2026 Conservation Business Managers Conference (CBMA)
October 12, 2026 - October 15, 2026
Manhattan, Kansas
On behalf of the Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, we invite you to join us at the 2026 Conservation Business Managers Conference (CBMA) to be held at the Manhattan Conference Center in Manhattan, Kansas.
The Fish and Wildlife Administrative Officers from the Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) and the Conservation Business Managers Association (CBMA) throughout the United States and Canada are dedicated to raising the standards and establishing best practices in support of promoting a broader understanding and acceptance of the value of business management as a tool of natural resource management.
This annual conference is an opportunity for State Fish and Wildlife Agency Administrative Staff to interact with their peers from other agencies throughout the United States and Canada. Administrative staff represent the heads of Procurement, Licensing, Information Technology, Human Resources, Finance and Budget. The first workshop was hosted by WAFWA in 1961!
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan
Room Rate: Coming Soon
Group Rate Cutoff: September 18, 2026
Join Us as a Sponsor!
Gain exposure for your organization to fish and wildlife professionals and administrative staff, to network, and to exchange information and ideas.
The Sponsor Brochure coming soon.
Please be aware of WAFWA’s sponsor policy.
Lodging and Travel
Hotel & Conference Center
Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan 410 South 3rd Street, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502
Room Block Link: Coming Soon
Group Rate Cutoff: September 18, 2026
Hotel info: The Hilton Garden Inn is conveniently connected to the Manhattan Conference Center, where CBMA programming will take place. The hotel is in a walkable area of downtown Manhattan with nearby restaurants and other resources.
Travel Information
Getting to Manhattan, KS: For those flying, Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) is approximately 8 miles or a 15-minute drive from the hotel and conference center. MHK has daily direct flights via Dallas (DFW) and Chicago (ORD). Alternatively, the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is an approximately 2-hour drive away.
For those driving, parking is available within the hotel’s surface lot as well as the city-owned parking garage attached to the convention center. Self-parking within the hotel’s lot is $10/day, and prevailing rates apply within the parking garage.
Please note the conference happens close to the Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day holiday, and we strongly encourage you to book your travel early.
• Getting Here
Getting Around Manhattan, KS: Manhattan is a charming small city, and has a walkable downtown area. If you don’t have access to a vehicle during your visit, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore within walking distance of the hotel. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft also operate within the area. Don’t forget to plan ahead, as Manhattan is also a college town with Kansas State University just 2 miles from the hotel.
• Things To Do