Pre-BEX Tours
TBEX Summit America 2025 Pre-BEX Tours!
Pre-BEX Tours sign-ups are now closed. However, you can still request a tour by emailing sjohnson@visitwichita.com. If spots are available, we will do our best to get you on one.
- Only registered conference attendees can sign up for a Pre-BEX Tour.
- Please sign up for only one Pre-BEX Tour
- Pre-BEX Tours are open to both Content Creators and Industry Professionals and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. No guests, companions, or plus-ones are permitted unless they, too, are registered. There are no waitlists once a tour becomes full.
- Please sign up with the same email address used when you registered for TBEX Summit America 2025. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in TBEX activities.
- If you need to cancel any Pre-BEX Tour you have signed up for at any time before the event for any reason PLEASE email donna@texcon.com ASAP to do so. Others can then take your cancelled spot(s). Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this.
- Occasionally a Pre-BEX tour has to be cancelled, re-scheduled, or altered. You will be advised if this happens, and we appreciate your understanding.
Pre-BEX Tour #15
Bees, Babies & Behind-the-Scenes at Sedgwick County Zoo
Date
October 2nd
Number of Participants
8
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 2:00 PM
Highlight
Discover Sedgwick County Zoo through a buzz-worthy adventure that includes hands-on bee farming and a honey-inspired lunch. You’ll also go behind the scenes of one of the largest elephant habitats in the country. This year, four baby elephants – born between April and August 2025 – have made headlines as the first time an accredited U.S. zoo has welcomed that many calves in a single year, making this an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Notes
Dress comfortably, bring sunscreen and wear walkable footwear. Lunch is provided. Please advise of any food allergies or restrictions. This is an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
Delve into a hands-on bee farming and harvesting experience and enjoy lunch with elements of fresh honey incorporated in the meal at Sedgwick County Zoo, which spans 250 acres and is home to 3,000 animals. Meet the dedicated staff who care for the zoo’s growing elephant herd, who reside in one of the largest elephant habitats in the country. You’ll get a 360-degree view of these magnificent creatures living in their five-acre outdoor space. And this year is extra special as Sedgwick County Zoo has welcomed four elephant calves, making history as the first accredited zoo in the U.S. to have that many babies born in a single year, including the first ever born just days apart in Kansas! From heartwarming animal interactions to rare behind-the-scenes opportunities, this tour promises moments you’ll never forget.
Pre-BEX Tour #1
Hey Now, You’re an All Star
Date
October 1st
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 8:00 AM for a 8:15 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 4:20 PM
Highlight
Kick off your time in Wichita by experiencing the city’s sports scene with a day of kayaking and biking on the Arkansas River in the heart of the city and taking your swing on the baseball field at Equity Bank Park. Play pickleball with local experts at Chicken N Pickle, and top it all off with mocktails, cocktails and small bites at this engaging sports complex.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear.
Notes: Lunch is provided. Sunscreen and sunglasses/hats are recommended. This is not an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 1st REGISTER HERE
Set off on a heart-pumping expedition and get the VIP treatment exploring Wichita’s sports scene. Walk along the Arkansas River to start your day at Boats and Bikes, where you can paddle on the river and take in stunning downtown city views. Next up, find yourself in the game at Equity Bank Park, home of the Wichita Wind Surge. You’ll step up to the plate, take your swing and see how you stack up to the competition. Wrap up your sporty journey at Chicken N Pickle, where you’ll paddle it out against local pickleball experts and enjoy mocktails, cocktails and small bites. Whether you’re seeking a little adventure or want to get your blood pumping, this tour will bring the action.
Pre-BEX Tour #2
Safari of the Senses at Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Date
October 2nd
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 4:00 PM
Highlight
Unforgettable animal encounters await at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Gain a deeper appreciation for wildlife as you swim with penguins, feed lemurs and rhinos by hand and interact with playful otters, and meet some of the park’s most chill residents, the sloths.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear. For the optional penguin swim, a wet suit – and a private place to change – will be provided. Tanganyika will keep your items safe during the swim and you are welcome to bring additional clothing.
