2026 Convention in Kansas

Christmas in Kansas

The 2026 NAWW Convention, “Christmas in Kansas” is less than three months away! Hosted by the Central District of the National Association of Wheat Weavers the convention is in Wichita, Kansas.

We are returning to the historic Drury Plaza Hotel, which is nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River in the heart of Wichita. Constructed in 1921, the original Broadview Hotel was a premier destination in the Midwest, hosting famous guests including Franklin D. Roosevelt. The recent renovation preserved original architecture and design, including a mosaic mural by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin. The hotel is LEED® Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council for energy efficiency. And truly a lovely place to stay for our Christmas in Kansas.

Please scroll to bottom of the page to see the IMPORTANT DATES.

Registration Packet is now available.

Class Descriptions

Class/Convention Registration Forms

Scholarship Opportunity Form

The Registration Packet contains full descriptions of convention policies; activities, including classes and tours; necessary forms and due dates; and appropriate NAWW members to contact with questions.

To register for the convention and participate in classes, you must be a member of the National Association of Wheat Weavers. If you are not currently a member, please download the NAWW Membership form to fill out and mail in or use the Online Registration.If using the Membership form, send it and payment to Angela Harlan, Treasurer, 25415 W 87th St. S., Viola, KS 67149-9000.

Registration Deadline is March 31, 2026 (registration must be postmarked by March 31) to be considered for class lotteries and to order a hard copy of the Convention Workbook. Late registration fee applies for registrations postmarked after that date.

Scholarship Opportunity: For NAWW members who are first-time attendees to an NAWW convention, scholarships are available. If you are interested, complete the Scholarship Request Form (the last page in the Registration Packet) and send to Dianne Ruff (address is on the form). The completed form must be received by March 20, 2026 to ensure a response of whether you will be awarded a scholarship in time for the March 31, 2026 convention registration deadline.

If you are not attending convention and wish to order a workbook, you must submit the registration form and prepay to receive a hard copy of the workbook. After the March 31 deadline, the workbook will be available in digital format only. Convention attendees receive one copy of the workbook with their registration. Attendees can order extra hard copies using the Registration Form.

Hotel Reservations can be made now. Details are on page 4 of the registration packet. Deadline for hotel reservations is March 20, 2026. Reservations after that date will be accepted based upon space and rate availability.

Class Schedule and Descriptions

The convention offers 10 one-session classes and one double-session class at a variety of skill levels.Five of those classes will also be streamed on Zoom.

Each class participant is responsible for bringing the basic wheat weaving kit to classes. In addition, some instructors are offering kits of supplies. It is required that class participants purchase the kits offered for all classes they have enrolled in.

Wheat and Oats. Several of the projects offered during the 2026 Convention require a substantial bit of wheat and oats.  Through donations from Gladys Brockway, Rita Peterman, Dianne Gardner, and Mary Thrower; we will have wheat and oats available for any member who requests it.  In exchange, we are requesting a donation to the Humanitarian Scholarship. Contact Mary Thrower at mthrower50@gmail.com. More information in the Registration Packet on page 12.

Class Schedule and Descriptions

Convention Highlights

Join in the Festivities Day – Wednesday, April 22

We are kicking it off on Wednesday with a River Walk tour hosted by Angi Harlan! Watch out for the troll! Followed by three Techniques Classes taught by Doris Johnson. And concluding with Explore the Art of Wheat at Wichita’s CityArts venue. What a day!!

But wait! There’s more!

Check out the listings on pages 6 and 7 of the registration packet for more things to do in Wichita.

  • Our convention location is in the heart of the Museum District with the Wichita Art Museum and more.
  • If you love historic homes, check out Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House. If you want to take a tour, make sure you book early. The tours fill up quickly.
  • For those who consider themself connoisseurs (or even if you do not), Wichita is home to 10 breweries, a taproom and three wineries – all of which make for the perfect tasting experience. Go to Visit Wichita for links and more information.
  • If it is food and coffee or tea you crave, check out the section on the Wichita Gastronome Tour. Nifty Nut House, Reverie Roasters, and The Spice Merchant are just a few of the places that can make your day better.
  • I ran out of room for eateries in the Registration Packet, so if you want pizza, I recommend checking out Picasso’s Pizzeria. Serving New York style thin crust pizza–One taste and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. Yum Yum. <SMILE>
  • And don’t forget to visit “Doc”, a restored WWII B29 Superfortress . . . if you have time.
  • So many things to do. So little time. See the Wichita Visitors Guide in your goodie bag.

Important Dates

Friday, March 20, 2026
Scholarship Opportunity form must reach Dianne Ruff
Cutoff Date on Hotel Reservations for convention rate

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Deadline to submit registration forms with Regular Registration Fee

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Late Registration fee takes effect.

Wednesday through Saturday, April 22-25, 2026
Join us in Wichita, Kansas for a Merry Maybe-Not-So-Little “Christmas in Kansas”

Contacts

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Thrower at mthrower50@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you in April!