Want up-to-date highlights on the Overland Park Convention Center?

Left to right: Scott Riesterer, Director of Finance; Jessica Corona, Director of Food & Beverage; Tracy Roberts, Director of Sales & Marketing; Brett C. Mitchell, General Manager; Ashley Flagler, Director of Events; George Middleton, Director of Operations

How do we do it? It starts with great leadership and top-notch employees who know the mission—the mission statement that is... to serve, satisfy and smile.

Jordan Brehmer, Event Manager

THE OPCC WAY

At the Overland Park Convention Center, we believe that cultivating a positive work culture is key to encouraging creativity, collaboration, and productivity among our team.

That's why we train our employees in the 'OPCC Way', which further expands upon our mission statement, to serve, satisfy and smile. Click the 'play' button to learn more about how we better serve our clients.

From left to right: Chris Hernandez, Engineer; Jordan Brehmer, Event Manager; Tracey Jones, Event Services Manager; Brett C. Mitchell, General Manager; Ashley Flagler, Director of Events

A WORD FROM OUR GM

"As I look back on the past year, I think of our remarkable employees that are the foundation of our success. Thanks to their unwavering commitment to excellence, in 2022 we were again awarded the title of North America’s Best Small Convention Center. This achievement would also not have been possible without the trust, support and recommendations from our clients and partners to whom we are deeply grateful. It's this relationship that allows our team to continually improve in our ever-changing quest for the perfect event. We promise to maintain our commitment to the excellence you deserve and look forward to an even better 2023."

- Brett C. Mitchell, General Manager

Client satisfaction is our top priority at the Overland Park Convention Center. We value our clients and strive to provide them with the best service possible.

Although we love to hear the positive feedback we receive, we also use surveys to gauge our performance to ensure we continue to meet the highest of standards. Our surveys, which cover a variety of factors, are distributed to all of our clients to create an even better experience for their next visit.

Amber Pietenpol, Event Manager

In 2022, our staff received an average rating of 4.7 on a scale of 1 to 5, indicating our commitment to providing exceptional service.

"All of the staff are excellent and make us feel as if we are the most important client they have."

"As someone who was organizing my first ever conference, they were such a great resource and so helpful and patient."

- KANSAS CITY BOAT SHOW

- ADVENT HEALTH

"Thank you, once again, for helping us put together a successful and elegant gala this past weekend. Our event had many complicated details and we appreciate the attention you took to make sure our guests had a fabulous time!"

- SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

"The staff at OPCC are all fantastic. They are kind, responsive, and truly want your event to go great. They certainly delivered."

- Welcome house

"We always have great experience working with all of the staff at the convention center and the facility is well maintained. Definitely will recommend this site to others for future events."

"Just really happy with the facility and the staff. We do events across the country and in many markets you have to think 2-3 hours ahead because people are just not responsive to issues that arise and we always have them. No matter how much you plan, things come up. The Overland Park Convention Center staff never get rattled and the answer to most everything is yes."

- NAKA-KON Anime convention

"All of the staff are excellent and make us feel as if we are the most important client they have."

- KANSAS CITY IT SYMPOSIUM

"Another great experience from the booking to the lunch service. Everyone was very helpful and friendly."

- SAINT LUKES FOUNDATION

ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS INC.

AWG is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving over 1,100 member companies and over 3,800 locations throughout 36 states from 8 full-line wholesale divisions. The economic impact to the city for their annual trade show in 2022 was $872,058 with 807 total room nights.

SNOW BALL

In 2022, the 48th Annual Snow Ball raised a record breaking $4 million for Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas.

The inspiring evening highlights the people, stories and impact of Catholic Charities in the community. Since its founding, Snow Ball has become one of the largest philanthropic galas in the Kansas City area.

CLEVELAND UNIVERSITY-KANSAS CITY CENTENNIAL

To commemorate a century of creating a healthier world, Cleveland University-Kansas City held a four day celebration at the Overland Park Convention Center. The unforgettable event featured world-class speakers, networking activities, fireworks, special performances, entertainment and brought $602,398 in economic impact to the City of Overland Park with 511 room nights.

27%

13%

13%

3%

4%

44%

25%

17%

20%

In 2022, a fully-equipped sensory room opened at the Overland Park Convention Center for neurodiverse, autistic, and disabled individuals.

In partnership with non-profit KultureCity, the sensory room is a dedicated space created by medical professionals with reduced lighting and noise for guests who may feel overstimulated and need a more secure environment.

Overland Park is the first convention center in the world to open a KultureCity-approved sensory room for neurodiverse, autistic and disabled attendees.

Lonnie Brown, Chief Engineer

Our sensory room is a designated quiet area and is complete with bean bags, visual light panels, bubble walls, activity panels, and a custom tactile art piece created by an autistic artist.

Custom Tactile Art Piece

Visual Touch Panel

Yogibo Seating

Bubble Wall

Activity Panels

While a guest is in the room, they have multiple options to help them feel calmer and more relaxed.

Reduced lighting and noise: Two of the most common sensory triggers during large events are an excess of lighting and noise. Medical professionals created this room to reduce both of these and create a quiet, soothing atmosphere for guests.