Notes: Lunch is provided. Sunscreen and sunglasses/hats are recommended. This is not an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
Get ready for a wild and unforgettable adventure at Tanganyika Wildlife Park! Dive into the excitement as you wade in the water alongside playful penguins, an experience unlike any other. Get up close to lemurs as you hand-feed these charming primates. Have your camera ready to capture the vibrant colors while you are feeding friendly lorikeets. For a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake, watch creativity come to life with one of the park’s residents creating a unique masterpiece. Accredited by the Zoological Association of America and the American Humane Association, Tanganyika provides an opportunity for unparalleled wildlife encounters that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
.
Pre-BEX Tour #3
Heartland Hops & Pours Oct 1st
Date
October 1st
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 2:15 PM for a 2:30 PM departure. Return is expected at approximately 8:00 PM
Highlight
Raise a glass and go on an unforgettable brewery adventure in the Heart of the Country, where you will explore top local breweries, sample unique pours, meet passionate brewers and experience the city’s rich craft beer scene.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Must be 21 to participate. Lunch is not provided. This is an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 1st REGISTER HERE
This one’s on us—cheers to exploring Wichita’s flavor-packed craft scene! Embark on a brewery and cidery tour that pours out local pride, featuring standout stops like Hopping Gnome Brewing Company, where you’ll help make some of their small-batch classics; Central Standard Brewing, home to experimental beers and a patio so inviting it’s practically a local landmark; White Crow Cider Company, crafting crisp, creative ciders using regionally sourced apples; and Nortons Brewing Company, a funky, art-filled hotspot where you can taste their bold brews and enjoy their legendary bacon crack. Along the way, you’ll dive into Wichita’s brewing history, sample one-of-a-kind creations, and meet the passionate folks behind the taps. Set in the Heart of the Country, Wichita’s access to fresh, local ingredients makes every pour a taste of homegrown greatness. Get ready for a relaxed, hops-filled adventure with fellow beer and cider lovers!
Pre-BEX Tour #4
Blaze Wichita’s Old West Trail Oct 1st
Date
October 1st
Number of Participants
8
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 12:00 PM for a 12:15PM departure. Return is expected at approximately 7:00 PM
Highlight
Lasso up fun and experience Wichita’s Old West heritage. Step back into time and sip Sarsaparilla at Old Cowtown Museum, get a custom hat fitted just for you at Hatman Jack’s and enjoy a scenic horseback ride at Diamond Spring Ranch. Finish the tour with a barbecue meal prepared by Station 8 BBQ.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear.
Notes: A full meal is provided. Sunscreen and sunglasses/hats are recommended. This is not an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 1st REGISTER HERE
Ride into Wichita’s Old West history and get the full cowboy experience in this former Cowtown. Take a stroll through iconic places such as Old Cowtown Museum, where you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1870s. Visit with on-site print makers, blacksmiths and more and sip Sarsaparilla in the saloon. Next, meet one of the country’s remaining hat makers – Jack Kellogg – at the legendary Hatman Jack’s and get fitted for a custom hat. Round up this Wild West adventure by saddling up for a scenic horseback ride and tours of the covered wagon and treehouse lodging at Diamond Spring Ranch. You’ll also enjoy a hearty barbecue meal by Station 8 BBQ, a joint so good there are lines outside the door every day!
Pre-BEX Tour #5
Wichita’s Native American Heritage, Cuisine & Stories
Date
October 1st
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 9:30 AM for a 9:45 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 4:10 PM
Highlight
Immerse yourself in Wichita’s Native American heritage by participating in storytelling, music and dance, tasting authentic cuisine and photographing a tipi. Plus, capture the beauty of the city’s most iconic landmark, the Keeper of the Plains. The majestic work designed by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin is a 44-foot-tall steel sculpture standing at the point where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers join together in downtown Wichita.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear. Lunch is provided. Please advise of any food allergies or restrictions. This is an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 1st REGISTER HERE
Be a part of a powerful and immersive Native American tour that celebrates rich traditions, history and culture through captivating storytelling, indigenous music, dynamic dancing and authentic cuisine. Delight in the rhythms of singing and drumming, savor a four-course, interactive meal curated by Jason Champagne, owner of Native Chef, LLC. Be captivated by the beauty of the city’s most iconic landmark designed by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin, the Keeper of the Plains. Capture unforgettable memories with an opportunity to photograph a tipi, creating a truly meaningful and one-of-a-kind journey into Wichita’s Indigenous heritage.
