Insider's Hour with the Show-Me Institute - 2026 Blueprint
2025-12-08 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago)
The 2026 Blueprint: Moving Missouri Forward is here!
The Show-Me Institute will focus on 17 key policy areas in 2026 to strengthen Missouri’s economy, expand educational freedom, advance free-market healthcare reforms, and ensure affordable and reliable energy. These proposals are presented in The 2026 Blueprint: Moving Missouri Forward, which will be discussed for the first time at the MAC West on December 8, 2026.
We invite you to attend this rare opportunity to hear from all of the Show-Me Institute’s scholars at one event. Together, they will discuss these reforms, outline specific challenges facing Missouri, provide background and analysis, and present actionable solutions designed to improve everyday life for Missourians.
Monday, December 8
MAC West
1777 Des Peres Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 12—1:30 p.m.
Ticket Price $20 (includes lunch and beverages)
REGISTER HERE

Examining Crime and Public Safety Trends in St. Louis
2026-01-21 16:30 - 18:00 | The Knight Center at Washington University, Throop and Snow Way, St. Louis, MO, 63130, United States
Please join us for an in-depth discussion on crime and public safety trends in St. Louis. Patrick Tuohey, Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, will be joined by local experts Gabe Gore, St. Louis Circuit Attorney; Janet Lauritsen, Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emerita at the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Missouri–St. Louis; and Pernell Witherspoon, Senior Professor of Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University.
Over the past five years, the number of crimes committed in St. Louis has decreased; however, the city is still perceived as dangerous. What are the actual crime statistics, what are their real implications, and what shapes public perception? Our panel of experts will address these questions and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, share your perspective, and participate in an informed community conversation on crime and public safety in St. Louis.
Complimentary Reception: 4:30 p.m. (including beverages and light appetizers)
Program and Q&A: 5-6:00 p.m.
Please register for this complimentary event by emailing events@showmeinstitute.org. Please include your name and specify which date you will attend in your email. Walk-ins will not be admitted.

Examining Crime and Public Safety in St. Louis
2026-02-10 16:30 - 18:00 | MAC West, 1777 Des Peres Rd, Des Peres, 63131, United States
Please join us for an in-depth discussion on crime and public safety trends in the City of St. Louis. Patrick Tuohey, Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, will be joined by local experts Steve Capizzi, First Assistant to St. Louis Circuit Attorney; Janet Lauritsen, Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emerita at the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Missouri–St. Louis; and Pernell Witherspoon, Senior Professor of Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University.
Over the past five years, the number of crimes committed in St. Louis has decreased; however, the city is still perceived as dangerous. What are the actual crime statistics, what are their real implications, and what shapes public perception? Our panel of experts will address these questions and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, share your perspective, and participate in an informed community conversation on crime and public safety in St. Louis.
Complimentary Reception: 4:30 p.m. (including beverages and light appetizers)
Program and Q&A: 5-6:00 p.m.
Please register for this complimentary event by emailing events@showmeinstitute.org. Please include your name in your email. Walk-ins will not be admitted.

Insider's Hour with the Show-Me Institute
2026-03-04 11:30 - 13:00 | MAC West, 1777 Des Peres Rd, Des Peres, 63131, United States
What’s Happening in Jefferson City?
Join us and get the inside scoop on the Missouri legislative session and policies that could directly affect the lives of Missourians at the Show-Me Institute’s Insider’s Hour!
CEO Brenda Talent, Director of Education Policy Cory Koedel, Director of Municipal Policy David Stokes, and Senior Policy Analyst Avery Frank will discuss, from a free-market policy perspective, what is being done to address these important issues:

Education: Missouri’s reading test scores have hit a 20-year low, showing that 42 percent of the state’s fourth graders can barely read. The state is facing a serious literacy crisis.
Taxes: St. Louis County leaders are considering a property tax increase to fund senior citizen services.
Energy: The governor has made it clear he wants to meet growing energy demand in a way that protects ratepayers and addresses Missouri’s current and future needs through an “all-in” commitment to nuclear energy and new approaches like consumer-regulated electricity.

Register now to hear expert insights and have your questions answered on these topics and more.

Wednesday, March 4
MAC West
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 12—1:30 p.m.
Ticket Price $20 (includes lunch and beverages)
REGISTER HERE

These events are open to anyone interested in learning more about policies that could shape Missouri’s future. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues.

