CREATING THE CHOIR
Thurs., April 2, 9:30am - 4:30pm
(Registration 8:45-9:28 a.m.)
Meridian Center, Newton
Optional pre-conference Wednesday, April 1, 2-6 p.m.
Register here
Registration Fee: $90
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What would it look like if rural Kansas communities focused less on proving their value and more on living it out loud? This year’s conference centers on the theme Creating the Choir, a theme that popped up in interviews with 175 Kansans ages 21-39 who were rural by choice and resulted in the Kansas PowerUp & Go report*.
Rather than spending energy trying to persuade people that rural life matters, this conference focuses on building communities so strong, connected, and vibrant that people naturally want to sing their praises. Creating the Choir is about sharing why people choose rural life, building meaningful spaces for connection and leadership among the people who show up, expanding ways for young people to feel rooted in their communities, and finding the love by creating places and experiences worth caring about. There is a limit of 165 spots and the registration is $90.
*Report researched and written by the KSF for the Office of Rural Prosperity
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Pre-conference session!
Saying 'Yes!' to Rural
Wednesday, April 1, 2 - 6 pm
(Registration 1:45-1:58 p.m.)
Registration: $35
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What makes someone say yes (or yes, again) to a place? The 2026 We Kan! Conference pre-conference session is a chance to hear fresh perspectives, notice patterns, and better understand how the next generation experiences rural Kansas as they decide what comes next. The focus isn’t on programs or prescriptions, but on perspective--how communities are felt, how opportunity is perceived, and how small interactions shape big choices. Expect honest stories, practical insight, and a clearer picture of what helps rural places feel like somewhere people want to be, not just somewhere they’re from.
There is a limit of 40 spaces and the registration is $35. Group dinner will be organized but the cost is not included in the fee.
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- People who want to make Kansas a better place to live
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Kansans who are committed to implementing new ideas and getting stuff done. Community do'ers!
- Champions of community-building projects who could use some support--and who can give support to others.
- Local government, tourism, artists, farmers, entrepreneurs, economic development, healthcare, elder care, childcare, educators, librarians, community foundations, rural telecoms, housing, elected officials, etc. Anyone who cares about the business of rural living.
- Advocates from state agencies and organizations
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| $90 is the registration fee for April 2. Sign up soon! There is a limit of 165 spaces. It covers continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and beverages, plus conference materials. It is an additional cost ($35) to attend the optional April 1 pre-conference. Limit of 35 people for this pre-conference session. | | The Holiday Inn Express in Newton has reserved a block of rooms for the conference at a discounted rate of $139 plus taxes. Please call 316.804.7040 before March 1 to make reservations and let them know you are attending the Kansas Sampler Foundation conference. Or book online! Here is a link to all Newton lodging. | | |
We have many ways for you or your organization to help with this event. Sponsorships help keep costs down for participants and help level up KSF's work to support rural Kansas. Sponsorship levels range from $25 to $2,500. Every dollar makes an impact. Indicate sponsorship level on the registration form. You don't have to attend to be a sponsor.
NOTE: Those who sponsor at the $2,500 level receive four comp registrations
and sponsors at $1,000 receive two.
To learn more about sponsorships or with questions, please contact
simone.elder@kansassampler.org or karly.frederick@kansassampler.org
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Support rural Kansas with a silent auction donation: In 2026, the We Kan! Conference silent auction will feature experiences in Kansas. We welcome your donations of all-access, behind-the-scenes activities that visitors or residents alike can enjoy. Be creative and curious in sharing what makes Kansas unique. In giving an experience, communities have the opportunity to practice curiosity and seeing our communities with new eyes. Visitors and new residents have the opportunity to practice being curious about a new place. Donations to the auction help offset conference costs and support the work of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Let us know when you register what experience you are bringing along for a more organized silent auction process.
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The Kansas Sampler Foundation, a 501(c) non-profit organization based near Inman, develops programs and opportunities to support rural Kansas. Our mission is to preserve and sustain rural culture and we do it through the unrelenting support of those who work hard to improve where they live. Click here to learn more about what we do.
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