Pre-BEX Tour #6
Aviation Adventures in the Air Capital of the World
Date
October 1st and 2nd
Number of Participants
10 – Content Creators ONLY
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 7:30 AM for a 7:45 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 4:30 PM
Highlight
Experience Wichita’s aviation legacy and innovation on this behind-the-scenes tour. Explore historic aircraft and take in the art deco vibes at the Kansas Aviation Museum, see the future of flight through VR, robotics and AI at NIAR and step aboard iconic Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft at Textron Aviation – where you’ll also design your own jet. Cap it off with lunch at Stearman Field Bar & Grill, right next to an active runway.
Notes
Closed toe shoes required. Lunch is provided. Background check required prior to participation. This is not an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 1st REGISTER HERE
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
Embark on an immersive aviation expedition in Wichita, the Air Capital of the World. Discover the city’s rich aviation heritage and its role at the forefront of global aerospace innovation. Step inside the Kansas Aviation Museum to marvel at historic aircraft, then see how Wichita is transforming the future of flight at the National Institute for Aviation Research through virtual reality, robotics and artificial intelligence. At Textron Aviation, enjoy a hands-on customer experience where you’ll design your own jet and even step aboard iconic Cessna and Beechcraft aircrafts. The adventure ends with lunch at Stearman Field Bar & Grill, where planes take off and land mere feet from your table along the active runway.
Pre-BEX Tour #7
Blaze Wichita’s Old West Trail Oct 2nd
Date
October 2nd
Number of Participants
8
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 8:15 AM for a 8:30 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 3:30 PM
Highlight
Lasso up fun and experience Wichita’s Old West heritage. Step back into time and sip Sarsaparilla at Old Cowtown Museum, get a custom hat fitted just for you at Hatman Jack’s and enjoy a scenic horseback ride at Diamond Spring Ranch. Finish the tour with a barbecue meal prepared by Station 8 BBQ.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear.
Notes: A full meal is provided. Sunscreen and sunglasses/hats are recommended. This is not an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
Ride into Wichita’s Old West history and get the full cowboy experience in this former Cowtown. Take a stroll through iconic places such as Old Cowtown Museum, where you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1870s. Visit with on-site print makers, blacksmiths and more and sip Sarsaparilla in the saloon. Next, meet one of the country’s remaining hat makers – Jack Kellogg – at the legendary Hatman Jack’s and get fitted for a custom hat. Round up this Wild West adventure by saddling up for a scenic horseback ride and tours of the covered wagon and treehouse lodging at Diamond Spring Ranch. You’ll also enjoy a hearty barbecue meal by Station 8 BBQ, a joint so good there are lines outside the door every day!
Pre-BEX Tour #8
Straight Outta Wichita
Date
October 2nd
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 9:25 AM for a 9:40 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 4:00 PM
Highlight
Travel back in time on this whimsical Wichita tour, where you will step inside the very first Pizza Hut and see authentic items including the first sauce recipe written on a napkin and the chain’s original pizza oven. Savor unique local eats and treats from local spots that have been satisfying hunger patrons since the 1930s, and toast with champagne in a historic Prohibition-era building.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear. Two light lunch dining experiences are provided. This tour is not recommended for those with nut allergies. Lunch is provided. This is an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
We’re taking it back, way back so you can step inside some of Wichita’s most iconic places, such as The Spice Merchant, located in the original factory of the Mentholatum Company, founded in Wichita in 1889. Want to go inside the very first Pizza Hut in the world? We got you! Wichita is the birthplace of the Pizza Hut fast-food chain, and the only place you can view the original pizza oven, the cash register used in the inaugural restaurant and the first sauce recipe written on a napkin. Local eateries that have been feeding hungry Wichitans since the 1930s? You’ll enjoy bites at three of them: Old Mill Tasty Shop, Nifty Nut House and NuWay Burgers. Conclude this tour at Bubbles, a champagne bar found inside local shopping hotspot, The Workroom. Both are located inside a historic downtown building that has been around since the times of prohibition.
