Topeka Eyes Convention Growth at State of Community

Greater Topeka Partnership gathered local officials and leaders to discuss housing, infrastructure and downtown venue plans.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Civic

Photograph of a low mid-century civic building with a glass front and sheltered entrance on a flat plains street under clear autumn light. — Greater Topeka Partnership hosted Shawnee County and Topeka leaders on Nov. 3 to discuss housing, infrastructure, and plans to draw larger conventions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Greater Topeka Partnership hosted a Shawnee County and Topeka state of the community event on Nov. 3 at Townsite Towers. Local elected officials and community leaders attended, and Topeka Mayor Spencer Duncan spoke.

Why it matters

City officials aim to attract conventions at a larger scale than current levels, and the discussion covered several projects tied to that goal. The outcome could shape local investment in housing, infrastructure and event facilities for Topeka residents.

The Maner Conference Center has an architectural firm hired to produce drawings of potential uses. The hotel renovation is underway, but the report gives no cost, completion date or room count.

The players

Greater Topeka Partnership

The regional economic development organization that organized the state of the community event and brought local leaders together to discuss the city's future.

Spencer Duncan

The mayor of Topeka, Kansas, who spoke at the event about the city's plans and what it has in store for the future.

The details

Greater Topeka Partnership staff brought local elected officials and community leaders together for the event. Attendees discussed housing, infrastructure, the success of the Stormont Vail Events Center and plans for Gage Park.

Nov. 3, 2026: Greater Topeka Partnership hosts the Shawnee County and Topeka state of the community event at Townsite Towers.

Roadmap

Topeka's convention push builds on the Stormont Vail Events Center, which attendees cited as a success. The hotel renovation and Maner Conference Center plans extend that model to attract larger conventions to the city.

Topeka residents may see changes tied to the hotel renovation and conference center plans, including potential event activity downtown. Attendees also discussed housing and infrastructure, which affect daily life in the city.

The takeaway

City leaders see the hotel renovation and conference center plans as steps toward bringing larger conventions to Topeka, a goal that depends on the venues and partnerships discussed at the event.