Facebook   Twitter  
We Kan! Conference
What should Kansas look like?
Let's start shaping it!
Wednesday, March 7, Newton
" With every registration,
the conference changes. As each new voice is added, the shape of collective brilliance evolves. The trick is to create a format so that all voices have a chance to be heard so that we all might benefit from the collective brilliance."

Every session will give you practical information but will also offer a chance to reshape our view of that topic.

A sampling of topics.
Breakout sessions. 45 minutes
  • Smartphone video production ...you can do it. Grant Neuhold, Kiowa County Commons Media Center, Greensburg, and Josey Hammer, JenRus Freelance.
  • Social media tips you can use! Luke Mahin & Josey Hammer, JenRus Freelance, Courtland; WenDee Rowe, Kansas Sampler Foundation, Inman.
  • A fitness center that changed a town. Deidre Knight, Council Grove Life Center.
  • Preserving buildings is rewarding! Christy Davis, restorer of buildings, Cottonwood Falls
  • Community cohesion: Learn how to handle difficult voices. Shelley Hansel, Kansas Leadership Center, Wellington.
  • Grant dollars for art projects, especially rural! Peter Jasso, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, Topeka
  • Ideas and support for entrepreneurs. Simone Elder, Leoti & Sarah LaRosh, Osborne of Network Kansas
  • Share issues of finding health, life, property, and car insurance in rural. LeAnn Crow, Kansas Insurance Department, Topeka.
  • How to create the best brochure--and where to put them. Ruben Schuckman, Central Brochure Distribution, Hays and Judy Entz, Mennonite Press, Newton.
  • Tourism For You and Tidbits for All, Kelli HIlliard, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, and others.
  • Pending, but likely. Steps to build and start a day care center.

Speed Meeting Sessions. There will be a dozen sessions for 15 minutes repeating three times.
  • Help with recruiting medical professionals for rural. Sasha Randolph and Tara Morrow, KU Med - Rural Health Education and Services, Wichita.
  • Want to restore a building? Love preservation? Let's network! And more tools and resources. Kelly Larson, Lincoln County Economic Development, Lincoln.
  • Sharing the work of KSF. Your help is needed! Martha Farrell, First Generation Video, Towanda.
  • Project WeKan!, a crowdfunding site. Josey Hammer, JenRus Freelance, Courtland.
  • Forming a PowerUp group. Stacy Barnes & Grant Neuhold, Greensburg."
  • Federal funding options for economic development. Katie Sawyer, McPherson, for U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall.
  • "Get Rural Kansas" site joins with the state tourism site. Come aboard! Kelli Hilliard, KDWP&T, and WenDee Rowe, Kansas Sampler Foundation.
  • MORE TO COME!

Read more about the
conference here .

Organized by Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation

Registration deadline Feb. 27
No refunds after March 1


March 7, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Meridian Center, Newton $75
March 6 evening mixer, $15
Speakers are attendees or people in the field creating successes, some from communities, some from state or statewide agencies.
WHO IS COMING?
Click here for sponsors and attendees to date.
GENERAL SESSION

Marci Penner will present and lead an array of Good Thinkers on topics like:
Redistributing the patterns of community involvement and power.
New ideas for volunteer-led chambers of commerce.
Explorer tourism - just be yourself.
A beautiful way to bring diverse groups together.
Engaging unique voices.
Empower your workers to be effective--and happy.
Keep the young people moving in.


Registration deadline Feb. 27
No refunds after March 1

THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS

Tuesday night barista sponsor
Newton Convention & Visitors
Bureau
 
Opening session
JenRus Freelance, Courtland
 
Morning snacks
WaKeeney Travel & Tourism
 
Afternoon session
Kansas Leadership Center
 
Afternoon snacks
Susan Marshall, Peabody
 
Conference breakout sessions:
R.J. Wilson, Shawnee
 
Support sponsors:
Grassland Gardens, Trish
Remley, Miltonvale
McPherson Convention &
Visitors Bureau, McPherson
Sherman County Convention &
Visitors Bureau, Goodland
Southern Kansas Telephone,
Clearwater
Bob & Jan Topping, Lawrence

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE BRINGING SILENT
AUCTION ITEMS!

Who should attend? The conference is designed for rural communities but if reading this e-blast excites you, you should sign up now. We love diverse attendees!
The conference emphasizes the sharing of relevant and practical information, networking, looking forward, and taking action. We provide a diverse format to make this happen.