Topeka, Kansas: A City on the Rise

Sep 25

Right in the heart of America is Topeka, the capital city of Kansas. Known as #TopCity, Topeka extends the best in best in Midwestern hospitality and a vibrant city atmosphere. Read on to find out what makes this the perfect destination for meetings of all sizes.

Why makes Topeka a great place for faith-based meetings?

Topeka is a diverse destination, offering Midwest hospitality and a multitude of meeting locations to fit any budget. With Topeka’s low cost of living, meeting spaces are affordable and come with all the necessities needed to host a conference, including easy access to Visit Topeka staff. Our convention services staff provides you a community liaison who is readily available for your meeting needs.

Visit Topeka meeting spaces are ready to serve you with years of experience, including Capitol Plaza’s lead meeting director, Mary Shaw, with over 15 years of experience in this specific market.

Topeka welcomes events like the Great Plains Youth Conferences each year and is home to the Maner Conference Center. Maner’s largest ballroom is 11,000 square feet and is conveniently attached to the Stormont Vail Event Center that houses a large flat floor space and adjoining buildings. Lastly, being centrally located in the U.S. allows for a location that also works well for travel time and accessibility.

What is unique and interesting about Topeka destination to visiting groups?

Topeka is home to varied neighborhoods ranging from the NOTO Arts District to Historic Downtown, each with their own flare. Every location provides something distinct and allows for options in and outside of the meeting structure. From one-of-a- kind attractions like the Evel Knievel Museum and Ward Meade Park, both of which offer exclusive and unique meeting spaces, Topeka mixes just the right amount of creativity and history to be a destination for everyone. Make sure to check out the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center for the Midwest’s only African Safari meeting space. We are the perfect balance of city and sweeping countryside; with diverse gathering places, ranging from from large auditoriums and banquet halls, to barns and more. Some locations to check out are: Combat Air Museum, National Guard Museum, Evergy Plaza, NOTO Arts Center and The Brownstone.

TopCity Sign - Topeka Kansas - Pet Friendly.jpg

Stormont Vail Events Center - Prairie Band VIP.jpg

What are some nearby cultural experiences that groups would enjoy?

A city full of culture, Topeka offers a destination experience most cannot. As the capital of Kansas, the Kansas Capitol Building stands tall in ever-growing Downtown Topeka. Learn the history of Topeka’s railroads at the Great Overland Station and Iron Rail Brewery. Brown V. Board National Historic Site is not only a prominent historical site, but is home to a new mural depicting equality among all. You can also catch murals scattered across town and heavily located in the NOTO Arts District. Live performances from concerts to plays can be found at one of the many theatres in the Capital City, including the last remaining historic theatre in Topeka, The Jayhawk Theatre. The Mulvane Art Museum and Rita Blitt Gallery also host many prominent exhibits, art shows and displays. Imagine the awe in your attendees’ eyes as the lights come up on the main stage of the historic Jayhawk Theatre, knowing this was the first-place acclaimed entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee made her grand debut. The city is full of rich history and his home to museums, art, unique food and more. The entire city offers something for each attendee and meeting coordinator.

What are some new or upcoming enhancements to Topeka that event planners should know about?

Recently re-named Stormont Vail Events Center is currently under construction for renovations and updates. The location offers arena seating, meeting space and a variety of available structures.

Maner Conference Center, conveniently attached to the Stormont Vail Events Center, underwent recent updates in 2019. They offer 11,000 sq. ft. in their main ballroom and have 6 other room options ranging from 960 – 4,020 sq. ft.

The newly opened Cyrus Hotel in Downtown Topeka offers a unique boutique hotel experience with meeting space and dining opportunities. Three ballroom options and 109 rooms offer the perfect space for events and meetings.

Opened spring of 2020, the newest addition to Downtown Topeka is the Evergy Plaza; offering outdoor meeting/event space with a stage, food truck parking and a large display screen.

Coming soon, the Topeka Zoo introduces Kay’s Garden. A unique Japanese Garden addition to the zoo, but also meeting space that will join their already popular African Safari meeting location.