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GET MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK IN "THE SUNFLOWER STATE" BY BUCK SAMUELS Kansas tourism officials are excited Meeting Planners are becoming more interested in planning events in this Midwest destination! You'll find all the amenities and tools you need to welcome your guests and host an unforgettable experience. The various cities through- out the state each provide their own unique environment giving planners plen- ty to choose from based on their clients' specific desires and preferences. • • KANSAS CITY • • Located in the heart of America, Kansas City is an astonishing ethnic and culturally diverse city infused with flavors, traditions and languages that make KCK a true melting pot. Convenience, superior highway sys- tem, hassle free airports, variety of hotels, affordable rates, unique function space and friendly atmosphere make Kansas City, Kansas an ideal location for your next meeting. The 7th Street Event Center offers a unique new facility to the heart of Downtown Kansas City. This historic facil- ity decorated in turn-of-the-century ele- gance makes special occasions truly spe- cial and is the perfect venue for 100-500 person. Whether you choose to stay near downtown at the Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center to Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City's premier indoor waterpark resort, Kansas City has plenty of comfortable places to stay while vis- iting. Finding a place to eat and hang out is easy at Legend's Outlets, Kansas City's premier outdoor shopping and entertain- ment center. If you're looking for some- thing closer to downtown, look no fur- ther than a local taqueria or barbecue joint. There's no shortage of places to get delicious food for everyone. • • WICHITA • • Plan your next meeting in Wichita, the Heart of the Country. The largest city in Kansas is centrally located in the state and exudes Midwest friendli- ness. Groups love the destination's amenities, affordability and welcoming spirit. Planners love how easy it is to work with Visit Wichita and it's part- ners. Attendees get excited about experiencing everything from behind- the-scenes animal encounters to tour- ing award-winning breweries, enjoy- ing live entertainment and visiting the diverse shopping districts. If caring locals that greet you at every turn, diverse inventory of meeting space, 50-plus museums and attractions and 1,200-plus eateries sounds good to you, then Wichita is your kind of place to meet. The destination has a diversity of facilities including a convention center, arena, hotels, and unique off-site locations. Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center boasts more than 200,000 square feet of exhibition space and connects to the Hyatt Regency Wichita, a 300-room hotel with confer- ence center. INTRUST Bank Arena can seat 15,000 people and hosts events that range from religious assemblies and colle- giate sports events to trade shows and corporate events. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Wichita – (800) 288-9424 www.visitwichita.com • • OVERLAND PARK • • In Overland Park, just southwest of Kansas City, you'll find an affordable choice of venues that offer everything you need to plan a successful meeting or event. Whether you're hosting a confer- ence or meeting, organizing a trade show or planning a wedding, Overland Park has every type of space from boardrooms and ballrooms – and even a 60,000 sq. ft. exhibition hall inside the Overland Park Convention Center. The Overland Park Convention Center continues to be a top pick among event planners. Its spacious, clean and modern design provides a great canvas for your event, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and stun- ning artwork. The venue offers free parking, first-class service alongside state-of-the-art audiovisual services for your trade show, convention, training, corporate meetings or social event. Connected to the convention center is the 412-room Sheraton Overland Park. More than 1,000 additional rooms are available within walking distance to the convention center. The venue offers 98,500 feet of meeting space including a 60,000 square foot exhibition hall, a 25,000 square foot dividable ballroom, 8 additional meeting rooms, and an outdoor courtyard. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Overland Park – (913) 491-0123 www.visitoverlandpark.com 64 B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Great Wolf Lodge 281 Home2 Suites by Hilton Kansas City KU 89 Chateau Avalon Hotel & Avent Orangery 61 EXHIBITION FACILITIES 7th Street Event Centre Total Meeting Space 500 people WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Kansas City Kansas (800) 264-1563 www.visitkansascityks.com Great Wolf Lodge photo credit: Visit Kansas City Kansas AREA GUIDES K A N S A S