The Rural Grocery Initiative is offering an optional charter bus for attendees traveling from Kansas. The bus will depart from Wichita, make a stop in Kansas City, and continue on to Fargo, North Dakota, where the conference will be held.

Cost: $250 per person
Bus capacity: 50 passenger charter bus

Departure:
Monday, May 4, 2026
The bus will depart from Wichita, stop in Kansas City, and arrive in Fargo that evening.

Return:
Friday, May 8, 2026
The bus will depart Fargo and return to Kansas City then Wichita that evening.

• Participants must select their pickup location during registration. Pickup locations will be either in Wichita or Kansas City and will will have overnight parking available nearby. Specific pickup locations and departure times are to be determined and will be shared with registered riders closer to the event.
• Bus riders will be able to participate in an optional tour on Tuesday 5/5 (separate registration required), if they choose.
• A bus ticket does not constitute event registration. Registration for the NRG Summit must be completed separately.
• Food, beverages, and any shopping during stops are not included in bus ticket
• The charter bus is equipped with a restroom and outlets for charging devices
• Total travel time is approximately 12 hours.

Space is limited, and registration is required to reserve a seat.

If we reach capacity, priority will be given to rural Kansas grocers. If we do not receive enough interest to cover costs for the bus, this travel option may be cancelled. A final decision would be made by March 15, 2026.

Thanks to the Sunflower Foundation, travel scholarships are available to help cover the cost of attending the summit. Travel scholarships are currently available for Kansas Grocers planning to attend the summit. To be considered for a travel scholarship, please read the following details and apply below.

Award decisions and notification:

Travel scholarships will be awarded on a sliding scale based on the estimates provided in the application below with a cap of $500. Initial award decisions will be made March 31. Applications received after March 31 will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. Award notifications will be shared by email.

Travel scholarship recipient expectations:

Selected travel scholarship recipients must send a completed W9 to conference organizers in order to receive payment. All travel scholarship recipients must attend the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit in person. Anyone who accepts a travel scholarship and does not attend the summit will be required to return the scholarship amount in full.

Would your organization like to sponsor travel scholarships to the National Rural Grocery Summit?
Reach out to rgi@ksu.edu to learn more.