Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Opens in Emporia, Bringing Conferencing and Large-Scale Accommodation

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott recently soft-opened in Emporia, Kansas, bringing a hotel attached to a conference center to the region for the first time in 15 years. While there are multiple hotels in Emporia, this is the only one with a conference center directly attached, making it easier for attendees to stay and meet in one place.

“We are in a great location,” says Paul Oltmanns, General Manager at Fairfield. “We are built right along I-35, which is perfect for drivers looking for somewhere to spend the night, and 90% of the Kansas population is within 90 miles of the city.”

The hotel and conference center can have a big impact on Emporia and various other industries in the community. Learn why this addition is such a big deal for residents. \

Quality Hotels Create Positive First Impression of Communities

Reservations at the Fairfield Inn & Suites increase by up to 25% after 4 PM, as drivers look for a place to stay for the night before continuing their cross-country drives. Many people are coming right off I-35 and are looking for a community where they can find someplace to eat and rest for the evening.  

Oltmanns explains that the hotel is often the first impression people have of Emporia, and a good experience can encourage visitors to explore the community once they are settled into their rooms.

“People who lodge in town overnight support the community through the lodging tax, but they also eat at local restaurants and shop in our stores,” he says.

A good impression could make Emporia a regular stop for frequent drivers, or encourage some visitors to spend more time here in the future. 

The Meeting Space Solidifies Emporia’s Sports Reputation

The new Fairfield Inn & Suites will also play an important role in supporting the various sporting events and teams that come through Emporia throughout the year. It creates additional lodging options for participants of the Unbound gravel bike races or the frequent disc golf tournaments. Historically, some visitors had to book hotels more than an hour away and commute to Emporia for these events.  

The conference space is particularly valuable because it can accommodate large teams, which will be invaluable for supporting schools that compete against Emporia State University or Emporia FC.

“Our hotel is large enough to house the teams, while the conference center has enough space for players and coaches to have pre-game meetings and do their warm-ups before heading out,” says Oltmanns. “The stadium is now five minutes away, not an hour away. Players can rest longer and arrive warm.”

Sporting events provide additional opportunities for visitors and teams to see Emporia and explore its community. Not only are these events economic drivers, but they can also support long-term talent attraction efforts. 

The Conference Center is Booking Into 2028

The Fairfield conference space can accommodate small meetings for 30 people up to large events with 300 attendees. It has a 12-foot-wide projection screen and dividers with separate presentation areas for breakout sessions. The conference space has modern AV equipment, customizable lighting, and catering options.  

“We work with local catering companies that we have personally vetted,” says Oltmanns. “We also have a liquor license to manage an open bar.”

Organizations are already asking about bookings for 2028 and scheduling their events through the next few years.

Oltmanns emphasizes that this hotel and conference center is designed to support the community. It was built for the people of Emporia, even if it houses visitors from across the United States.

“The owners met with the economic development teams and people working with the city,” he says. “They told the ownership team what Emporia needed and the desire for a conference center built into a hotel. The community built this hotel.”

Oltmanns says Fairfield plans to be involved in the community and will look for ways to support Emporia as it grows in the coming years. 

Emporia is Evolving to Meet the Community’s Needs

Emporia is a growing city, which means the Regional Development Association and other government teams need to consider how the community will evolve in the coming years. The addition of the hotel and conference center supports Emporia's long-term needs and growth plans, strengthening the hospitality and recreation industries. It is more than a quality hotel with a welcoming team; it is an asset that can support Lyon County for decades.

Follow the RDA and see how Emporia is growing. Then, get involved and grow alongside us. Together, we can make Emporia a wonderful community to live and work.