Countdown to #Eval25 in Kansas City: Fun Facts and Things to Do in the Great KC by Elizabeth DiLuzio

Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Hello, fellow evaluator. I’m Elizabeth DiLuzio, Lead Curator of AEA365, checking in from beautiful Kansas City, Missouri! I’m excited to connect with those of you who will be headed here to attend the upcoming American Evaluation Association conference, kicking off tomorrow. With evaluators gathering from far and wide, I wanted to share a few key town facts and local must-dos to make your stay memorable beyond the sessions!

Why Kansas City is worth your downtime

• KC boasts over 220 parks, 134 miles of trails, and more than 100 playgrounds.
• It’s nicknamed the “City of Fountains” and is the only city in the U.S. with as many as Rome.
• Kansas City is a true barbecue destination, with more BBQ restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.
• Founded as the “Town of Kansas” in 1850, before the territory of Kansas even existed.

Must-see/must-do when you’re off the clock

• Dinner at a BBQ institution: Try burnt ends or brisket at a local icon. Getting your hands a little smoky is worth it.
• Stroll the Country Club Plaza or along the KC Streetcar line: You’ll see fountains, public art, and a lively downtown energy.
• Check out the 18th & Vine Jazz District: KC’s jazz heritage runs deep. A late-night jam sessions or a historic venue stop can enrich your trip.
• Visit a local brewpub or cocktail bar: KC’s become a hub for craft drinks and convivial spaces, making it great for networking or relaxing post-sessions.
• Get outdoors: If the weather cooperates, pick a trail or park near your hotel to reset between talks.

One of the things I love about conferences is how even the “off-hours” shape our thinking. Whether you’re talking strategy in a brewpub, reflecting over a brisket lunch, or observing how city systems (parks, transit, public art) interconnect, these experiences feed how we frame, design, and evaluate initiatives. Kansas City’s mix of culture, infrastructure, and energy is the kind of real-world ecosystem that reminds us: evaluation isn’t separate from the lived place. It’s embedded in it.

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you in sessions, in the hallway, and maybe sharing barbecue or fountain reflections. If you spot me, come say hi. I always appreciate hearing how your work, contexts, or questions intersect with where you’re heading.

Here’s to productive conversations and memorable local moments!

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