Pre-BEX Tour #9
Heartland Hops & Pours Oct 2nd
Date
October 2nd
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 12:00 PM for a 12:15 PM departure. Return is expected at approximately 5:00 PM
Highlight
Raise a glass and go on an unforgettable brewery adventure in the Heart of the Country, where you will explore top local breweries, sample unique pours, meet passionate brewers and experience the city’s rich craft beer scene.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Must be 21 to participate. Lunch is not provided. This is an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
This one’s on us—cheers to the bold, the crisp and the wildly creative! Jump into Wichita’s thriving craft beer scene with a flavorful journey through top local spots like River City Brewing Co., a historic anchor in the city’s Old Town District pouring tradition with a twist; Leprechaun’s Lab, known for pushing the limits of brewing with imaginative small batches; and Tor Brewing, a newcomer making big waves with fresh hops and craveable smash burgers. Don’t miss the rooftop vibes at Wichita Brewing Co., where bold brews meet skyline views of Wichita’s historic Delano District. From refreshing ciders to boundary-breaking IPAs, you’ll taste the Heart of the Country—one pint at a time.
Pre-BEX Tour #10
Black Wichita: Icons, Changemakers & Modern-Day Trailblazers
Date
October 1st
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 9:30 AM for a 9:45 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 3:30 PM
Highlight
Go on a journey with Galyn Vesey, one of the trailblazing students who participated in the successful Dockum Sit-In of 1958, as he leads this enlightening tour showcasing Wichita’s rich African American history and culture.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear. Sunscreen is recommended.
Notes: Lunch is provided. This is an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 1st REGISTER HERE
Did you know a successful sit-in happened in Wichita two years before the protests in Greensboro in 1960? Join Galyn Vesey, who was one of the trailblazing students who participated in the historic 1958 Dockum Drug Store Sit-In, as he leads this enlightening and inspirational tour. He’ll take you to see Wichita’s Hattie McDaniel Memorial and a park that honors civil rights leader Chester I. Lewis and introduce you to the modern-day trailblazers behind businesses like Left on Read and Knockout Sneaker Boutique. Additionally, take in the sights and sounds of the Wichita Griots as you explore the Kansas’ rich African American culture at The Kansas African American Museum and end your explorations at Dockum, a Speakeasy-style bar located beneath the Ambassador Hotel Wichita – once home to the Dockum Drugstore.
Pre-BEX Tour #11
Expect the Unexpected
Date
October 2nd
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 8:35 AM for a 8:50 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 4:15 PM
Highlight
Discover Wichita’s quirky side on this offbeat tour featuring the Museum of World Treasures, the city’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style masterpiece, authentic German bierocks, funky local shops and botanical cocktails, mocktails and guided terrarium making at GROW Plant Bar.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear. Lunch is provided. This is not an ADA accessible tour. Make a little room in your luggage for a small takeaway.
Sign Up →
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
Sure, you’ll find Old West heritage, lip smackin’ Kansas beef and Midwestern friendliness in Wichita, but what about the odd, unexpected and imaginative places within the city? If offbeat is your jam, this tour is for you! See mummies, one of the world’s most complete T.Rex skeletons and even General Custer’s underpants at Museum of World Treasures. Go inside one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s last prairie-style homes, complete with more than 30 pieces of original furniture designed by Wright, as well as all its original art glass. Don’t know what a bierock is? Find out at lunch when the group visits Prost, a well-loved German restaurant in the city. Explore funky local shops and end the tour sipping botanical cocktails, mocktails or coffee while creating your own terrarium at GROW Plant Bar.
Pre-BEX Tour #12
ICT’s Artsy Explorations
Date
October 2nd
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 1:05 PM for departure at 1:20 PM. Return time to the Hyatt is expected at 5:05 PM.
Highlight
Go on an engaging and content-rich art journey, highlighting Wichita’s art scene, showcasing a variety of art forms such as museums, galleries, botanical gardens and public art.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear, as a moderate level of walking is included in between locations and the botanical gardens. Accommodations at Botanica are available upon request.
