REFUEL FOR THE ROAD AHEAD | Celebrating 90 Years of KMCA
September 9–11, 2026 | Manhattan, Kansas
Ninety years. One industry. One convention. The KMCA 2026 Annual Convention is September 9–11 in Manhattan, KS.
ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello is coming to Kansas—and he's bringing an unfiltered read on where freight is headed. At this year's convention, hear it firsthand: a data-driven freight market outlook, straight talk from KHP, the KCC, and FMCSA on the regulatory landscape, and a candid conversation with Kansas leadership at our townhall-style legislative breakfast. Add in peer roundtables on the topics keeping you up at night, a celebration of 90 years of KMCA, and an optional TREDS Train-the-Trainer Course—open to all attendees and free for KMCA members—and you've got the one event you can't afford to sit out. And these are just the highlights — for the most up-to-date information, visit kmca.org/convention.
What's on the agenda:
- Freight Market Outlook
- Trucking & the Public
- Regulatory Update
- Driver Health & Wellness
- AI in Trucking
- Legislative Breakfast
- Peer Roundtables
- 90th Anniversary Celebration
- TREDS Train-the-Trainer Course (free for KMCA members; open to all attendees)
What you'll leave with:
- A data-backed read on where freight rates and market conditions are headed in 2026 and beyond
- Firsthand updates from KHP, the Kansas Corporation Commission, and FMCSA on the regulatory issues affecting your operations
- Practical perspective on driver health, AI in trucking, and how the public sees your industry
- Peer-tested ideas and solutions from roundtable discussions with Kansas carriers facing the same challenges you are
- Stronger relationships with the suppliers, partners, and fellow operators who keep Kansas freight moving
- A shared sense of where this industry has been—and confidence in where it's going
Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan
410 S. 3rd Street
Manhattan, KS 66502
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan.
Reservation Deadline: August 7, 2026
Room Rate: $124 per night
To reserve, call 785-532-9116 and mention KMCA.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
Take advantage of Early Bird pricing before rates increase.
| Registration Type |
Member Rate |
Non-Member Rate |
| Early Bird Registration |
$300 |
$400 |
| Regular Registration |
$350 |
$450 |
Don't miss your chance to save—register early! Early bird available through July 14, 2026.
If you prefer to pay by check, please contact us at events@kmca.org for assistance.
PRE-CONVENTION EVENTS
Clay Shoot | September 9, 2026 | 1:00–3:30 p.m.
Ravenwood Lodge
10147 SW 61st Street
Topeka, KS 66610
Kick things off with a bang—literally! Whether you're a seasoned shooter or trying it for the first time, the 50-bird clay shoot is a great way to relax, have fun, and connect with fellow attendees in a laid-back setting. Lunch is included.
Goolsby's Networking Event | September 9, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Goolsby's
1212 Bluemont Avenue, Suite 130
Manhattan, KS 66502
We're shaking things up this year with a private event at Goolsby's in Manhattan. Enjoy state-of-the-art golf, football, and baseball simulators, duckpin bowling, and a unique self-pour beverage wall while connecting with fellow KMCA members and industry partners. It's the same great KMCA camaraderie in a fresh new setting you won't want to miss.
TREDS TRAIN-THE-TRAINER COURSE
September 11, 2026
10:00–11:30 a.m.
KMCA is pleased to offer the TREDS Train-the-Trainer Course directly following the convention. The course is available to convention attendees and members-only. Leave with training and resources that can be taken back and used immediately at home to train your own team!
The course may be added to your convention registration or attended as a stand-alone event by KMCA members who are not participating in the full convention. Space may be limited, so members are encouraged to register early.
KMCA offers a variety of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities designed to connect your organization directly with trucking leaders from across Kansas. Sponsorships provide valuable exposure while supporting the educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry initiatives that make the Annual Convention possible.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor? Please contact Liz Icenogle, Executive Director of KMCA, for sponsorship opportunities, exhibit information, and customized partnership options.
Email: liz.icenogle@kmca.org
Phone: (785) 267-1641
Sponsorship Package Information
NEED ASSISTANCE?
We're happy to help with registration, sponsorships, exhibits, or convention questions.
Email: events@kmca.org
Phone: (785) 267-1641
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations received on or before August 31, 2026 will receive a full refund less a $50 processing fee. Refunds after August 31 cannot be guaranteed due to hotel commitments and guarantee deadlines.
Stronger by Association. Ready for the Road Ahead.
