MEETING HOTELS

Whether staying, meeting or both, two major hotels offer prime real estate near the airport: the Kansas City Airport Marriott and Hilton Kansas City Airport, touting 384 and 347 rooms respectively—ideal for small- to midsize groups.

Other notable area hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City International Airport (237 rooms) and Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport (200 rooms).

Short drives from the airport take attendees to two popular Northland casinos: Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa (250 rooms) and Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City (184 rooms), which offer a little extra flair to groups in search of one-stop-shops to stay and play.

EVENT SPACES

Find the right size venue for your group at one of the many premier hotels in the area. The Marriott features 18 meeting rooms with nearly 14,000 square feet of combined, flexible space, including a 5,000-square-foot ballroom, lakeside patio and charming pavilion.

Just three miles from the airport, the largest of the Hilton’s 21 different event spaces tops in at 6,570 square feet (with more than 21,000 square feet total). Meanwhile, the Embassy Suites’ largest space—a stunning ballroom—offers a whopping 10,952 square feet of space (of 18,000 square feet total).

There's also the KCI Expo Center, home to 70,000 square feet of exhibit space that's divisible into two 35,000-square-foot exhibition halls, all conveniently located around the corner from the airport. Plus, with decorative services, full-service catering and other essential amenities, this facility is without a doubt an underrated gem in the region. 

DINING + NIGHTLIFE

Take the entire group to the sprawling outdoor complex Zona Rosa, where shopping, dining and entertainment come easily to those in search of good times.

Other retail can be found at Briarcliff Village, with popular boutiques including Made in Kansas City (regionally produced apparel and goods) and Nell Hill’s (interior design inspiration).

Well-known for its barbecue heritage, one of Kansas City’s best-kept 'cue secrets is Scott’s Kitchen. This no-frills joint is only four minutes from airport check-in gates and it’s smoking up everything from burnt ends—a local delicacy—to burritos filled with pulled pork, brisket, chorizo and more, plus breakfast for early risers (and early flights).

Additional local dining favorites include upscale sports bar Nick and Jake’s in Parkville and the aptly named Swagat Fine Indian Cuisine in Zona Rosa.

For play, look no further than the Northland’s exceptional assortment of casinos. At the Argosy, everything is on the agenda, including fine dining and thrills on the state-of-the-art casino floor. Others include Ameristar, Bally's Casino and Harrah’s Casino and Hotel.