Notes: Sunscreen and sunglasses/hats are recommended. Lunch is not provided. This is an ADA accessible tour.
Sign Up →
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
Set off on an engaging art adventure through Wichita, exploring the city’s creative landscape from galleries and museums to performing arts and public masterpieces. See firsthand how Envision Art Gallery is making art accessible for those with visual limitations, then step into the heart of Wichita’s public art scene at Gallery Alley, a once underutilized alley that has been transformed into an inviting space with sculptures and interactive pieces, many of which are designed to be sensory-friendly and inclusive for individuals with visual impairments. Plus, hear about Wichita’s varied public art, which includes a series of bronze sculptures, Keepers on Parade and more. Capture the beauty of nature and art at Botanica Wichita and experience notable museum pieces like a quintessential Edward Hopper painting and two dazzling Dale Chihuly glass sculptures at the Wichita Art Museum. And don’t be surprised if Music Theatre Wichita pops in for a surprise performance along the way!
Pre-BEX Tour #13
Crafted & Curated: Signature Wichita Experiences
Date
October 2nd
Number of Participants
12
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 9:30 AM for a 9:45 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 4:20 PM
Highlight
Spend a day immersed in Wichita’s creativity and flavor. Cook with local food writer Joe Stumpe at Mark Arts, craft your own heart-shaped glass at Karg Art Glass, and watch (and taste!) sweet creations come to life at Cocoa Dolce.
Notes
Dress comfortably and wear walkable footwear. While a full lunch isn’t provided, the hands-on creations from the culinary kitchen are hearty enough to satisfy your appetite. This is an ADA accessible tour. Make a little room in your luggage for a small takeaway.
Sign Up →
October 2nd REGISTER HERE
Indulge in a day of creativity, craftsmanship and chocolate bliss with this exclusive behind-the scenes tour featuring three artisanal destinations. This immersive experience offers a blend of artistry, flavor and hands-on fun. Step into the culinary kitchen at Mark Arts and help local food writer, Joe Stumpe, create and sample dishes influenced by Wichita’s prominent cultures. While in the Heart of the Country, it’s only fitting you will blow your own heart art glass at Karg Art Glass. Help put the finishing touches on confections at Wichita’s lead chocolatier, Cocoa Dolce, and finish the tour with a tasting and beverage of your choice in the chocolate lounge.
Pre-BEX Tour #14
Picture Perfect: Elephants, Eats & Epic Views
Date
October 1st – Content Creators ONLY
Number of Participants
5
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at the Hyatt Regency at 9:30 AM for a 9:45 AM departure. Return is expected at approximately 4:30 PM
Highlight
Want to score some of Wichita’s most talked-about, behind-the-scenes content? Meet four baby African elephants who’ve made headlines this year at Sedgwick County Zoo. Capture a family-style, farm-to-table dining experience at Public, one of Wichita’s most beloved restaurants in the Old Town District. Have your camera ready to snap amazing river shots of the Keeper of the Plains, the city’s most iconic landmark.
Notes
This tour is designed for capturing visual content, with extra time for setup, filming and take down at each stop. On-camera interviews with zookeepers at Sedgwick County Zoo and other subject matter experts are included. While tailored to videographers, photographers, blog writers and social media creators will also thrive on this tour where capturing content is king. Participants are responsible for their own equipment, with room provided for gear during transport. Lunch will be provided. This is an ADA accessible tour. Dress comfortably, bring sunscreen and wear walkable footwear. Sunglasses/hats are also recommended.
Sign Up →
October 1st REGISTER HERE
Experience three of Wichita’s most captivating attractions in one unforgettable tour! Meet the newest stars of Sedgwick County Zoo – four baby elephants, all born this year. Indulge in a family-style, farm-to-table feast at Public, a restaurant tucked into an old warehouse in the city’s brick-lined Old Town District. Next door to Public is the restaurant’s open-air entertainment venue, Brickyard, where you will be seated on the patio to gather content while the chef prepares and cooks the food. Then, take to the water with a kayak or partake in a drone adventure along the Arkansas River, ending with a picture-perfect view of the Keeper of the Plains.
