2025 General Membership Conference
Registration
Click on the blue Register button below to get started.
What are the main registration options? ▿
You have three basic types of registration.
- The full conference—all events, from Thursday’s reception up to and including the banquet
- Half-conference—all events after lunch on Friday, or
- Banquet-only—which includes only our awards banquet on Saturday evening.
We also have differing rates depending on whether you're an MWSA member or not.
Refer to the agenda for program dates and times.
Can't see any member rates? Having trouble logging in? ▿
First, scroll down and read the Notes & Instructions. If that doesn’t work and you can’t register,
Click here to go directly to the conference registration page of our membership website.
Banquet Menu Choices ▿
Notes
- You'll make your menu selection in the registration form.
- Be sure to mention any dietary restrictions or allergies.
- All meals include a salad of Wild Mushroom and Asparagus with Baby Romaine, Shaved Grana & Truffle Emulsion, artisan rolls, Classic Tiramisu with Mocha Caramel Sauce, and Starbucks® regular and decaffeinated coffee & Teavana® tea.
- Option 1 will add $14 to your conference fee.
- Options 2 and 3 are listed as "free," but these options are included in the basic cost of your selected registration type (i.e., no additional fee is charged)
Menu Options
Steak Au Poivre with Parmesan Dauphinoise Potato, Grilled Asparagus and Charred Pearl Onion, Cognac Cream. NOTE: This menu selection will add $14 (per registrant who selects this menu option) to your conference fee.
Herb Marinated Chicken Breast with Wild Mushroom-Parmesan Risotto, Broccolini and Tarragon Glazed Baby Carrots, Garlic Cream
Spinach Ravioli with Grilled Asparagus, Blistered Tomatoes, Creamy Mushroom Ragout
As usual, there will be a cash bar to purchase drinks before and during the banquet.
Registering for a full or half conference registration as a non-member? ▿
New for our 2025 conference, we will increase your registration fee by $25 and automatically add you to our membership roles as a 1-year member. That represents a 50% discount from our normal dues of $50. Does not apply for banquet-only registrations.
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Hotel
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Details
MWSA Discount Rate
$205 plus tax
There is a limited number of rooms available at this rate
After Sept 4, or after all discounted rooms have been taken, you’ll have to pay the normal hotel room rate
To register, click on this link:
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1741977351990&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlinkPhone: If you prefer to call;
Call the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center directly at 833-653-0459
Dates: September 25 (Thursday check in) through September 28 (Sunday check out)
Group Code: (Single Queen rooms at $205 plus tax
Please note the name of the hotel representative assisting you. If you encounter any issues, please contact events@mwsa.co and enter REGISTRATION in the subject line.
Important: The MWSA room block closes on September 4, 2025. Don’t delay—reserve your room today!
Overview
If you want to participate in a panel or would like to make a presentation, please let Rob Lofthouse know, using our Event Contact Form or email Rob directly at events@mwsa.co
Kansas City Attractions
click on a blue title below for details
What to do in Kansas City — Suggested Websites ▿
Top attractions
- National WW1 Museum
- 0.5 miles/13 minute walk from hotel
- Includes KC's most famous landmark, the Liberty Memorial
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- 3.1 miles/9 minute Uber/cab
- Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
- 7.9 miles/15 minute Uber/cab
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- 1.6 miles/6 minute Uber/cab, or 37 minute walk
Websites
Kansas City for authors ▿
If you're an author visiting Kansas City, you can immerse yourself in the literary scene by visiting bookstores like Rainy Day Books, browsing the large collection at Prospero's, attending writing workshops at The Writers Place, participating in critique groups at the Kansas City Writers Meetup, or checking out the literary events hosted by the Kansas Book Festival.
Key literary spots in Kansas City:
- Rainy Day Books: A prominent bookstore known for hosting frequent author events.
- Prospero's: A large bookstore with a unique selection and charming atmosphere.
- The Writers Place: A literary center offering writing workshops, readings, and writing groups.
- Kansas City Writers Meetup: A group where writers can participate in critique sessions and meet other authors
Other literary activities in Kansas City:
- Explore the Kansas Book Festival: Attend presentations, performances, and events aimed at different age groups.
- Visit the Linda Hall Library: Check out the rare book room with a vast collection of volumes
- Check out the local writing scene: Connect with other writers through writing groups and workshops
- Attend author readings at local venues: Many bookstores and community centers host author events
- Learn about Kansas City's literary history: Discover the city's literary landmarks and notable authors
- Article about Kansas City literary history
Notable Kansas City authors ▿
Some notable authors from Kansas City include:
- Gillian Flynn: Author of Gone Girl and a University of Kansas graduate
- Jim Butcher: Author of The Dresden Files series
- Adib Khorram: Popular YA author
- Jen Mann: Author of People I Want to Punch in the Throat
- Sarah Smarsh: New York Times bestselling author of Heartland and She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs
- Grace LaJoy Henderson: Author of 30 books who grew up in Kansas City's Squier Park neighborhood
From generative AI search
