Shop Main Street during the conference during breaks, between sessions, or at breakfast! Each year MMSC offers a selection of locally-made or Missouri-sourced items alongside Main Street-themed merch for attendees to browse. The Missouri Main Street 5 & Dime works with local Main Street organizations and their small businesses to bring a little bit of Main Street to you. Support local businesses by shopping at the 5 & Dime in the Expo area when you attend the conference this year.

Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) has spent the last three years on a pilot program using the long history of urban Main Street principles to help launch three urban programs in St. Louis.  Now called the St. Louis Main Streets program, hear from MMSC staff and from Dutchtown Main Streets, Laclede’s Landing Main Street, and Delmar Main Street on the principles, processes, and successes so far. MMSC is ready to expand the program outside of St. Louis. This free session at the conference is open to any urban district or historic commercial neighborhood to learn about bringing urban Main Street principles to your district. By invitation only. Request an invitation from our staff.

Step into a realm where history and creativity intertwine with our exclusive tour, “Revival of Rhythm: The Artistic Pulse of Kansas City.”

“Artistic Alchemy in the Jazz District”

Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz District, where the Zhou B Arts Center stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. Once a historic school, this architectural gem has been masterfully reimagined by visionary Chicago artists breathing new life into its storied halls.

“A Canvas of Culture: 2000 Vine Campus”

Venture with us to the cradle of Kansas City’s public works, where two stone edifices erected in 1878 and long forsaken, have been reborn. The 2000 Vine Campus emerges as a vibrant nexus of creativity—a fusion of venue, art gallery, and collaborative workspace that extends the cultural tapestry of Kansas City’s most iconic boulevard.

“Brewing Heritage: Vine Street Brewing Company”

Toast to innovation at Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery, the Vine Street Brewing Company. Nestled within this cultural crucible, the brewery crafts unique libations that echo the district’s rich legacy. Each sip is a tribute to the ingenuity that flows through Kansas City’s veins.

Don’t miss the captivating narrative behind this renaissance—a saga of passion and perseverance that will beckon you to return. Join us for a tour that’s more than a mere walk; it’s a journey through the soul of Kansas City’s artistry and ambition.

Discover the heartbeat of Kansas City’s arts movement with “Revival of Rhythm: The Artistic Pulse of Kansas City.”

Tickets available ($25), until sold out, online until July 18^th and onsite at the conference registration desk. Must be pre-purchased. No tickets sold at the event. Meet at 2:15pm in the Hotel Lobby to walk as a group to board the transportation at Main Street and E. 45^th Street outside of the hotel.

Join us on a captivating journey, “Urban Renaissance: Kansas City’s Housing Harmony,” where we unveil the innovative solutions to the housing crisis that many communities face.

“Echoes of Elegance: Jazz Hill District Revival”

Stroll through the historic Jazz Hill District, where the grand colonnaded apartment buildings of yesteryear (1901-1913) have been harmoniously transformed. Once the epitome of fashionable living, these structures now sing a new song of inclusivity, offering workforce housing. Witness the rebirth of an area that resonates with the legacy of its distinguished past.

“Westport High School: A Lesson in Rejuvenation”

Be inspired by the 1908 Westport High School’s metamorphosis into a collection of 138 exquisitely designed apartments. Here, the past and present engage in a delicate dance, intertwining new construction with the original expansive hallways and the storied auditorium. This Historic Tax Credit project, just a two-block promenade from the Westport streetcar stop, is more than a residence—it’s a vision for a vibrant community hub brimming with retail and entertainment possibilities.

This tour is not merely a showcase of architectural revival; it’s a glimpse into the future of urban living. Experience the unfolding narrative of a city that’s not just constructing buildings but crafting communities. Join us to be part of the movement that’s setting the tempo for modern urban development.

Embark on “Urban Renaissance: Kansas City’s Housing Harmony” – where history’s charm meets today’s vibrancy. 

Tickets available ($25), until sold out, online until July 18^th and onsite at the conference registration desk. Must be pre-purchased. No tickets sold at the event. Meet at 2:15pm in the Hotel Lobby to walk as a group to board the transportation at Main Street and E. 45^th Street outside of the hotel.

Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Join us as we kick off the conference at the Kansas City Country Club Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom Foyer. Connect with other attendees while enjoying the “Welcome Home” gallery. The “Welcome Home” gallery is a unique experience MMSC is offering during this year’s Evening Opening Reception. This gallery will have the semifinalists from our “Welcome Home” Preservation Month contest.

Your ticket includes tasty appetizers and one drink. You will find plenty of great places to eat dinner when you leave to explore Country Club Plaza.

Attire – Business Casual.

Grand Ballroom Foyer, Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza, 4445 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

Tickets available ($25), until sold out, online until July 18^th and onsite ($50) at the conference registration desk. Must be pre-purchased. No tickets sold at the event.

The ShowMe Bash takes place at the historic J. Rieger & Co., a storied establishment deeply rooted in Kansas City’s rich history. Founded in 1887 within the bustling West Bottoms Livestock Exchange District, J. Rieger & Co. quickly became synonymous with quality and innovation, boasting a diverse portfolio of over 100 alcoholic products. Although Prohibition dealt a blow to the company, it was not the end of its story. Now, a century later, J. Rieger & Co. proudly stands once again as a beacon of Kansas City’s vibrant spirit and entrepreneurial energy.

The evening starts off with a full buffet dinner followed by the Pitch Party, the culmination of the MMSC Creative Space Activation Grant where one community will be awarded $10,000! As the finalists pitch their ideas to the audience, your participation will help choose the winner. One drink ticket is provided with your event registration. Cash bar available.

After the conclusion of the Pitch Party programming, stay around to enjoy their laidback environment, participate in their self-guided tour showcasing the history of J. Rieger & Co., shop in their gift shop, and slide down the 40-foot slide!

Attire – Sporty Casual.

Meet at 5:45 pm in the Hotel Lobby to walk as a group to board the transportation at Main Street and E. 45^th Street outside of the hotel. The last bus leaves J. Rieger & Co at 9:00 pm.

J. Rieger & Co., The Monogram Lounge, 2700 Guinotte Ave., Kansas City, MO 64120

Tickets available ($50), until sold out, online until July 18^th 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 Parlor

6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony and Dinner on the third floor.

Join us for our Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony & Dinner as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Main Streets and their dedication to revitalizing Missouri’s historic commercial districts. The awards are an opportunity to honor local Main Street programs. Throughout the evening, you will see people, projects, and initiatives that are the best representation of the great accomplishments local Main Street programs made in their historic commercial districts and communities across the state.

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.

Attire – Semiformal.

Transportation will not be provided to this event. Parking instructions will be included in your welcome packet.

The Bauer, 115 W. 18^th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

Tickets available for individuals ($80) or VIP table for 8 ($880), until sold out, online until July 18^th 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.