendly, responsive, top flight, and knowledgeable. Home of our National Office. Good quality facilities. The sales team goes above and beyond to help.
"

2012, National Conventions & Trainings, VP of Membership Services

04/03/2012
Dan Z. - Davies, FL

"The Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association Sales and Services teams are great to work with and the entire staff is professional and well organized. They really helped out and made things easy.

The Convention Center coordinator was awesome to work with and never got ruffled even when we had some surprises pop up, a real professional!"

2012, Mary Kay Manager US Event Logistics

04/13/2012
Martha T. - Addison, TX

"Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association's sales team was awesome. Always available to make sure our needs were met. Their attitude and work effort made it a smooth and successful event."

2012 Students in Free Enterprise, Senior VP Administration & Meetings

06/07/2012
Geralyn M. - Springfield , MO

"The KCCVA Sales team is such an asset to thier organization. Because of them, I pushed to return to KC. SThey are the BEST!

The KCCVA Services team iwas very hard working, professional, very helpful and knowledgeable and always there to assist us with anything. It was a pleasure working with them!

Thanks to the KCCVA Housing team our housing experience was a good one. They were very patient and worked tirelessly to teach us how the system worked and was there for us every step of the way. We would have had a bigger mess had it not been for them. They are remarkable!"

2012 American Academy of Family Physicians, Convention Operations Specialist

08/09/2012
Keri M. - Leawood, KS

"The Kansas City Convention & Visitors Assoc. Sales and Services managers are true professionals! They were instumental in making sure our needs were met by the convention center and other preferred vendors at the center. They are a huge part of the success we experienced this year! "

More Testimonials

We believe Kansas City is a great meeting destination, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent articles published on Kansas City. From the New York Times to Association News find out why everyone talking about KC.

"Kansas City"

Convene
November 01, 2012

$6 billion worth of new additions and new experiences.

"3 Days in Kansas City, Mo."

Successful Meetings
August 01, 2012

Known for its barbecue, fountains and jazz, Kansas City has become a vibrant metropolis with a unique cultural twist.

"Spotlight: Kansas City"

Rejuvenate
May 31, 2012

It's the heart of the heartland and the capital of America's breadbasket. We're referring to Kansas City, which is famous for a few things: jazz, barbecue and its perplexing location. Is it in Kansas? Or Missouri? Both, actually. Two states, one burgeoning city. KC is the relatively small destination landing relatively big events left and right. Find out why.

"Best U.S. Cities for Affordable Getaways"

Travel + Leisure
February 15, 2012

#1 Kansas City, Mo. Dinner for two in this midwestern city can cost as little as $25, especially if you choose a spot such as Arthur Bryant's, one of the restaurants that helped Kansas City win the barbecue category.

"Site scene: Missouri"

Meetings Focus MidAmerica
January 31, 2012

Hyatt Regency Crown Center becomes the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center.

"K.C. Cool"

American Way (American Airlines)
January 01, 2012

Although Kansas City is synonymous with barbecue, it's time to think outside the sauce. Once you do, you'll find a thriving cultural district with funky public art and swank galleries, a historic Gatsby-esque home district, happening jazz venues and a Godfather-friendly culinary scene that would make Vito Corleone's tummy rumble.

"Convention Center Review"

Black Meetings & Tourism
November 30, 2011

An overview of the Kansas City Convention Center

"Middle Ground"

Rejuvenate
August 01, 2011

The nucleus of that renaissance is downtown in the city's convention district, which is why meeting planners who haven't seen Kansas City in the past few years really haven't seen Kansas City.

"New Kids On The Block: Kansas City Power & Light District"

Missouri Meetings & Events
June 01, 2011

Offering more than a half million square feet, the Kansas City Power & Light District has more than 50 unique shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

"Area guides"

Black Meetings & Tourism
May 31, 2011

"Hang Out in Harry's Hometown"

Small Market Meetings
May 01, 2011

Harry Truman's home is among the attractions with ties to the former president. The Truman Presidential Museum is a popular meeting venue. Summer trolley service began again in May in Independence. With reservations, visitors can ride from Kansas City, 20 minutes away.

"Connecting in KC"

Meetings MidAmerica
November 30, 2010

The Kansas City area is a bi-state region with wide-ranging appeal.

