2026 NAPSA Annual Conference
March 7-11, 2026 • Kansas City, MO
97
Days
18
Hours
01
Minutes
40
Seconds
Welcome to Kansas City
We’re excited to welcome you to Kansas City, Missouri—a lively, creative city right in the heart of the country. Kansas City sits on the border of Missouri and Kansas (yes, you’ll be on the Missouri side for the conference!), blending small-town friendliness with big-city energy.
Fun Fact: Kansas City earned its "Heart of America" nickname because it sits at the geographic center of the contiguous United States.
Just as student affairs professionals create inclusive campus communities, Kansas City has built its identity on bringing people together. From smooth jazz filling historic clubs to legendary barbecue that put KC on the culinary map, this city celebrates both heritage and future. Much like NASPA honors our profession's roots while innovating for tomorrow.
Arts & Play The iconic shuttlecocks at the Nelson-Atkins Museum symbolize Kansas City's playful spirit. Great experiences don't have to take themselves too seriously.
Equity & Resilience Visit the Kansas City Current, pioneering the future of women's professional soccer, or the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, honoring athletes who changed the game and American history. These institutions embody what we champion in student affairs: equity, perseverance, and creating pathways for those historically excluded.
Accessible & Energizing Centrally located and easy to reach, Kansas City lets you focus on what matters: connecting with colleagues, engaging in meaningful learning, and returning to campus inspired.
Where to Stay
You must book your hotel through the NASPA Annual Conference registration process to receive the conference rate.
A list of hotels and rates for Kansas City is available below.
Maritz is the Official Housing Provider for the NASPA Annual Conference
Maritz is the Official Housing Provider for the NASPA Annual Conference. NASPA has worked diligently with the hotels in Kansas City to establish room blocks for attendees and exhibitors. Improper solicitation of hotel reservations from any company or housing provider other than Maritz is not approved by NASPA. Reservations made by unaffiliated organizations may appear to be for lower rates, however they may be illegitimate, have unreasonable cancellation or change penalties, or be completely non-refundable. Please report any unauthorized solicitation to NASPA by forwarding the email to conference@naspa.org.
⚠️ Housing Pirates ⚠️
Beware of housing pirates! Every year, NASPA receives reports of emails being sent to participants, exhibitors, and NASPA members offering lower hotel rates. Maritz is the official housing provider for the NASPA Annual Conference, and the conference registration site is the ONLY site that you should use to book your hotel room.
Kansas City Hotels
Premium accommodations in the heart of Missouri.
Get your bearings on where these fantastic lodging options are located with this map of our conference hotels
Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown
199
1301 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Hotel Phillips Kansas City
207
106 West 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown
239
101 West 11th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Hotel Kansas City
239
1228 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105
AC Hotel Kansas City Downtown
229
906 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106
Residence Inn Downtown
249
1535 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108
Courtyard Kansas City Downtown
229
1535 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108
Sheraton Kansas City Crown Center
229
2345 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Westin Kansas City Crown Center
229
1 East Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
KC Marriott Country Club Plaza
199
4445 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza
199
770 West 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
InterContinental Kansas City
189
401 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112
The Fontaine Hotel
194
901 West 48th Pl, Kansas City, MO 64112
Where to Eat, Transportation, Things to Do.
Where to Eat
Kansas City’s food scene is a delicious blend of tradition and creativity. Of course, you can’t visit without sampling the city’s famous barbecue, but there’s much more to explore, locally inspired fine dining, global flavors, cozy coffee shops, and innovative farm-to-table experiences. No matter your taste, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy every craving.
Transportation
Getting around Kansas City is simple and convenient. The KC Streetcar offers a free and easy way to explore the downtown corridor, while taxis, rideshares, and rental options make it easy to get anywhere you need to go. If you’re driving, you’ll find plenty of parking near major attractions and hotels.
Things to Do
There’s something for everyone in Kansas City. Dive into the city’s jazz roots at the American Jazz Museum, stroll through the Crossroads Arts District, visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, or catch a live show at one of the city’s many local venues. Whether you’re into art, music, history, or just exploring new neighborhoods, KC has plenty to keep you inspired.
