Kansas City, often called the “City of Fountains” (The city has more than 200 fountains, which is often said to be second only to Rome in the number of fountains in a city) is a place I’ve passed through before, but this spring it becomes the gathering point for thousands of health and physical education professionals. That’s why I’m excited to head there soon for the 2026 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo. Running from March 17–21, it’s the nation’s premier event for health and physical education educators. Now that the conference schedule has been released, social media is already buzzing with attendees looking for tips on how to make the most of their time at this incredible event. This will be my seventh national convention, which probably qualifies me as a bit of a veteran presenter—and gives me just enough credibility to offer this annual blog post. Here are a few strategies that have helped me get the most out of the experience. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as a seasoned conference-goer, I hope there’s something here for everyone.
Plan Ahead
Conference preparation really began the moment the last attendee left #SHAPEBaltimore. With an entire year to reflect, plan, and organize an event of this scale, it’s no surprise that the schedule for the upcoming convention in Kansas City is once again packed with incredible presenters and exhibitors. And yes—session conflicts are inevitable. Even a quick glance at this year’s program for the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo reveals multiple time slots where several sessions look equally compelling.
Take some time to review the conference schedule (and keep an eye out for the conference app) so you can prioritize the sessions, workshops, and events that matter most to you. The Teacher of the Year sessions always provide a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best educators in our profession, and the keynotes remain a highlight—bringing everyone together for a shared moment of inspiration. You can search the schedule by presenter name if there’s someone you’re eager to see, or use keywords like “meaningful,” “assessment,” or “skills-based” to find sessions aligned with your interests.
Map out your days in advance—but remember to schedule breaks and a little self-care too. Trust me, you’ll need them.
Network
Conferences are the perfect opportunity to meet new people and connect with colleagues. I still remember my first national convention—spotting educators I recognized from social media but feeling too intimidated to introduce myself. DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE. Take the initiative: introduce yourself, strike up conversations, and exchange contact info—social media handles, email addresses, or business cards. These connections can grow into lasting professional relationships and expand your learning network. At #SHAPEKC, there will be Coffee Talks and similar sessions—perfect for meeting like-minded educators in a relaxed setting.
Some of the best networking happens organically—spontaneous meetups, hallway conversations, or social gatherings when you’re close to the action. For me, that means staying at the Loews Kansas City Hotel, one of the convention HQ’s. Impromptu connections can happen anywhere: standing in line for coffee, waiting for an elevator, sharing a ride, or even at an evening social event—like that memorable late-night Paddlezlam session! If you were there, then you know what I’m talking about.
Be Prepared
Bring a notebook or use a note-taking app to record important information from the sessions you attend. I recently replaced my Moleskine notebook with a notebook that I designed myself(!). Taking notes will help you remember key points and takeaways, and can serve as a valuable reference after the conference. I’ve also seen attendees create shared google docs and crowd-source their notes. This divide-and-conquer method is awesome but needs someone to volunteer to set it up. Could that person be you?
I love seeing my notebook being used at conferences. The dotted pages are great for sketching #PhysEd activity layouts, the check-in emojis are fun, and there’s a unique quote on each lined page.
After years of traveling the country presenting at conferences, dragging dongles and devices around with me, I’ve managed to streamline my tech pack. I love my iPad but always travel with my Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet because I can download movies, load up my kindle with the latest Book of the Month, and this device is more rugged than my Apple devices. My dongles and charging cables all travel with me in this portable electronics travel case. Heaven forbid my devices should run out of power, I travel with this Veger portable charger.
Have Fun
When I’m at a conference, I’M AT A CONFERENCE, and can be guilty of not getting away from the event. However, conferences are not just about learning and networking – they can, and should be a lot of fun. Attend social events starting with the St. Patrick’s Day festivities following the Opening Session featuring open-mic karaoke, interactive lawn games, and a photo booth sponsored by Ask, Listen, Learn: A Program of Responsibility.org.
Kansas City has a vibrant live music and jazz scene, and there are several excellent venues within walking distance or a short short ride/streetcar trip from the Kansas City Convention Center location. Top of my list of places to visit include Green Lady Lounge for live music, Messenger Coffee (perhaps looking for some coffee-themed giveaways for my Meaningful PE Coffee Talk), and Sister Anne’s Records & Coffee, Josey Records, and BlacKCat Vinyl to satisfy my new passion for collecting vinyl records.
Where to Eat
Kansas City’s food scene is a delicious blend of tradition and creativity. Of course, you can’t visit without sampling the city’s famous barbecue, but there’s much more to explore, locally inspired fine dining, global flavors, cozy coffee shops, and innovative farm-to-table experiences. No matter your taste, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy every craving.
Transportation
Getting around Kansas City is simple and convenient. The KC Streetcar offers a free and easy way to explore the downtown corridor, while taxis, rideshares, and rental options make it easy to get anywhere you need to go. If you’re driving, you’ll find plenty of parking near major attractions and hotels.
Things to Do
There’s something for everyone in Kansas City. Dive into the city’s jazz roots at the American Jazz Museum, stroll through the Crossroads Arts District, visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, or catch a live show at one of the city’s many local venues. Whether you’re into art, music, history, or just exploring new neighborhoods, KC has plenty to keep you inspired.
Things to Do in Downtown Kansas City
Self Care
You’ve waited this long to finally attend such an awesome event so remember, taking care of yourself is an essential part of attending a conference. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll be better equipped to learn, grow, and enjoy the experience.
Get enough sleep: Try to get a good night’s sleep each night and take breaks during the day to rest and recharge. If possible, try to maintain your regular sleep schedule to avoid feeling jet-lagged or exhausted. I’ll probably pack this sleep mask, and will lean on the soundscapes on the Calm app to help me fall asleep.
Stay hydrated: I’m guilty of NOT following this advice. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent fatigue. Bring a refillable water bottle with you to the conference and refill it frequently. I also plan on packing hydration and vitamin tablets to help me with the candle-burning-at-both-ends.
Eat well: Another piece of advice that I should heed! Do some research in advance to find local food venues a few blocks away from the conference venue. Make an effort to eat the foods that give you sustained energy throughout the day, although I have to admit that I do like to treat myself to a local burger and a brew whenever visiting a new town.
Take breaks: I’ll work hard and play hard while I’m attending a conference, but I also rest hard too. Naps are my superpower and I’m happy that I’ll be staying at the hotel that is also the conference HQ. Staying ‘on-site’ means that not only am I an elevator ride away from sessions, keynotes, and networking events, but I’m also a short walk back to my room to rest and recharge. Give yourself permission to take breaks and step away from the conference activities when you need to.
If you are reading this blog post in advance of visiting #SHAPEKCe please make sure that you vote in the Board of Directors election, details have been sent to members. Each of the candidates are passionate about driving our profession forwards and are ready to serve!
What tips have I missed? Feel free to drop comments below or share them on social media using the hashtag #SHAPEKC.
You can also download your attendee and presenter promotional images here.
#slowchathealth 