Director of Conferences and Meetings
National Association of Counties
Washington, D.C.
Describe your event.
Our meeting was held at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo. Approximate attendance was 3,200, and this was our 73rd annual conference and exposition.
What surprised you the most about Kansas City, Mo.?
The friendliness of the people and how much there was to do.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
They especially enjoyed the Power & Light District, Country Club Plaza and the Truman Museum.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used for events or meetings?
Events were held at Union Station and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Several places were used for dinners, including the Majestic Steak House, Lydia's, Mezzanine Level at the Hotel Phillips, Bristol's Seafood Grill in the Power & Light District, the Aztec Room at the Hilton President Hotel and Plaza III. We also did a final night concert at the Music Hall Kansas City. Talk about a historic place! Entertainment was Mary Wilson of the Supremes.
How does Kansas City, Mo., compare to other places where you have hosted meetings?
It is “up there” in comparison.
Would you return? Yes.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Kansas City, Mo.?
My advice is to give Kansas City a chance. The convention center is beautiful and within walking distance of several hotels, with others a short distance away. There are many historic venues for private events, along with some hotels being historic themselves. If you haven't been to Kansas City in the last year, you haven't been to Kansas City!