MIDWEST Sites, Cities, and Services Kansas City

From its revitalized convention district to an on-the-brink arts scene, Kansas City is “defi- nitely deserving of buzz,” according to major media outlets such as MSNBC. What follows are 10 great reasons why meeting planners should consider the City of Fountains for their group’s next meeting. State-of-the-art meeting spaces and

superb hotels are two of the city’s most important assets. The Kansas City Conven- tion Center, with 388,800 square feet of con- tiguous, column-free exhibit space, recently underwent a $150-million renovation. Within three blocks of the center are 2,000 hotel rooms, and the metropolitan area has more than 26,000 total rooms. Convenience and affordability never

seem to leave planners’ most-wanted lists, and lucky for them Kansas City has both. More than 55 million Americans can get to

Ten reasons to meet in KC

Kansas City in less than a day’s drive, and flying is even easier since all major U.S. air car- riers serve Kansas City International Airport (KCI), which offers more than 400 daily flights with nonstop service to 70 cities. That abun- dant airlift is also why Kansas City is easy on the bottom line. When planners compare hotel rates, F&B costs, and services in other cities, Kansas City stacks up well against its competition. From Walt Disney’s first animation stu-

dio to the thought-provoking Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City has an impres- sive roster of “cultural-yet-cool attractions,” according to Essence magazine. And conven- tion attendees will find most of it within walk- ing distance. The Power & Light District — an eight-block entertainment hub chock-full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife — is steps away from hotels and the center.

Whether it’s ribs or retail, Kansas City has

a fix for every vice. Kansas City’s famous res- taurant scene offers an impressive range of cuisine touching almost every ethnicity, and shopaholics will love Country Club Plaza, well known for its Spanish architecture and big- name shops. Even longtime visitors will find something different to explore every time they come to Kansas City, like the new Sprint Center arena and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Finally, the last — and best — reason to

meet in Kansas City isn’t something that can be bought. It’s Kansas City’s well-regarded reputation for genuine hospitality, available to all visitors, free of charge.

For more information: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association — (888) 474- 8520; meetkc.com

Born to entertain Part of Kansas City’s downtown rebirth, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts debuted in 2011 as the city’s new home for ballet, symphony, and opera performances.

PCMA.ORG AUGUST 2012 PCMA CONVENE 61