The DSA 2025 Conference with the theme of "Empowering Our Future" will be held at the Marriott Downtown hotel in Kansas City, Missouri during August 15–21, 2025. Pre-conference tours will be held August 15–16 and the conference itself takes place August 17–21. Video link
Hotel Group Code Forthcoming
The hotel room rate will be $194 per night. Members will receive the hotel reservation group code via email, website, and social media platforms in late summer.
Early Bird Combo Ends Soon!
Be sure to take advantage of Early Bird Combo registration fee of $400 which expires on June 30, 2024. It includes DSA 2025-2027 membership dues, DSA 2025 conference registration fee, program book, exhibits, workshops, meetings, entertainment, opening/welcome reception, and farewell/gala luncheon. If you have questions about registration, please email Ann Cooper at dsa2025reg@deafseniors.us.
Pre-Conference Tours
The DSA 2025 Local Committee is excited to share that will have four pre-conference tours. We are currently working on pricing and tour schedules which will be announced in few months. The tours are:
The Museum of Deaf History, Arts and Culture (www.museumofdeaf.org) — The MDHAC was founded in 1988 when a group of Kansans recognized the need to designate a public location to share resources about Deaf people and their history. It opened in 2001 in Olathe, Kansas, across the street from the Kansas School for the Deaf as the first independently-run nonprofit museum about Deaf people that is not affiliated with any educational or government entity. MDHAC’s mission is to advance and preserve knowledge about Deaf people, their languages, cultures, and experiences in the U.S and around the world.
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum (www.trumanlibrary.gov) — Established in 1957 to preserve the official papers, books, and other historical materials relating to former U.S. President Harry S. Truman and to make them available to the public in a place suitable for exhibit and research. Consistently ranked among the top tourism destinations in the Kansas City region, no visit to America’s heartland is complete without a trip to this library and museum.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (www.nlbm.com) — The NLBM is dedicated to honoring the extensive legacy of African-American baseball and its influence on the social fabric of America. Founded in 1990, this nonprofit organization serves as a beacon of remembrance and celebration within the vibrant tapestry of Kansas City, Missouri's Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. The museum is located two blocks from the historic Paseo YMCA, where visionary Andrew 'Rube' Foster laid the foundation for the Negro National League in 1920.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial (www.theworldwar.org) — This museum has its roots in the Liberty Memorial Association formed right after World War I. Recognizing its significance, Congress designated it as the National WWI Museum and Memorial in 2004. This led to the construction of a large museum and research center, which opened to the public in 2006. Since then, it has welcomed over two million visitors. In 2008, Frank Buckles, the last surviving WWI veteran, visited the museum. Congress reaffirmed the museum’s status in 2014, further solidifying its significance as a national institution.
KC Fun Facts
Here are some interesting details about Kansas City:
Did you know? J.C. Hall, originally from Nebraska, made Kansas City the home of Hallmark Cards in 1910.
The McDonald’s Happy Meal, originated here in Kansas City. It all began when the inventor's son got an idea from his cereal box during breakfast.
Ever wondered why it's called Kansas City? Well, "Kansas" comes from the Kaw nation (Kanza people) who once lived in the area.
Connect on Facebook
Check our Facebook page “2025 DSA Conference – Kansas City Missouri” for updates (facebook.com/DSA2025KC) as well as the DSA website.
I hope you will consider registering for the DSA 2025 Early Bird Combo if you haven’t done so yet!
Lorrie Shank, Chair DSA 2025 Local Committee