Overland Park, Kansas offers one of the Midwest’s most active real estate investment communities, with regular networking opportunities and educational events that can accelerate your property investment journey. Whether you’re exploring local market dynamics or seeking to diversify your portfolio beyond the Kansas City metro area, these events provide valuable insights and connections. For investors looking to complement their local knowledge with accessible, professionally managed rental property investments elsewhere, platforms like Ark7 make real estate investing super convenient—allowing you to buy shares in high-yield rental properties nationwide starting from just $20.00 per share.
New to passive real estate investing?
Explore Ark7 Opportunities1. MAREI Monthly Real Estate Investor Meetings
The Mid-America Association of Real Estate Investors (MAREI) hosts the region’s most consistent investor gathering on the second Tuesday of every month at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kansas City – Overland Park.
Event Details:
- Schedule: 2nd Tuesday monthly, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10100 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66210
- Cost: Free for members and first-time guests (one-time use); $35 for returning non-members
- Format: Vendor expo (6:00-7:00 PM) followed by main program (7:00-9:00 PM)
What Makes It Valuable:
MAREI attracts 50-150 investors per meeting, creating an ideal environment for beginners to learn from experienced professionals. Each month features different educational themes, with confirmed 2025 topics including “How to Get Banks to Beg You to Borrow Money” (October) and “When Real Estate Deals Go Wrong – and How to Recover” (November).
For Fractional Investors:
While MAREI focuses on traditional real estate investing, attendees often discuss portfolio diversification strategies. The knowledge gained about local market analysis and investment fundamentals complements fractional investing through Ark7’s mobile app, which allows you to apply these principles to properties in other markets without the management responsibilities.
2. MAREI Annual Vendor Trade Show & Networking Event 2025
This expanded version of MAREI’s monthly meeting transforms into the region’s largest concentrated networking opportunity for real estate professionals.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton (Sedona Ballroom), Overland Park
- Expected Attendance: 250+ real estate professionals
- Cost: FREE to attend
What Makes It Valuable:
The Trade Show features 40+ exhibitors including lenders, contractors, property managers, and investment service providers. This creates a one-stop opportunity to establish relationships with key service providers you might need for local investments.
Networking Strategy:
Focus on connecting with property management companies and local market analysts who can provide insights about Overland Park’s rental market dynamics. This information can help you decide whether to invest locally or diversify into other markets through platforms like Ark7, which offers professionally managed properties in 10+ markets nationwide.
3. Recharge Conference & Expo 2025
Hosted by the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® (KCRAR), this professional development event serves licensed agents and brokers but offers valuable market insights for serious investors.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Location: Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Boulevard
- Cost: $25-$35 (based on past event pricing)
- Format: Multiple expert speakers, breakout sessions, and 40+ exhibitors
Confirmed Speakers:
- Natalie Davis (Colorado REALTOR®, Business Coach)
- James Dwiggins (Co-CEO, NextHome, Inc.)
- Katie Lance (Social Media Expert)
Investment Relevance:
While primarily designed for licensed professionals, the market trend discussions and economic forecasts provide valuable context for investment decisions. Understanding agent perspectives on market conditions can help you identify emerging opportunities or potential market corrections.
Complementary Strategy:
The market intelligence gained can inform both local investment decisions and decisions about which markets to target through fractional investing. Ark7’s transparent platform provides similar market analysis for its curated properties, allowing you to compare local insights with national opportunities.
4. Kansas Housing Conference 2025
This specialized three-day conference targets housing professionals and affordable housing developers, offering deep dives into policy, financing, and community development.
Event Details:
- Date: October 27-29, 2025
- Location: Overland Park Convention Center
- Organizer: Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
- Target Audience: Housing professionals, non-profit organizations, government agencies
Key Features:
- LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) updates
- HOME-ARP program details
- Multifamily compliance training
- “Show Off Your Service” competition ($2,000 award)
Investment Perspective:
While not directly focused on individual investor opportunities, the conference provides insights into housing policy trends, government incentives, and demographic shifts that affect the broader real estate market. Understanding these macro factors can inform long-term investment strategies.
Diversification Consideration:
The conference’s focus on affordable housing and community development highlights the importance of market diversification. Ark7’s property portfolio spans various market types and price points, providing exposure to different segments of the rental market without requiring direct involvement in property management or compliance.
5. MAREI December Speed Networking for Toys for Tots
MAREI’s annual charity event combines networking with community giving, creating a more relaxed atmosphere for making connections.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, Overland Park
- Cost: FREE (bring new unwrapped toy or donation)
- Expected Attendance: 100+ real estate professionals
Unique Format:
- Giant networking circle where everyone gets 90 seconds to pitch
- Digital business card collection shared with all attendees
- Mini vendor expo during initial networking hour
Networking Advantage:
The charity component and casual format often lead to more genuine connections than formal business settings. This makes it an excellent opportunity for new investors to introduce themselves to the local investment community without the pressure of formal business discussions.
Beginner-Friendly Approach:
For those just starting their real estate journey, this event provides a low-pressure introduction to the investment community. The connections made here can be valuable when you’re ready to invest locally, while platforms like Ark7 offer a way to begin building real estate wealth immediately with minimal capital.