"Destinations focus on arts"

Connect
November 01, 2010

Destinations are focusing on the arts.

"Nothing beats shopping: Kansas City"

Omaha World-Herald
October 10, 2010

"Greater Kansas City: can-do meetings"

Association News
October 01, 2010

Groups have plenty of options in Kansas City.

"Planes, trains and automobiles"

Midwest Meetings
July 01, 2010

Transportation to keep your event moving.

"Your Adventure in Kansas City"

Spirit (Southwest Airlines)
July 01, 2010

Hear 'Midwest' and think good, salt-of-the-earth people? Find even more reasons to love the Heartland in one of its best-kept (and delicious) secrets.

"Show me the meeting: Kansas City"

Meetings MidAmerica
June 01, 2010

A great location combined with picturesque fountains (second only to Rome in number), interesting attractions and a revitalization boom are drawing more and more groups.

"America's Top 10 Underrated Cities"

Yahoo! Travel
May 26, 2010

Kansas City is America's Top 10 Underrated Cities.

"36 Hours in Kansas City, Mo."

New York Times, The
May 16, 2010

A weekend in Kansas City.

More News

NOVO NORDISK INC/2013 POA GREAT PLAINS REGION

Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

May 20, 2013 - May 21, 2013

Attendants: 130 | Room Nights: 113

ENACTUS/NATL EXPOSITION

Marriott Kansas City Downtown

May 21, 2013 - May 23, 2013

Attendants: 5300 | Room Nights: 2345

73RD BOMB WING ASSN/ANNUAL REUNION

Marriott Kansas City Airport

May 22, 2013 - May 25, 2013

Attendants: 250 | Room Nights: 534

KANSAS CITY SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY SOC/2013 CONQUEST

Holiday Inn SE Hotel - CoCo Key Water Resort

May 24, 2013 - May 26, 2013

Attendants: 350 | Room Nights: 465

FIBER TO THE HOME CNCL/RGNL MTG

Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

May 28, 2013 - May 30, 2013

Attendants: 500 | Room Nights: 210

GREAT PLAINS NETWORK/2013 ANNUAL MTG

Embassy Suites Country Club Plaza

May 29, 2013 - May 31, 2013

Attendants: 100 | Room Nights: 120

EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE/ADVANCED PLACEMENT READING

Kansas City Convention Center

June 02, 2013 - June 17, 2013

Attendants: 6570 | Room Nights: 18717

EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE/ADVANCED PLACEMENT READING

Marriott Kansas City Downtown

June 02, 2013 - June 17, 2013

Attendants: 6570 | Room Nights: 18717

ASSN OF AIRPORT INTERNAL AUDITORS/ANNUAL MTG

Marriott Kansas City Downtown

June 03, 2013 - June 05, 2013

Attendants: 90 | Room Nights: 345

TACO JOHNS INTL/ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MTG

Embassy Suites Country Club Plaza

June 05, 2013 - June 06, 2013

Attendants: 30 | Room Nights: 60

ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE/2013 RGNL PARISH LIFE CONF

Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

June 05, 2013 - June 07, 2013

Attendants: 600 | Room Nights: 440

More Upcoming Conventions

Convention Attendance Builders

promote your mtg logoYour success is our first priority, so we’ve created an industry-leading marketing toolkit to help you promote your Kansas City meeting.

Mobile HomepageVisitKC + Mobile = Great Meetings

Keep track of Kansas City on your Smartphone with our new mobile website. We’ve taken everything you love about KC and put it in the palm of your hand.

Convention Microsite

Meetings Microsite

We have developed one of the industry-leading Convention Microsites to help you promote your Kansas City conference to attendees. The Microsite is completely unique to your group with conference logo, dates, special offers, events and much more.

Considering Kansas City? Let us sweeten the deal. With our VIP Perks program, eligible planners can enjoy incentives such as free site visits, a $500 American Express gift card and more.

Convention Center Virtual Tour

Dramatic New Grand Ballroom

The Kansas City Convention Center is located in the heart of downtown KC and is just steps from our new downtown entertainment district. The state-of-the-art facility features an award-winning 46,500 square-foot grand ballroom. Launch Virtual Tour.