Save the dates for the 5th Annual Kansas Arts Network Annual Conference (previously known as Kansas Arts Councils Symposium) in Wichita, Kansas. The conference brings together emerging and established arts administrators, organizations, and artists from around Kansas to facilitate professional development, partnership, and celebration of the arts in our communities. The 2025 event is presented in partnership with the City of Wichita’s Division of Arts and Cultural Services.

The conference planning is in full swing, and we would love to hear from you and have your support. Here are a few ways to get involved:   

• Become a member: Don’t forget to sign up for a Kansas Arts Network membership! Members are the first to know about state arts initiatives and advocacy opportunities. Members also get a 25% discount on conference registration.

• Register to attend: Conference registration is now open here!  Sign up for one, two, or all three days of the conference.

• Share with your network: As a network – we’re all about relationships and people. Help us grow our reach across the state by sharing this network with your network! Be sure to follow KAN on Facebook and share the conference:  Kansas Arts Network Annual Conference | Facebook.

• Become a sponsor: We’d love to have your support! Sponsors will receive logo recognition in promotional materials, tabling opportunities, and an opportunity to speak to conference attendees from across the state. Click here to find sponsor details and Click here to make a sponsor payment.

Venue Locations: The conference will take place in Downtown Wichita, KS. The opening night, keynote session will be held in Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center at 225 W. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202. The Thursday and Friday sessions will be held at CityArts (334 N. Mead, Wichita, KS 67202) in Old Town Square. There will also be a variety of field trips/excursions available. All trips will be in the general downtown area and are either within walking distance or within a 10 minute drive.

Hotel Information: The Hyatt Regency Hotel is our preferred venue for conference lodging. There is a block of rooms set for the event with a $141 nightly room rate (+taxes/fees). Attendees may book their reservations at any time and secure the guaranteed rate at the following link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/WICRW/G-KAN5

Alternatively, reservations may be made through our Hotel's Reservation Department by calling (316) 293-1234 and referring to Group or Event name (Kansas Arts Network). Just a reminder that the cut-off date for booking is July 3rd, 2025.

Program Schedule: The program schedule is still being confirmed. Session topics include but are not limited to: marketing for small organizations, fundraising for arts organizations, entrepreneurship and project management for individual artists, arts advocacy, grant writing, case studies for rural Kansas arts communities, teaching artists, and community engagement.

Keynote: Aubrey Bergauer is a visionary leader known for revolutionizing the classical music landscape through innovative, results-driven strategies. Her tenure as chief executive of the California Symphony was marked by a doubling of audience size and a near quadrupling of the donor base, showcasing her exceptional ability to drive financial success and organizational growth.

Described as “the Steve Jobs of classical music” by the Observer and “the Sheryl Sandberg of the symphony” by the LA Review of Books, Bergauer has championed a customer-centric, data-informed approach that has transformed performing arts organizations. Her leadership experience spans esteemed institutions such as the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival, the nation’s largest urban arts festival.

Through her programs offered under the "Changing the Narrative" initiative, Bergauer has worked with and served hundreds of arts organizations with budgets ranging from startups to $300 million, helping them build audiences, increase revenue, and elevate their impact.

Her groundbreaking work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Inc, Thrive Global, and Southwest Airlines, International Arts Manager, and Symphony magazines.

Her debut book, Run It Like a Business, published in 2024, delivers actionable strategies for arts leaders looking to grow their audiences, remain relevant, and improve financial outcomes without compromising artistic excellence. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and results, Bergauer empowers organizations of all sizes to achieve transformative success—ensuring the performing arts thrive in a modern world.

Thank you to our generous supporters for their help in making this conference possible!