Conference-Wide Event
Monday July 14, 2008
Kansas City Union Station
You don’t need to know a secret knock for this speakeasy because your NACo Name Badge gets you in, and you'll always get first-class service. At the NACo Conference-Wide Event, you’ll be treated to top-notch entertainment and great barbecue at Kansas City’s Union Station.
This 1914 Landmark Building was recently restored to its original magnificence thanks to an unprecedented bi-state initiative. Gangster buffs may recall that this was the scene of the 1933 “Union Station Massacre.” Some historians consider this to be the pivotal event in J. Edgar Hoover changing what was previously a rather inconsequential federal agency into the FBI. In fact, small pits on the outside of the building are rumored to be remnants of the bullets from that fateful shoot-out.
But that’s just the scene. Local entertainers, including David Basse and the City Light Orchestra, and lots of surprises are waiting for you when you walk through the door. Union Station is home to a permanent rail exhibit, Science City (an interactive children’s museum), the Extreme Screen theatre and a live stage (which will be featuring the McFadden Brothers). You’ll be free to wander at your leisure and you might want to wear your dancing shoes…because we’ve got something for everybody.
As for food, you’ll be dining on some of the best barbecue in town—Fiorello’s Jack Stack will be serving up pork spare ribs, brisket of beef, turkey breast, famous cheesy corn bake and more. There will be plenty of buffets set up so you don’t have to line up and it will be served in air-conditioned comfort.
Union Station is an easy walk from two of the Conference hotels and only a mile and a half from the Convention Center. You don’t need spats, a top hat or a string of pearls to attend this bash…but you gotta be there ’cause you’re the main event!