6. Free Beginner Real Estate Investor Workshops
Multiple organizations offer introductory workshops throughout the year, providing entry points for new investors to learn fundamentals without financial commitment.
Event Details:
- Schedule: Recurring throughout 2025
- Locations: Various Overland Park venues
- Cost: FREE (registration required)
- Format: Introductory workshops, study groups, community training
Typical Topics:
- Market analysis basics
- Property evaluation fundamentals
- Kansas-specific legal compliance
- Tenant screening best practices
- Financing options for beginners
Learning Strategy:
These workshops provide essential foundational knowledge that applies whether you’re investing locally or through fractional platforms. Understanding basic investment principles like cash flow analysis, property valuation, and risk assessment helps you make informed decisions regardless of your investment approach.
Complementary Investment Path:
While learning local market fundamentals, consider starting small with fractional investments through Ark7’s mobile app. This allows you to begin earning passive income immediately while building your knowledge base for potential local investments. The app’s portfolio tracking features help you monitor your investment performance alongside your learning progress.
7. UMKC Real Estate Symposium (Kansas City Metro Reference)
Though technically in Kansas City, Missouri, this annual symposium draws attendees from across the metro area including Overland Park residents interested in commercial real estate.
Event Details:
- Date: February 7, 2025 (past event – for future reference)
- Location: UMKC Campus – Pierson Auditorium, Kansas City, MO
- Target Audience: Commercial real estate professionals
- Continuing Education: 6 hours MO and KS CE credit
Key Topics:
- Commercial real estate resilience
- AI impact on the CRE industry
- Economic trends affecting real estate
- Financial sustainability in development
Investment Context:
While focused on commercial rather than residential real estate, the symposium’s discussions of economic trends and market disruption provide valuable macro-level insights that affect all real estate sectors. Understanding these broader trends can inform both local residential investments and decisions about national market exposure.
Technology Integration:
The symposium’s focus on AI and technology aligns with Ark7’s approach to real estate investing, which leverages technology and AI-driven property sourcing alongside local expertise. This demonstrates how technology is transforming real estate investment across all sectors, from commercial developments to single-family rental portfolios.
Making the Most of Overland Park’s Real Estate Events
Overland Park’s active real estate community offers exceptional opportunities for investors at all experience levels. The consistent monthly meetings through MAREI provide ongoing education and networking, while specialized conferences offer deep dives into specific aspects of the industry.
Strategic Event Selection:
- Beginners: Start with free workshops and MAREI’s monthly meetings (free for first-timers)
- Intermediate Investors: Attend the Annual Trade Show for vendor relationships and the Recharge Conference for market insights
- Advanced Investors: Consider the Kansas Housing Conference for policy insights and the UMKC Symposium for commercial market perspectives
Complementing Local Knowledge with National Opportunities:
While building local expertise through these events, consider how fractional investing can complement your strategy. Ark7’s platform allows you to diversify your real estate holdings across multiple markets without the management responsibilities, creating a balanced approach that combines local market knowledge with national diversification.
The transparency and accessibility of fractional investing through Ark7—earning passive income with no hassle—provides a valuable complement to the hands-on knowledge gained through local events. This combination allows you to build real estate wealth through both direct local investments and professionally managed fractional shares in high-yield properties nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of real estate events are typically held in Overland Park, KS?
Overland Park hosts a diverse mix of real estate events including monthly investor meetings through MAREI, professional development conferences like the Recharge Conference, specialized housing policy events like the Kansas Housing Conference, and networking opportunities like the annual Toys for Tots event. These events serve investors at all experience levels, from beginners attending free workshops to seasoned professionals seeking advanced market insights.
How can attending real estate events benefit me as an investor?
Attending these events provides three key benefits: education about investment strategies and market trends, networking opportunities with service providers and fellow investors, and access to vendor relationships that can support your investment activities. The MAREI monthly meetings alone attract 50-150 investors regularly, creating a robust learning environment for beginners and networking opportunities for experienced investors.
Are there specific events for new real estate investors in Overland Park?
Yes, multiple organizations offer free beginner workshops throughout the year, and MAREI provides free admission for first-time guests at their monthly meetings. These entry points allow new investors to learn fundamentals without financial commitment while building relationships with experienced investors who can provide mentorship and guidance.
What are the best ways to network effectively at real estate events?
Focus on building genuine relationships rather than immediate business opportunities. Come prepared with specific questions about the local market, bring business cards, and follow up promptly with new contacts. The December Speed Networking offers a structured format that ensures everyone gets equal opportunity to make connections, making it particularly valuable for new attendees.
Can I learn about fractional real estate investing at these events?
While the events primarily focus on traditional real estate investing, the fundamental principles of market analysis, property evaluation, and investment strategy apply to both traditional and fractional approaches. The knowledge gained about investment fundamentals can inform your decisions about fractional investing through platforms like Ark7, which offers a complementary approach to building real estate wealth with lower capital requirements and no management responsibilities.
