When your meeting brings you to Kansas City, the experience extends far beyond the convention floor. The sounds of jazz, the aroma of slow-smoked barbecue and the beauty of its signature fountains all contribute to traditions that can make any meeting truly unforgettable.

Paris of the Plains

Kansas City’s connection to jazz runs deep, and attendees can still feel that energy through the city today. The clubs and stages that once hosted jam sessions between rising greats helped shape a sound that became known across the country.

A visit to the Historic 18th and Vine District places attendees at the heart of this legacy. The American Jazz Museum offers an inspiring look at the artists who made KC swing, while nearby venues like The Blue Room and Mutual Musicians Foundation fill their evenings with live performances nearly every night of the week.

Everything You Need to Know About Jazz in KC

Meeting planners can incorporate Kansas City jazz into any event, whether through a live trio during a cocktail hour or a post-session outing to a local club. Either way, attendees get an authentic experience that connects them to the city’s creative spirit.

Barbecue Capital of the World

Few traditions capture Kansas City’s flavor quite like its barbecue. Here, smoking meat is an art form perfected over generations, and every pitmaster brings a unique touch to the craft. With more than 100 barbecue restaurants across the region, attendees are sure to find a new favorite at every stop.

Legendary spots like Gates Bar-B-Q, Arthur Bryant’s and Fiorella’s Jack Stack, along with modern favorites such as Q39 and Joe’s Kansas City, carry forward a tradition that earned KC its reputation as the barbecue capital of the world.

The Ultimate Guide to Barbecue in KC

Attendees can explore different styles and sauces throughout their stay, or planners can bring the experience directly to an event through local catering or private group dining. However it’s served, barbecue in Kansas City is more than a meal — it’s a shared experience that brings people together.

For an added layer of storytelling, attendees can visit the Museum of BBQ, a one-of-a-kind attraction celebrating the region’s culinary roots. Getting there is easy on the free-to-ride KC Streetcar, which connects downtown meeting venues with neighborhoods and restaurants throughout the city.

City of Fountains

Kansas City is home to more than 200 fountains, a tradition that began in the late 1800s as a civic effort to improve public space and provide fresh water. Over time, they became defining features of the city, combining artistry, history and design.

Attendees will find fountains almost everywhere they go, from Crown Center and Union Station to the Country Club Plaza. Many are within walking distance of major hotels and meeting venues, offering perfect backdrops for group photos, receptions or quiet breaks between sessions.

Everything You Need to Know About Fountains in KC

Planners can elevate events by hosting receptions nearby or encourage attendees to explore the landmarks during free time. Experiencing them up close gives attendees a sense of Kansas City’s character and history.

Ready to plan your meeting in the Heart of America or incorporate more of KC into your event? Our team is ready to help you design an experience that’s seamless, memorable and uniquely KC.

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