Mid-West Bio Research & Industry Conference Kansas – Midwest BRICK

JOIN US August 4-5, 2026

We are excited about holding our annual conference for the first time this year at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus, where we will be bringing together leaders from academia, startups, industry, investment, and economic development for two high‑impact days of discovery and collaboration.

Register Now
Sign Up to Sponsor
Exhibit with Us
 

August 4

Features cutting-edge scientific and applied research presentations from regional universities, institutions, and innovating companies, highlighting emerging technologies, translational research, and commercialization pathways.

DAY 1 – Scientific Symposium

  • Showcase cutting edge academic and industry research with a scientific audience
  • Peer networking opportunities
  • Academia-industry connections and networking
  • Preliminary Agenda 
    • Session 1, Organoids, Keynote: Scott Younger, PhD, CMRI
    • Session 2, Rare Disease, Plenary: Pamela Tran, PHD, KUMC
    • Lunch and Networking 
    • Session 3, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Plenary; Tim Dawsey, PhD, Pitt State
    • Session 4, Cancer Meets Material Science, Plenary: Stefan Bossman, PhD, KUMC
    • Session 5, Neuroscience & Artificial Intelligence, Keynote: Andrew Abumoussa, MD,  St. Luke’s 
    • Poster session and networking 

August 5

Transitions into a dynamic industry trade show, focused on the biomanufacturing and CRO/CDMO sectors, offering exhibitor booths, live engagement, and direct access to decision-makers and partners.

DAY 2 – Industry Trade Show

  • Welcome and Opening Remarks 
  • Opening Keynote 
    • Morning Plenary Session – Federal Policy and Regulatory Dynamics That Will Shape Biomanufacturing in the Next Decade. Bioscience industries are rapidly evolving, against a backdrop of seismic shifts in federal policy – regulation, trade policy, research funding, manufacturing investment, and more – that will create both pressure and opportunity.  This session will focus on the implications of federal policy changes and trends, highlighting operational realities and uncertainties.  Topics will include changes in federal policy and practice, implications of trade policy such as tariffs or the BIOSECURE Act, the shift toward domestic production, and data demands in a changing industry. 
  • Breakout Workshops.
    • The KC BioHub – How The Puzzle Pieces Fit Together (M. Roberts Chapman) 
    • The Emerging Biocollar Workforce (K. Mills)
    • Kansas Manufacturing Solutions – Your Partner in Manufacturing Success 
  • Extended Exhibit Hall Viewing and Open Lunch 
  • Concurrent Engagement Session(s)  
    • Industry Minis – Company presentations and meet-and-greet 
    • Afternoon Plenary Session – How Technology Is Changing Biomanufacturing.  Most manufacturers and CDMOs have invested in building capacity.  With that growth the industry is now poised to develop next-generation technological capabilities – hardware and software — over the coming decade.  This session will focus on advances in technology that affect speed, cost, flexibility, platform integration, and supply chain adaptability. 
  • Closing Session – Why Kansas Is the Future Hub of Bioscience Industry 
  • Awards Ceremony 
  • Cocktail Hour & Exhibit Hall Open 

Submit Your Research

KC RiBS, in collaboration with Ad Astra Bio, invites researchers, trainees, and industry partners to submit abstracts for our upcoming symposium. This event will highlight cutting-edge bioscience research while strengthening connections between academia and the rapidly expanding regional bioscience industry. Poster abstracts will be accepted on a rolling basis, and a select number of submissions will be chosen for oral presentations. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your work, gain visibility, and engage with leaders across the Kansas City bioscience community. 

Submit Your Abstract Here

Attendee Registration

Industry – $450

Community – $200

Students – Day 1 – Free; Day 2 – $50

 
 

Vendor Exhibit Tables – $1,000

Sign up early for the Industry Table and have a choice in participating in the Science Symposium – Career Exhibit Tables on Day 1 of BRICK; accepting only 20 exhibitors for the Career Exhibition.

 
 

Sponsorships Available

  • Conference Sponsors
    • Platinum Event Sponsor
    • Gold Event Sponsor
    • Silver Event Sponsor
  • Specific Event Sponsorships Available
    • VIP Reception
    • Welcoming Remarks – KMS Sponsored
    • Keynote Address
    • Breakfast 
    • Lunch 
    • Coffee Breaks 
    • Cocktail Hour 
    • National Travel Awards 
    • Regional Travel Awards 
    • Community Awards 
    • Student Career Awards 
    • Pens 
    • Notebooks 
    • Passports 
    • Totes – Science and Wellness Innovative Management Sponsored
    • Lanyards – ARC Technologies Sponsored
    • AdAstra BIO T-shirts