Professional event planners and those who’ve been tasked with finding the best space are familiar with the struggle of the venue hunt!
Where your event takes place sets the tone of the day and is a large part of a smooth, successful gathering—from initial planning to execution. As leading event specialists in the Kansas City area, Overland Park Convention Center is referred to as the best event space in Kansas City for many reasons (we’ve even been voted the Best Small Convention Center in North America).
So, whether you’re planning a convention, conference, corporate meeting, or another miscellaneous happening, let us guide you through what makes us great, and how to find the best.
Location, Location
A trait of the best venue space is a central location that’s easy to get to for everyone. OPCC is located in Overland Park, Kansas, a nationally recognized safe and community-focused city. We’re just a 20-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, with much less traffic and a lot more parking than downtown space options.
A close proximity for everyone in the Kansas City metropolitan area
Have guests attending from both Kansas and Missouri? State rivalries aside, OPCC is the best event space in Kansas City for those looking to avoid city traffic and enjoy easy access to hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
OPCC is less than a half hour drive from:
- Kansas City, KS
- Leawood, KS
- Lenexa, KS
- Mission, KS
- Olathe, KS
- Kansas City, MO
- Lee’s Summit, MO
- Independence, MO
- Belton, MO
OPCC is within an hour’s drive from:
- Lawrence, KS
- Topeka, KS
- Blue Springs, MO
- Liberty, MO
If you’re hosting a nation-wide celebration, Kansas is a great middle-America location. We’re less than 40 minutes from the Kansas City International Airport, and we can provide a wealth of local transportation information for your guests.
The venue itself
Of course, it’s important to get a visual idea of your prospective venue so you can find the best event space for your particular needs. As the best event space in Kansas City , OPCC offers many space options including the following:
Ballrooms
If you’re looking to host a black tie gala or a large corporate meeting, our ballrooms offer the classically styled space you need. With over 25,000 square feet of versatile space, not to mention the 30-foot ceilings, this space can accommodate large groups and leave room for a dance floor.
Exhibition Halls
Our exhibition galas are not only great for showcasing large collections of vintage cars, but also elegant galas and banquets! Whether you want a blank slate for showcasing your car collection or glamorous decor as you walk down the aisle, this space can be transformed to accommodate your needs.
Courtyard Rooms
Our courtyard rooms offer intimate settings for smaller groups, or we can push back the walls to accommodate the whole gang! While this setting is great for situations like company break-out meetings, it can be used for practically anything. Here’s a look at how we’ve altered the space for a range of get-togethers.
Outdoor Courtyard
Everyone loves an outdoor wedding! If you’re looking to connect with nature during your get-together, our enchanting outdoor courtyard is for you. From outdoor games to princess-esque lighting, our backyard oasis seamlessly meshes stunning architecture with lush greenery.
We also offer venue tours to help you get an in-person experience and match your needs to the perfect space.
The important numbers to know when booking your event venue
When it comes to crunching the numbers to find the ideal but doable place to host your event, there are some key factors to consider.
Capacity
We wouldn’t be the best event space in Kansas City if we didn’t host occasions of all sizes. Capacity is the biggest number you’ll need to know when finding your perfect venue. At OPCC, we have the capacity for small, medium, and large gatherings, such as:
- Banquets / Receptions
- Meetings / Conferences
- Conventions
- Consumer Show
- Trade Shows
- Weddings
- Other
Small
Capacity: 0 – 50
Medium
Capacity: 50 – 1500
Large
Capacity: 1500 – 4500+
Pricing
No two events are exactly the same, so pricing should be custom, too! A reputable convention center should give you the most accurate price for your occasion and ask a lot of questions to do so.
We have an event estimate tool for this exact purpose! Our team uses the following information to create an accurate price estimate for your needs:
- Number of guests
- Food and beverage needs
- Audio visual needs
- Event type
- Ideal start/end dates
- Budget
- Miscellaneous information
Use our online estimate tool, or simply give us a call to get more details on pricing information. Our team is happy to learn about your needs and budget to give you specific pricing information.
Hours
Our hours are based on the scheduled events on our calendar, and can range depending on your event type’s needs. Normal office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., if you need to meet with our staff or do a tour!
Amenities
The best event space in Kansas City should have a lot of amenities to take advantage of! At OPCC, we’re proud to offer the following for every guest.
Free guest parking
Our parking is always free, and we have over 1,000 parking spaces (including handicapped spaces) so all of your guests don’t have to stress. In the rare occurrence that our lot is full, we also offer a range of overflow parking options at adjacent businesses.
Transportation
Part of being the best event space in Kansas City is getting you to the event! No matter if you live down the street or are flying in, our transportation options offer convenience and reliability. Learn more about local airport shuttles, buses, car rentals, taxis, and even limousines.
Food and beverage
From classic farmstead breakfasts to Jack Stack Barbecue, our venues can do it all! Browse our catering menu for the rundown on each of our mouth-watering recipes that are sure to impress you and your guests. We also offer a range of drink options at our open or cash bars, from top-shelf cocktails to kegs.
If you’re getting hungry looking at these amazing plates, check out Executive Chef Tim Freeman’s favorite recipes including french garlic chicken and jumbo chocolate chip cookies to try!
