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2025 General Membership Conference


  • The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road Kansas City, MO, 64108 United States (map)

Under Construction

All information is subject to change.

Registration

Click on the blue Register button below to get started.
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Click here to go directly to the conference registration page of our membership website.

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Registering 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.


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Hotel

The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

Details

  • 1 East Pershing Road
    Kansas City, MO, 64108

  • Phone: (816) 474-4400

  • Website

  • Map

  • No airport shuttle

MWSA Discount Rate

  • $205 plus tax

  • https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1741977351990&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlink

  • Phone: If you prefer to call;

    • Call the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center directly at 833-653-0459

    • Group Name: Military Writers Society of America

    • 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

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

 

Agenda

Volunteer Form

Earlier Event: August 17
Plot and Story Arc – Jim Tritten