Main Street 5 & Dime

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.

Lessons Learned from the Pilot Urban Main Street Program in St. Louis - Urban Main Street Forum

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:30 am.

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.

Educational Tours

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Learn from those who worked, or are still working, on preservation and upper story development projects shaping the landscape in the Kansas City region. See unique rehabilitations or creative reuses of historic buildings or spaces. Stay tuned as more details are provided as the tours are developed.

"Welcome Home" Evening Opening Reception - Plaza Terrace, Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza

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 Plaza Terrace located on the third floor. Connect with other attendees while enjoying the “Welcome Home” gallery and view of Kansas City from the outdoor terrace. 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.

Plaza Terrace, Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza, 4445 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

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

ShowMe Bash & Pitch Party - J. Rieger & Co.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

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.

Transportation begins loading at 6:15 pm from 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 18th and on-site ($100) at the conference registration desk. Must be pre-purchased, no tickets sold at event.

Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony & Dinner - The Bauer

Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

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. 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

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