2020 We Kan! Conference
Rural is an opportunity: Inventional outcomes
Wednesday, March 18, Meridian Center , Newton
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $75
Option: Tuesday, March 17, 2-7 p.m. $30
Share this e-blast: conta.cc/2OrMsxb
What if we focused on the opportunity of living in a rural community rather than the doomsday reports and all the things that needed fixing? Inventional outcomes" refers to how we can "invent a new method or process" to address a rural issue. What would it hurt if we tried to push the boundaries of normal operating procedures? What would hurt if we looked at things that are working and built on those solid blocks? Let's play with this and see what it unlocks.
Here's what the conference is all about
The We Kan! Conference will consist of breakout sessions, interactive opportunities, and group presenters. It will be an energetic and positive event designed to promote forward-thinking and action for Kansas communities. Dozens of topics that impact rural communities will be presented from those who have had success. The added-value component will be discussion about how to look at possible solutions from an "inventive", or creative point of view. Next week we'll send out an e-blast with the topics were chasing down.

Who are the presenters? The presenters will be those among you who have found solutions, great ideas, or pathways that work.

Who should attend? Community leaders, dynamic doers, economic or community development directors, tourism people, entrepreneurs, and volunteer-led chambers of commerce, state agency staff and rural advocates. Small communities, this is especially designed for you!
CONFERENCE BONUS: Tues., March 17, 2-7 p.m. $30
Intergenerational Child Care and a Close Up View of Prairy Market
2-3:30 p.m. Learn about Hesston Community Child Care and how they provide intergenerational experiences with the residents of Schowalter Villa.

3:30-4:15 p.m. Opportunity to check in at lodging site.

4:30-6:30 p.m. Tour, discussion, and evening meal at Prairy Market, 601 N. Main, Newton. Prairy Market is is a full line natural foods market, featuring local seasonal and organic produce, and locally sourced specialty meats including beef, bison, lamb, free-range chicken. They also offer prepared items and make a line of food products for wholesale, as well. What are the pro's and con's of working with local producers and serving prepared foods. We'll also talk about their branding, marketing techniques, and online shopping cart. Our evening meal? Chicken pot pie or beef lasagna, salad, and a slice of the local Salted Creamery ice cream pie!
LODGING OPTIONS
CONFERENCE MOTEL
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newton (adjoins the Meridian Center)
Block rate is $94 for a single king room and $104 for double queen rooms.
Cut off date is February 24. Ask for Kansas Sampler Foundation group rate.

For additional lodging in Newton, click here.
Support the We Kan! Conference with a sponsorship or silent auction item.
To keep the registration price at an affordable rate and to support our ongoing work, we are grateful for sponsorships ($2,000, $500, 250, $150, $50, and $25). Another way to support is by donating a silent auction item. Supporters, here are your benefits:

  • Ad Astra underwriter, $2,000: If you're interested, we would be very much want to visit with you about this.

  • Meadowlark underwriter, $500: If you're interested, we would be very much want to visit with you about this.

  • Conference packet underwriter, $250: (1 available). Benefit: 90-second commercial to all, your brochure in conference packet, listed in program, hot link on conference e-blasts.

  • Full-session sponsors, $150 (4 available). Benefit: 60-second commercial to all, session signage, listed in conference program, hot link on conference e-blasts.

  • Breakout session sponsors, $50 (12 available). Benefit: 45-second commercial at your designated breakout session, session signage, listed in conference program, hot link on conference e-blasts.

  • Support sponsors, $25. Benefit: Hot link in multiple conference e-blasts.

Sign up for sponsorship and silent auction donation on the registration form.

You need not attend to be a sponsor or be an auction-item provider but please fill out the name section of the registration form and choose your sponsorship -- or email marci@kansassampler.org.
What does We Kan! mean?
  • The "We" refers to the fact that it takes all of us acting as a team, a giant network, to help move rural communities forward.

  • The "Kan" obviously is the first three letters of Kansas but, moreso, it refers to the fact that we need to be optimistic about this hard but rewarding work.

  • The "!" is important because it takes enthusiasm to keep up the pace.