Wifi
In this day in age, we wouldn’t be the best without offering free wifi! Our high-speed connection is available throughout the entire convention center, so you can rely on staying connected while getting your work done.
Nearby hotels
Thanks to our convenient location, we’re within walking distance to over 1,000 hotel rooms! We also have an adjoined Sheraton Hotel so you can work, play, and stay all at one spot. This newly renovated hotel offers stylish rooms with flat screens, an indoor pool (and whirlpool), and a 24 hour fitness center so you can stick to your routine. Plus, you can swing by the Sheraton Cafe for your morning coffee and pastry before you head out!
Entertainment
Looking for fun things to do during your stay in OP? Our beloved dynamic suburb offers everything from historical parks to sporting games to an active nightlife at your fingertips. Looking to host a bachelor party? TopGolf is just a few minutes away! There’s even an iFly in the city, so thrillseekers and families alike can get a taste of skydiving indoors.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, Pinot’s Palette offers a range of painting classes (even some with complimentary wine!). There’s also fun places for the whole family to enjoy, both indoor and outdoor, from bowling at Pinstripes to a picnic at the Museum at Prairiefire.
Accessibility and inclusivity
The OPCC team is committed to ensuring that everyone enjoys their time with us, so we’re constantly improving our accessibility accommodations. We’re proud to be the first convention center in the world to open a KultureCity-approved sensory room for neurodiverse guests, with fully-equipped activity panels and reduced lighting.
This one-of-a-kind experience offers a secure environment for individuals who often experience overstimulation to safely and comfortably hang out! The space features diverse collections of art, bubble walls, and beyond. No matter if you’re stopping by this room for a visit or are attending any kind of event, our certified sensory inclusive space can always provide sensory-reducing headphones, weighted lap pads, fidget tools, and more to ensure your comfort.
We intentionally designed and set up every room to accommodate guests with mobility impairments. With nearby parking, ramps, and elevators, we can ensure that guests in wheelchairs feel fully included in your event.
We also offer nursing rooms for new mothers to comfortably and privately pump.
Sustainability
With being the best event space in Kansas City comes the responsibility of sustainable maintenance. By working with a range of community partners, city officials, and clients, we’re continuing to pave the path for eco-friendly gatherings, without compromising your needs. Our 4 main initiatives are waste management, green purchasing, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.
Extras
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty, what specialities do we offer? Understanding what we include in our packages and what you’re opting to bring yourself is key to sticking to your budget and plan, and we’re here to help!
Decor
Depending on your chosen event package, we’ll offer a range of decorations to tailor the space to your vision! Our banquet amenities include skirted table settings, elevated seating for the heads of the table, and more. Contact us to learn more about our decoration services.
Lighting
Perfecting the hue, brightness, and placement of lighting at your special occasion is what sets the tone and makes your photos ones to look back on. Our experienced technicians can help you choose the right lighting, whether it be enhanced colors for your big speech or spotlights to showcase a collection of new products.
Audio and visual
Setting the scene with the highest quality of images and sound requires experienced professionals with state-of-the-art technology. Our audio visual services can be added on to any event space or we can team up with an outside vendor of your choice. Whether you’re in need of a film crew to capture training videos for your employees or large-scale projectors for s screening, our pros have it all.
The importance of working with a trusted team
When it comes to planning a big event, finding the Best Event Space in Kansas City is the first step. This isn’t a task on your to-do list that you want to take your chances on, book before visiting, or be the first client to a new space. Gathering a reliable team, perfecting menus, accommodating to all guests, and being eco-friendly take years to master.
Meet our team of vetted specialists, who have dedicated their time to building meaningful client relationships to ensure that your event exceeds your expectations! From chefs to security, the staff is committed to keeping you safe, comfortable, and having a good time.
Browsing reviews is a great first step to deciding on the perfect space. We’ve pulled the following testimonials from our collection of thousands of 5 star online reviews!
“Great place to work, people who care about each other and work hard to keep this machine going. Really talented staff, who can assist each visitor in hosting about any event big or small. Voted the best small convention center in North America! For great reason” – Kyle Starr
“Recently I was there for the Just For Her Expo. Oh what a fun day! The restrooms were kept cleaned & stocked. For over 200 vendors, it ran smooth like butta! This is a great spot for this event due to their being sooo much space. The decor from the moment you step off the escalator was captivating, feminine, & got you excited to see more! The convention center is in a great location just off the highway” – Miranda M.
“We attended an event here at the hall upstairs & we were served by an excellent staff! We really enjoyed the food & easy parking!” – Peter Winter
“Great venue for large events and community happenings. Lots of natural light in the hall foyer. Great technology” – Brad Moser
Make your event at Overland Park Convention Center one to remember!
Our personable team is committed to ensuring an unmatched hosting experience, from start to finish. If you’d like to check out our space for yourself, you can also schedule a tour and try our free estimate tool. Our venue options are highly flexible, so simply tell us a few details about your goals and we’ll work with you to ensure that you and your guests enjoy your time with us!
Ready to book the best event space in Kansas City? Submit your request online today to start focusing on planning your big night! If you have any questions about our spaces or services, don’t hesitate to stop by our FAQ or give us a shout.