Permission only access: The sensory room is not open to the public; only someone with permission may enter the room. This is an added measure of creating a safe and comfortable space for those using the room to regroup. Guests are permitted to spend 15 minutes in the room unless permission is otherwise given.

IN THE NEWS

An unconventional room finds niche in Overland Park Convention Center. Remingten Schneider looks at the bubble wall at the Overland Park Convention Center's new sensory room.

- KANSAS CITY STAR

Tips for accommodating neurodiverse attendees at your next event. The Overland Park Convention Center has opened a dedicated room to help serve the one in six event attendees with sensory-processing issues.

- BIZBASH

Overland Park first convention center to open KultureCity approved sensory room for neurodiverse, autistic attendees. A fully-equipped sensory room is now available at the Overland Park Convention Center for neurodiverse, autistic and...

- EXHIBITOR MAGAZINE

Find calm amid cacophony in Overland Park. Conventions are typically chaotic. There’s chatter, blaring announcements, flashing lights and scurrying attendees. Staff at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas, spoke...

- SMALL MARKET MEETINGS MAGAZINE

The convention center's commitment to energy efficiency is ongoing, and in 2022 our venue was in need of a new roof. As part of our Sustainability Program, we installed a new roofing system.

The new system will not only have a significant impact on reducing energy costs, but it is also environmentally friendly. The thermoplastic polyolefins membrane used in the new roof is 100% recyclable, which means that it can be repurposed at the end of its useful life, instead of being sent to landfills.

The R-value (insulation value) of your previous roof was R17. After installing the new roofing system, this value increased almost twofold.

KantCon gaming event at the Overland Park Convention Center

With the expectation of noise, the building was shut down for the three month project. All events were on pause, however KantCon, Just for Her and a corporate meeting were able to host their events within the construction schedule.

The project started in May of 2022 and was completed at the end of August.

Just for Her shopping and lifestyle event at the Overland Park Convention Center

ANNUAL SAVINGS

Annual savings from the complete roof replacement are estimated to be $5,136.

PROJECT COST

>1.9 M

ELECTRICAL SAVINGS

$3,876

NATURAL GAS SAVINGS

$1,260

TOTAL YEARLY SAVINGS

$5,136

George Middleton, Director of Operations

LET's TALK ABOUT IT

"The new roofing system is a great investment that will not only have a positive impact on the environment but also on the convention center's energy bills. This is especially important in the long run as it helps to reduce operating costs and increase profitability. We hope this sends a strong message of the convention center's commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Hopefully this will attract more environmentally conscious clients and attendees, and enhance the center's reputation as a green and sustainable venue."

- George Middleton, Director of Operations

Come and experience our new appetizer menu, crafted by our culinary team led by Executive Chef Tim Freeman.

The menu offers a range of delicious and creative dishes that feature only the highest quality ingredients. From light bites to more substantial plates, our knowledgeable staff can recommend options that will help you explore new flavors.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to indulge in our delectable new appetizers!

Rosemary Skewered Grilled Bread Cheese // Sliced bread cheese grilled and skewered on a fresh rosemary sprig glazed with a chipotle maple glaze

Chef Tim Freeman has put his own unique spin on classic appetizers, creating exciting new flavor combinations.

Jalapeno Hush Puppy Sliders // Jalapeno hush puppy sliced and skewered around smoked pulled pork, pickle slice and tangy barbecue sauce

Our menu is updated regularly to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients. And as part of our sustainability program, we prioritize purchasing green, and using fresh and local ingredients.

Roasted Apple Phyllo Cup // Phyllo cup with a dollop of crème brie topped with a roasted apple and pecan relish

COOKING VIDEOS

In 2022, we began producing cooking videos to teach you how to make our mouth-watering menu items at home.

Executive Chef Freeman's videos offer step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to improve your cooking skills. Recipes include vegetarian and gluten-free options, and videos can be accessed anytime, anywhere to cook along in your own kitchen and impress your friends and family.

Executive Chef Tim Freeman

LET's TALK ABOUT IT

"At the convention center, our primary focus is on creativity and providing an exceptional client experience. This is especially true when it comes to developing new menu items. Our goal is to make sure that our guests have a fun, fresh and exciting culinary experience. We're fortunate to have an incredibly talented team of chefs here, and we all work together to inspire each other's creativity—experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create unique and memorable dishes."

- Executive Chef Tim Freeman

Overland Park Convention Center serves as a vital hub for Toys for Tots in Kansas City. During the 2022 holiday season, the metropolitan area saw a staggering number of over 43,000 children in need of gifts. The convention center played a significant role in making a difference, as the largest donation center in the region for the local Marine Toys for Tots program.

Toys for Tots is a non-profit managed by the Marine Corps League. The initiative collects new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations throughout the months leading up to Christmas, to help less fortunate children.

Tracey Jones, Event Services Manager

In 2022, the Overland Park Convention Center collected over 21,200 toys for Marine Corps League Toys for Tots.

