Wichita Events Every Business Owner Should Leverage for Marketing
Why Events Are a Goldmine for Wichita Businesses
Wichita is more than a city — it’s a community. And one of the best ways to grow a business here is by showing up where the community already gathers: at local events.
From large-scale festivals like Taco Fest and Shop & Grub to business mixers and charity runs, Wichita events offer unique opportunities for local businesses to get in front of new customers, build relationships, and strengthen their brand.
In this blog, we’ll cover the Wichita events every business owner should leverage for marketing — plus practical strategies to turn those events into leads and long-term growth.
1. Festivals and Cultural Events
Wichita is home to some of the biggest community-driven festivals in Kansas. These aren’t just fun outings — they’re powerful platforms for businesses.
Popular examples:
Taco Fest (summer) – Thousands attend for food, drinks, and entertainment.
Shop & Grub (multiple times a year) – Local vendors, food trucks, and shopping under the skyline.
Riverfest (annual, early summer) – One of the largest community events in Wichita.
Marketing Opportunities:
Vendor booths with branded merchandise.
Sponsorship opportunities to get your logo seen by thousands.
Social media campaigns tied to event hashtags.
Behind-the-scenes or “day in the life” video content filmed at the event.
💡 Example: A Wichita landscaping company could sponsor a seating area at Taco Fest, with branded umbrellas or signage. Attendees take photos there, spreading brand awareness online.
2. Business Networking Events
Not all marketing is about reaching customers directly. Sometimes the best connections come from other business owners. Wichita has a growing entrepreneurial community with networking events hosted by organizations like:
The Wichita Chamber of Commerce
Commerce Club and The National
WSU Barton School of Business events
Industry-specific meetups
Marketing Opportunities:
Hand out business cards or flyers with QR codes.
Position yourself as a thought leader by speaking on panels.
Follow up with new contacts via LinkedIn or email within 24 hours.
3. Charity and Community Events
Wichita has a strong culture of giving back. Supporting causes not only builds goodwill but also positions your business as community-first.
Examples include:
Local 5K races and charity runs.
Fundraisers hosted by nonprofits.
Volunteer-driven community cleanups or school sponsorships.
Marketing Opportunities:
Sponsor a team or event stage.
Donate a percentage of sales to the cause and promote it.
Share photos and videos of your team volunteering.
This positions your brand as a partner in Wichita’s growth, not just another business.
4. Seasonal and Holiday Markets
During the holidays, Wichita comes alive with seasonal shopping events, artisan markets, and pop-ups. These events draw big crowds looking for local experiences.
Marketing Opportunities:
Pop-up booths selling products or handing out branded materials.
Holiday-themed giveaways or contests.
Collaborations with other local vendors to cross-promote.
Example: A Wichita contractor could hand out branded ornaments or small giveaways at a Christmas market to stay top of mind heading into the new year.
5. Educational and Professional Development Events
Workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements give you the chance to demonstrate expertise. Wichita has no shortage of opportunities through local universities, incubators, and entrepreneur groups.
Marketing Opportunities:
Host a free workshop on your area of expertise (e.g., “Marketing for Contractors” or “Video Content for Realtors”).
Record sessions and repurpose them into content for your website and social media.
Network with attendees who are highly motivated professionals.
6. Sports and Entertainment Events
From Wichita Wind Surge baseball games to Wichita State basketball, local sports events are community staples.
Marketing Opportunities:
Sponsorships (scoreboard ads, banners, or sponsored giveaways).
Branded merchandise handed out at games.
Hosting fan contests or tailgates to create brand buzz.
These events align your brand with community pride and excitement.
7. How to Maximize Your Event Marketing ROI
It’s not just about showing up — it’s about showing up smart.
Quick strategies to maximize results:
Collect Leads: Use QR codes linked to sign-up forms or raffles.
Engage on Social Media: Post content during the event using official hashtags.
Bring Value: Hand out something useful (water bottles, tote bags, fans) with your branding.
Follow Up: Reach out to new contacts quickly to stay top of mind.
Case Study: Wichita Business at Shop & Grub
One Wichita small business owner set up a booth at Shop & Grub with a simple game: spin the wheel for a chance to win free merch. To enter, attendees had to provide their email address.
They collected over 300 leads in a single evening — and converted dozens into paying customers through follow-up campaigns.
Conclusion: Events Are Your Shortcut to Visibility
Wichita businesses that leverage events aren’t just advertising — they’re building relationships, creating memories, and embedding themselves in the community. Whether it’s a massive festival, a charity run, or a business mixer, showing up consistently builds trust and awareness.
👉 At Manage to Create, we help Wichita businesses maximize event opportunities with content creation, ad campaigns, and strategy. Whether you need videos, graphics, or lead capture systems, we’ll make sure your event marketing pays off.
