Immerse yourself in the rich history of St. Charles through this tour, brimming with stories of adventure, governance, and resilience. Begin at the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, where the state’s earliest legislature set the course for Missouri’s future amid rustic timbers and dark wood floors. Continue with the Hit the Bricks Experience, wandering the historic streets that have stood strong through the tides of time, from pioneer days to the Civil War and beyond. Learn about preservation projects you can replicate in your district. Finally, visit the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum, where full-scale replicas of their legendary boats and fascinating displays bring the iconic expedition to life. This tour offers a deeper connection to the pioneers, explorers, and legends who shaped this remarkable area.

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as each tour involves significant walking and may take place on cobblestone streets or sidewalks.

SOLD OUT – Tickets are available for ($30), until sold out, online until July 18^th. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the conference registration desk. Must be pre-purchased. No tickets will be sold at the event. The tour departure location will be provided to tour participants closer to the conference.

The Old Post Office building in St. Charles has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1909. Originally built as a U.S. Post Office, it served the community until 1964. Located on historic Main Street, this building was a cornerstone of communication and civic life in the early 20th century. In 2015, it underwent a remarkable restoration and adaptive reuse, transforming into OPO Startups—a vibrant coworking space for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small businesses. Nearby, the Foundry Art Centre shines as a hub of artistic brilliance. Once a bustling train car factory in the 1920s, this industrial gem was reimagined through a $2.2 million community-led renovation and now showcases interdisciplinary art in captivating exhibits. Together, these landmarks celebrate the harmony of heritage, innovation, and creativity.

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as each tour involves significant walking and may take place on cobblestone streets or sidewalks.

Tickets are available for ($30), until sold out, online until July 18^th. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the conference registration desk. Must be pre-purchased. No tickets will be sold at the event. The tour departure location will be provided to tour participants closer to the conference.

Join us as we kick off the conference with the Evening Opening Reception that will take place at Craftsmen Industries, Inc. and the historic International Order of Odd Fellows Hall.

The Evening Opening Reception will start at Craftsmen Industries, Inc., where attendees will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of their warehouse where they create wonderful marketing experiences, food trucks, banners, and more. Craftsmen started as a small family business that opened in 1982 and now works nationwide with high profile companies including Oscar Mayer® for one of the original Wienermobiles. During this tour discover how Craftsmen can assist your community with unique storytelling projects from banners to pop-up experiences. Be sure to wear (or bring) closed-toe shoes for the tour!

Once you have toured Craftsmen Industries, Inc. the reception will continue at Odd Fellows Hall, a 3 ½ story brick, Second Empire-style building built in 1878 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While there, attendees can connect with each and enjoy a fun networking activity, and learn about the building’s history as a clubhouse, an auditorium, and a financial institution.

This event is sponsored by Munibit and Craftsman Industries, Inc.

Your ticket includes a delicious meal and two drinks at the historic Odd Fellows Hall. Enjoy an authentic Italian meal provided by Valenti’s, a beloved local institution that has been serving traditional Italian goodness for over 85 years.

Attire – Business Casual.

Transportation:

Shuttle service will begin loading from the Convention Center at 6:00pm. For return to the Convention Center, the first shuttle will load at 8:30pm and the last shuttle will load at 9:00pm.

If you are not taking the shuttle and plan to drive, please go to Craftsmen Industries, Inc. first.

Tickets available ($30), until sold out, online until July 13^th at 11:59 pm and onsite ($60) at the conference registration desk. Must be pre-purchased. No tickets sold at the event.

The ShowMe Bash & Pitch Party starts at the restored 1909 “Old Post Office” with a “Taste of St. Charles”. The Pitch Party follows the “Taste of St. Charles” as the culmination of the Missouri Main Street Connection Creative Space Activation Grant where one Main Street program will be awarded $10,000! This year participants will choose the winner after listening to the finalists’ skits that convey their proposed placemaking project and its impact on their community. One drink ticket is provided with your event registration. A cash bar will be available.

At the conclusion of the Pitch Party, hang around to see the details preserved in the restored 1909 “Old Post Office” including slits used by postal inspectors to observe workers on the sorting room floor and 24-inch diameter cast-iron boiler door. Then venture downtown to shop and/or eat at one of historic St. Charles’ amazing shops and restaurants!

While you are enjoying the St. Charles Historic District be sure to complete your stamp activities. Completed passports can be turned in at the Registration Desk to be entered into a giveaway for amazing prizes. See the Get Your Kicks Stamp Passport when you arrive at the conference for more information. This event is sponsored by Munibit and Missouri Arts Council.

Transportation begins loading at 5:45 pm from the hotel. The last bus leaves the Old Post Office at 9:00 pm.

Tickets available ($50), until sold out, online until July 13^th at 11:59 pm and on-site ($100) at the conference registration desk. Must be pre-purchased, no tickets sold at event.

6:00 pm – 6:30 pm Evening of Excellence Reception in the Grand Ballroom A & B Foyer

6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony and Dinner in Grand Ballroom A & B

Join us for our Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony & Dinner as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Missouri’s Main Streets and their dedication to revitalizing Missouri historic commercial districts. The evening will highlight the people, projects, and initiatives that represent the great accomplishments local Main Street programs made in their historic commercial districts and communities across the state by honoring them with awards.

Your reservation includes a wonderful four-course dinner with an exceptional awards ceremony that will provide inspiration and new ideas to take home with you.

This event is sponsored by Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Attire – Semiformal.

Tickets available for individuals ($80) or VIP table for 8 ($880), until sold out, online until July 13^th at 11:59 pm and onsite for individuals ($160) at the conference registration desk. No VIP tables will be sold onsite. Must be pre-purchased, no tickets sold at event.