Felipe Aquilar, Event Services Manager

GySgt. Warren Ory in an interview with KMBC 9 to discuss Toys for Tots at the Overland Park Convention Center

General Manager, Brett C. Mitchell in-studio at FOX 4 News

IN THE NEWS

The Overland Park Convention Center hosts the largest Toys for Tots donation site in the Kansas City area, distributing to more than 40,000 families around the city. Every holiday season, the toy drive is focused on giving kids a great Christmas...

- KANSAS CITY STAR

Toys for Tots says it’s about 20,000 toys short for this year’s drive. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Overland Park Convention Center are putting out a call for help. Based on numbers as of Friday, they are falling short of about...

- KCTV 5 News

While Christmas is 12 days away, the Toys for Tots deadline is just three days away. Despite the fact that toys fill one corner of the Overland Park Convention Center, being prepped to go out to needy children, it's still not enough...

- KMBC 9 news

Johnson Countians can donate toys through this Thursday, Dec. 15, as part of this year’s local Toys for Tots drive. To make a donation, bring an unwrapped toy to the Overland Park Convention Center at 6000 College Blvd., between...

- SHAWNEE MISSION POST

2022 Toys for Tots collection at the Overland Park Convention Center with over 21,200 toys.

Far left: Sales Manager, Amy Worden at MPI RISE event

2022 CHARITABLE GIVING

Left to right: Marketing, Britaney Wehrmeister; Sales Manager, Barb Silin – CMP, CTA

Advent Health

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Blish Mize

Blue Valley Education Foundation Foundation

Boys & Girls Club of Kansas City

Center for Exhibition Industry Research

Cleveland Chiropractic

Exhibition Services & Contractors Association

Fairway Independent Mortgage

HopeKids Kansas City

Johnson County Community College Culinary Scholarship

Marine Corps League Toys for Tots

Meeting Professionals International Kansas City

We will deeply miss our dear friend and colleague, Dan Veglahn. We are grateful for the time we had with Dan and for the memories we shared. Dan's warmth, humor, and generosity touched the lives of many, and we will honor Dan's memory by continuing to strive for excellence and upholding the values he embodied.

Losing someone close to our hearts is never easy, and although he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on through the impact he had on the lives of those who knew him.

Dan Veglahn, Audio Visual Manager - CMP, CTS ( 2014 - 2022)

The Overland Park Convention Center was named 2022 Best Small Convention Center in North America by EXHIBITOR Magazine, a leading industry publication honoring the best in event venues.

This is the fourth year Overland Park Convention Center has won in EXHIBITOR’s special awards category since the awards inception four years ago.

Other 2022 venue awards and certifications include:

Director of Events, Ashley Flagler - CMP, SEPC

Above: The Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC), offered through the Events Industry Council, is designed to guide event professionals in incorporating sustainability and social impact into their organizations and business events. The program aims to achieve a resilient, sustainable, and equitable recovery.

Right: Britaney Wehrmeister was named 2022 Associate Marine of the Year for her continued contributions to Toys for Tots in the Kansas City area.

Below: The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is achieved based on experience, education and a rigorous exam. In 2022, this distinguished accreditation continued to be held by five of our employees.

Marketing Manager, Britaney Wehrmeister named 2022 Associate Marine of the Year

CMP's (from left to right): Jordan Brehmer, Event Manager; Jessica Corona, Director of Food & Beverage; Scott Riesterer, Director of Finance; Barb Silin, Sales Manager; Ashley Flagler, Director of Events

IN THE NEWS

The Overland Park Convention Center has been named 2023 Best Small Convention Center in North America by EXHIBITOR Magazine, a leading industry publication honoring the best in event venues. This is the fourth year Overland Park Convention ...

- EXHIBITOR MAGAZINE

The Overland Park Convention Center has been named the 2023 Best Small Convention Center in North America by Exhibitor Magazine. The selection process is based on surveys of past clients and event managers...

- FOX 4 News

Industry Publication Honors KC-Area Convention Center. The Overland Park Convention Center has been named

“Best Small Convention Center in North America” by EXHIBITOR Magazine, a leading industry publication honoring the...

- KSAE Magazine

The Overland Park Convention Center has been named the 2023 Best Small Convention Center in North America by Exhibitor Magazine. The selection process is based on surveys of past clients and event managers. Those surveys...

- TRAVEL & TOURISM WORLD

It takes a village! We recognize and appreciate the indispensable role that our partners and sponsors play in our achievements. Their support and contributions make all the difference.

One of our valued sponsors, Fern Expo, provides us with invaluable expertise and insights that aid us in creating innovative and impactful designs for our clients and their exhibitors.

Our venue partners:

Room set and floral by Studio Dan Meiners

The Sheraton Overland Park Hotel attached to the convention center

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT

"Our objectives align with the convention center's goals – we aim to be an excellent partner to help bring larger groups to the city and create a positive economic impact in Overland Park. To achieve this, we work closely with the convention center's sales team. This partnership is fundamental to our success in enhancing the overall experience of visitors to the complex."

- Craig Deel, Destination Sales Executive at Sheraton Overland Park Hotel

Our venue sponsors:

AND THAT'S A WRAP ON 2022

THANK YOU FOR Another AMAZING YEAR.