When you think of Kansas, what comes to mind? How about modern amenities and attractions galore?

From a meeting planner’s perspective, Kansas has it all. From rodeos to music to food festivals, the state serves up a slice of classic Americana, combining its rugged cowboy culture with the urban energy of some of the biggest cities in the Midwest. Here, Wichita, Topeka, Overland Park and Lawrence welcome groups both large and small. Of course, the charming small towns with Main Streets that reflect a bygone era also make the state of Kansas easy to love.

Nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River, Wichita is the largest city in the state. In addition to a wide range of activities and attractions, it exudes a metropolitan appeal that draws in visitors from across the globe. Thanks to the city’s robust economy, there are ample meeting and event venues that appeal to companies and organizations of all sizes.

And when the conventions have concluded and the meetings have transpired, visitors can explore Kansas’ great outdoors, enjoy its museums and science centers, and patronize vintage theaters or newer facilities that put on major shows throughout the year.

For more ideas, go to travelks.com.

4 Places to Check Out

  1. Old Cowtown Museum, Wichita
    Step onto the dirt roads and enter a world just off the Chisholm Trail that is frozen in an 1865-1880 loop. Connect with history through artifacts in Cowtown’s permanent collection, including textiles, furnishings, furniture, tools and art. Cowtown’s unique programming tells the story of the city of Wichita’s evolution, from a frontier settlement to a cattle town to an agricultural and manufacturing area.
    oldcowtown.org
  2. Museum at Prairiefire, Overland Park
    A towering Tyrannosaurus rex. Colossal sea creatures. Soaring reptiles from our ancient past. Live animal encounters, dinosaur digs and missions to space in a virtual reality experience. Just because business is involved doesn’t mean you have to miss out on discovery and fun. Opened in May 2014, the museum is a 42,000-square-foot facility that offers meeting and event space.
    visitthemap.org
  3. Wildwood Adventure Park, Manhattan
    This 80-acre park offers tons of outdoor adventures. Immerse your group in an experience on the trails and in the trees during a seven-zipline tour with a 40-foot freefall. Ideal for groups of 20 or more, the 2-mile obstacle trail run additionally includes a rope climb, monkey bars, hurdles and an 8-foot wall that will encourage teamwork within your group.
    mhkadventures.com
  4. Central Standard Brewing, Wichita
    With an array of beer styles on tap and a relaxed atmosphere, Central Standard Brewing is a great place to hang out and enjoy a few drinks in a comfy retro chair or on the patio. Ask questions or get the tour — these brewers love to talk about the beer they are so passionate about brewing. The brewery can host a variety of private events, too.
    centralstandardbrewing.com