Kansas Metropolis, typically referred to as the “Metropolis of Fountains” (The town has greater than 200 fountains, which is commonly stated to be second solely to Rome within the variety of fountains in a metropolis) is a spot I’ve handed via earlier than, however this spring it turns into the gathering level for hundreds of well being and bodily schooling professionals. That’s why I’m excited to move there quickly for the 2026 SHAPE America Nationwide Conference & Expo. Working from March 17–21, it’s the nation’s premier occasion for well being and bodily schooling educators. Now that the convention schedule has been launched, social media is already buzzing with attendees on the lookout for tips about easy methods to take advantage of their time at this unbelievable occasion. This might be my seventh nationwide conference, which in all probability qualifies me as a little bit of a veteran presenter—and provides me simply sufficient credibility to supply this annual weblog put up. Listed here are a couple of methods which have helped me get essentially the most out of the expertise. Whether or not you’re attending for the primary time or returning as a seasoned conference-goer, I hope there’s one thing right here for everybody.
Plan Forward
Convention preparation actually started the second the final attendee left #SHAPEBaltimore. With a complete 12 months to mirror, plan, and set up an occasion of this scale, it’s no shock that the schedule for the upcoming conference in Kansas Metropolis is as soon as once more full of unbelievable presenters and exhibitors. And sure—session conflicts are inevitable. Even a fast look at this 12 months’s program for the SHAPE America Nationwide Conference & Expo reveals a number of time slots the place a number of periods look equally compelling.
Take a while to overview the convention schedule (and preserve an eye fixed out for the convention app) so you possibly can prioritize the periods, workshops, and occasions that matter most to you. The Instructor of the Yr periods all the time present a uncommon alternative to study from a number of the greatest educators in our occupation, and the keynotes stay a spotlight—bringing everybody collectively for a shared second of inspiration. You may search the schedule by presenter identify if there’s somebody you’re wanting to see, or use key phrases like “significant,” “evaluation,” or “skills-based” to search out periods aligned together with your pursuits.
Map out your days upfront—however keep in mind to schedule breaks and a bit of self-care too. Belief me, you’ll want them.
Community
Conferences are the proper alternative to satisfy new individuals and join with colleagues. I nonetheless keep in mind my first nationwide conference—recognizing educators I acknowledged from social media however feeling too intimidated to introduce myself. DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE. Take the initiative: introduce your self, strike up conversations, and trade contact information—social media handles, electronic mail addresses, or enterprise playing cards. These connections can develop into lasting skilled relationships and broaden your studying community. At #SHAPEKC, there might be Espresso Talks and related periods—good for assembly like-minded educators in a relaxed setting.
Among the greatest networking occurs organically—spontaneous meetups, hallway conversations, or social gatherings if you’re near the motion. For me, which means staying on the Loews Kansas Metropolis Lodge, one of many conference HQ’s. Impromptu connections can occur anyplace: standing in line for espresso, ready for an elevator, sharing a trip, and even at a night social occasion—like that memorable late-night Paddlezlam session! Should you have been there, then you understand what I’m speaking about.
Be Ready
Deliver a pocket book or use a note-taking app to document necessary info from the periods you attend. I lately changed my Moleskine pocket book with a pocket book that I designed myself(!). Taking notes will assist you to keep in mind key factors and takeaways, and may function a beneficial reference after the convention. I’ve additionally seen attendees create shared google docs and crowd-source their notes. This divide-and-conquer methodology is superior however wants somebody to volunteer to set it up. Might that individual be you?
I like seeing my pocket book getting used at conferences. The dotted pages are nice for sketching #PhysEd exercise layoutsthe check-in emojis are enjoyable, and there’s a singular quote on every lined web page.
After years of touring the nation presenting at conferences, dragging dongles and units round with me, I’ve managed to streamline my tech pack. I like my iPad however all the time journey with my Amazon Fireplace HD 8 pill as a result of I can obtain films, load up my kindle with the newest E book of the Monthand this gadget is extra rugged than my Apple units. My dongles and charging cables all journey with me on this transportable electronics journey case. Heaven forbid my units ought to run out of energy, I journey with this Veger transportable charger.
