GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is inviting businesses from across Barton County to reserve booth space for the 11th Annual Business Showcase, presented by Credit Union of America, on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Panther Activity Center (PAC) in Great Bend.
The annual Business Showcase is one of the Chamber’s premier networking events, providing local businesses with a unique opportunity to connect directly with educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, and school support staff from across Barton County as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
This year’s event is expanding beyond USD 428 to include educators and staff from every public school district in Barton County, Barton Community College, private schools, and homeschool organizations. Businesses will have the opportunity to introduce their products, services, programs, and special offers to an expected audience of nearly 1,000 education professionals.
The event will welcome attendees from:
USD 428 – Great Bend Public Schools
USD 431 – Hoisington
USD 355 – Ellinwood
USD 112 – Central Plains (Claflin and Wilson)
Barton Community College
Holy Family School
St. Joseph Catholic School
Central Kansas Christian Academy
Golden Belt Home Educators
Great Bend Seventh-day Adventist School
“This showcase continues to grow each year because it creates meaningful connections between our business community and the educators who serve Barton County,” said Megan Barfield, President & CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. “By expanding invitations to schools across the county, we’re also expanding the opportunities for businesses to reach an even larger audience. We encourage businesses of all sizes to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Businesses can choose from three booth options:
Premier Booth – $300 (Limited to only 10 available) SOLD OUT
Great Bend Chamber Member Booth – $100
Non-Member Booth – $150
Businesses that are members of the Hoisington or Ellinwood Chambers of Commerce qualify for Great Bend Chamber member pricing by registering as a non-member and applying the discount code provided by their local chamber.
Whether your business offers products, professional services, educational resources, healthcare, financial services, retail, restaurants, or community programs, the Business Showcase provides an excellent platform to connect with one of the region’s largest gatherings of educators and school staff.
Booth space is limited and sells out each year. Businesses are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.
For additional information or to reserve booth space, visit greatbend.org or contact the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce at (620) 792-2401, [email protected].
TEACHERS – PARAS – SUPPORT STAFF – ADMINISTRATION
YOU’RE INVITED!
Barton County Educators & Staff — Come Celebrate at the 11th Annual Business Showcase!
Presented by Credit Union of America, this exclusive, educators-only event is back and BIGGER than ever to kick off the 2026–27 school year with appreciation, fun, and resources just for YOU!
Thursday, August 13th
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Panther Activity Center (PAC), 2450 19th Street, GBK
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
All educators, paraprofessionals, administrative staff, and support personnel from:
USD 428 (Great Bend)
USD 431 (Hoisington)
USD 355 (Ellinwood)
USD 112 (Claflin & Wilson)
Barton Community College
Holy Family School
St. Joseph Catholic School
Central Kansas Christian Academy
Golden Belt Home Educators
Great Bend Seventh Day Adventist School
WHY YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS:
HUGE Prizes & Giveaways — Our 11th anniversary means our best prize lineup yet! From gift cards to classroom tools, local goodies, and big-ticket items — this is our most generous giveaway ever.
Premier Booth Passport Game — Visit select booths and be entered to win GRAND PRIZES. These booths are must-see!
Resources Galore — Discover local programs, services, and businesses offering special tools and discounts for educators and students in Barton County.
Shop Local — Some vendors may have items available for purchase — perfect for your classroom or personal use!
Make Connections — Learn what’s available in our community to support your teaching, your school, and YOU.
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM – Doors open for USD 428 staff
9:45 AM – All other Barton County school staff & homeschool educators welcome
Plan for at least 30–60 minutes to explore!
This is a private event just for you — our amazing Barton County educators and staff. It’s our way of saying THANK YOU for all you do.
Grab your co-workers, bring your tote bags, and come ready to have fun, feel appreciated, and walk away with resources, connections, and maybe even a few surprises.
We can’t wait to see you there! Learn more at greatbend.org!
