Healing, Hope, and Hospitality
For more than 40 years The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City (BIAKS-GKC) has been connecting people affected by brain injuries and their families to education, resources and support. In early April 2025, executive director Heather Pilkinton and her team hosted the Beyond Rehab: Succeeding at Life Brain Injury Conference at Ball Event Center, where they found not only a welcoming space but a partner in their mission.
“We’ve been hosting this conference in the Overland Park–Olathe area for many years, but this was our first time at Ball,” said Pilkinton. “And I have to say, we were very pleased. It was just a really great space for our event.”
Over two days, more than 70 healthcare professionals, including speech-language pathologists, nurses, occupational therapists, licensed clinical social workers and more, shared their experiences, earned continuing education credits and returned home even better equipped to help their communities.
A space that supports education and connection
Attendees heard from local and national speakers, networked with nearly 20 vendors and learned about state and federal services available to brain injury survivors.
“The layout of Ball Event Center itself was a huge help,” Pilkinton said. “We were able to have vendors set up in the entrance area, which gave them high visibility and allowed participants to engage with them throughout the day. That kind of connection is so valuable when you’re trying to get the word out about services across the state.”
She also praised the venue’s convenience and amenities, including accessible parking and the private boardroom space her planning committee used as a behind-the-scenes operations hub. “We’ve hosted this event in many different locations over the years, but Ball was one of the most well-appointed venues we’ve used.”
Going above and beyond
While the facility and layout set the stage for a successful conference, it was the staff that truly elevated BIAKS-GKC’s experience.
“Michael was just excellent,” said Pilkinton. “He was present the whole time, making sure things ran smoothly, helping vendors and attendees and even helping people carry heavy items to their cars. That kind of service is rare and so appreciated.”
Ball’s catering partners not only provided top-flight fare, they actively participated in the event itself. “We had the best food service we’ve ever had,” she said. “One of the vendors even helped me lead a dance party session during one of the breaks.”
The feedback from attendees was positive, too. “We do post-event surveys, and the comments about the venue and food were overwhelmingly positive,” Pilkinton added. “Everything we needed was addressed, often before we even asked.”
Supporting brain injury survivors across Kansas
BIAKS-GKC and their guests left the conference even better equipped to provide year-round support to brain injury survivors and their caregivers.
“We want people to know that we’re here,” Pilkinton said. “One in five Kansans is living with a traumatic brain injury, and that doesn’t even count things like stroke or illness. Brain injury can happen to any of us.”
She encourages people to spread awareness, support the organization’s mission and share their story. “We’d like to reach more people by connecting with those who could use our support or by speaking at events with other organizations.”
The Ball Event Center team is proud to have played a part in this important event. For more about brain injury advocacy in Kansas, reach Pilkintonreach Pilkinton at hpilkinton@bia-ks.org.
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