Have Enjoyable
Once I’m at a convention, I’M AT A CONFERENCE, and may be responsible of not getting away from the occasion. Nevertheless, conferences will not be nearly studying and networking – they’ll, and ought to be a whole lot of enjoyable. Attend social occasions beginning with the St. Patrick’s Day festivities following the Opening Session that includes open-mic karaoke, interactive garden video games, and a photograph sales space sponsored by Ask, Pay attention, Study: A Program of Duty.org.
Kansas Metropolis has a vibrant dwell music and jazz scene, and there are a number of wonderful venues inside strolling distance or a brief brief trip/streetcar journey from the Kansas Metropolis Conference Heart location. High of my checklist of locations to go to embrace Inexperienced Girl Lounge for dwell music, Messenger Espresso (maybe on the lookout for some coffee-themed giveaways for my Significant PE Espresso Speak), and Sister Anne’s Information & Espresso, Josey Informationand BlacKCat Vinyl to fulfill my new ardour for amassing vinyl information.
The place to Eat
Kansas Metropolis’s meals scene is a scrumptious mix of custom and creativity. In fact, you possibly can’t go to with out sampling town’s well-known barbecue, however there’s rather more to discover, regionally impressed nice eating, international flavors, cozy espresso outlets, and progressive farm-to-table experiences. Irrespective of your style, you’ll discover loads of choices to fulfill each craving.
Transportation
Getting round Kansas Metropolis is easy and handy. The KC Streetcar affords a free and straightforward strategy to discover the downtown hall, whereas taxis, rideshares, and rental choices make it straightforward to get anyplace you should go. Should you’re driving, you’ll discover loads of parking close to main sights and lodges.
Issues to Do
There’s one thing for everybody in Kansas Metropolis. Dive into town’s jazz roots on the American Jazz Museumstroll via the Crossroads Arts Districtgo to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artworkor catch a dwell present at one of many metropolis’s many native venues. Whether or not you’re into artwork, music, historical past, or simply exploring new neighborhoods, KC has lots to maintain you impressed.
Issues to Do in Downtown Kansas Metropolis
Self Care
You’ve waited this lengthy to lastly attend such an superior occasion so keep in mind, taking good care of your self is an important a part of attending a convention. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll be higher geared up to study, develop, and benefit from the expertise.
Get sufficient sleep: Attempt to get a very good evening’s sleep every evening and take breaks through the day to relaxation and recharge. If potential, attempt to keep your common sleep schedule to keep away from feeling jet-lagged or exhausted. I’ll in all probability pack this sleep masksand can lean on the soundscapes on the Calm app to assist me go to sleep.
Keep hydrated: I’m responsible of NOT following this recommendation. Drink loads of water all through the day to remain hydrated and forestall fatigue. Deliver a refillable water bottle with you to the convention and refill it ceaselessly. I additionally plan on packing hydration and vitamin tablets to assist me with the candle-burning-at-both-ends.
Eat effectively: One other piece of recommendation that I ought to heed! Perform a little research upfront to search out native meals venues a couple of blocks away from the convention venue. Make an effort to eat the meals that provide you with sustained power all through the day, though I’ve to confess that I do prefer to deal with myself to an area burger and a brew every time visiting a brand new city.
Take breaks: I’ll work exhausting and play exhausting whereas I’m attending a convention, however I additionally relaxation exhausting too. Naps are my superpower and I’m glad that I’ll be staying on the lodge that can be the convention HQ. Staying ‘on-site’ implies that not solely am I an elevator trip away from periods, keynotes, and networking occasions, however I’m additionally a brief stroll again to my room to relaxation and recharge. Give your self permission to take breaks and step away from the convention actions when you should.
In case you are studying this weblog put up upfront of visiting #SHAPEKCe please just remember to vote within the Board of Administrators election, particulars have been despatched to members. Every of the candidates are enthusiastic about driving our occupation forwards and are able to serve!
What suggestions have I missed? Be happy to drop feedback beneath or share them on social media utilizing the hashtag #SHAPEKC.
You may as well obtain your attendee and presenter promotional pictures right here.