Insider's Hour in Kansas City
2026-03-25 17:00 - 18:30 | Carriage Club, 5301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64112
Legislative Updates from Our Experts
Join us for Insider’s Hour with the Show-Me Institute, a unique opportunity to hear directly from our policy experts and engage in meaningful discussion about the issues shaping Missouri’s future.
CEO Brenda Talent, Director of State Budget and Fiscal Policy Elias Tsapelas, and Senior Fellow Patrick Tuohey will break down key developments from the Missouri legislative session and the Kansas City area, focusing on efforts to modernize the state’s tax system, potential changes to Kansas City’s earnings and property taxes, and the use of STAR bonds to finance a new stadium in Kansas.
Insider’s Hour highlights policies that could directly impact Missourians, giving you the insight you need to understand what is happening and why it matters.

REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, March 25
Carriage Club
5301 State Line Road
Kansas City, MO 64112
Doors open: 5:00 p.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 5:30—6:30 p.m.
Ticket Price $20 (includes beverages and light snacks)
REGISTER HERE

This event is open to anyone interested in policies that could shape Missouri’s future. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues.

Jefferson City - Modernizing Missouri's Tax Policy: The Path to Eliminating the Income Tax
2026-03-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Madison’s Cafe, 216 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States
In his State of the State Address, Governor Kehoe asked: “Should Missouri begin a phased elimination of the individual income tax, with full repeal within the next five years?” He argued that doing so would help Missouri compete with states that do not levy an income tax and strengthen long-term economic growth.
You’re invited to an exclusive event featuring Senator Curtis Trent, Representative Bishop Davidson, and Show-Me Institute’s Elias Tsapelas. They will examine Missouri’s current tax structure and explore proposals under consideration to begin phasing out the state income tax.
Key questions include:

What steps would Missouri need to take to eliminate the individual income tax?
How will taxpayers be impacted?
Would eliminating the income tax boost economic growth?
What changes to the state budget would be required?

Senator Trent, Representative Davidson, and Elias Tsapelas will address these questions and more, with time for audience Q&A.
This complimentary event is open to anyone interested in policies shaping Missouri’s future. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues.

REGISTER HERE

Monday, March 30
Madison’s Cafe
216 Madison Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Doors open: 5:30 p.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 6:30—7:30 p.m.
COMPLIMENTARY (includes dinner and beverages)

Advance registration is required. Walk-up registration will not be permitted.

REGISTER HERE

Next Gen Connection Hour with the Show-Me Institute
2026-03-31 16:45 - 18:00 | Cafe Napoli, 7754 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton, MO, 63105
April Ballot Issues and Local Data Centers – Get the Facts!
Join us for the Next Generation Connection Hour with the Show-Me Institute,
a unique opportunity to hear directly from our policy experts about the most pressing state and local issues that are directly impacting the lives of Missouri’s citizens.
Brenda Talent, David Stokes, and Avery Frank will discuss the pros and cons of the taxes on the April ballot, the debates surrounding data centers, and the role of nuclear energy within the state.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
4:45–5:15 p.m. Networking Reception
5:15–6:00 p.m. Discussion and Q&A

Cafe Napoli
7754 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
RSVP Here
This complimentary event is open to anyone interested in learning more about policies that could shape Missouri’s future. Come, have a drink and engage in meaningful conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues.

Springfield - Modernizing Missouri's Tax Policy: The Path to Eliminating the Income Tax
2026-04-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Ocean Zen, 4117 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65807
In his State of the State Address, Governor Kehoe asked: “Should Missouri begin a phased elimination of the individual income tax, with full repeal within the next five years?” He argued that doing so would help Missouri compete with states that do not levy an income tax and strengthen long-term economic growth.
You’re invited to an exclusive event featuring Senator Curtis Trent, Representative Bishop Davidson, and Show-Me Institute’s Elias Tsapelas. They will examine Missouri’s current tax structure and explore proposals under consideration to begin phasing out the state income tax.
Key questions include:

What steps would Missouri need to take to eliminate the individual income tax?
How will taxpayers be impacted?
Would eliminating the income tax boost economic growth?
What changes to the state budget would be required?

Senator Trent, Representative Davidson, and Elias Tsapelas will address these questions and more, with time for audience Q&A.
This complimentary event is open to anyone interested in policies shaping Missouri’s future. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues.
REGISTER HERE

Thursday, April 2, 2026
Ocean Zen
4117 South National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
Doors open: 5:30 p.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 6:30—7:30 p.m.
COMPLIMENTARY (includes dinner and beverages)
Advance registration is required. Walk-up registration will not be permitted.
REGISTER HERE

Crime, Corruption, and Federal Justice in St. Louis
2026-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 | WashU Law, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130
In partnership with WashU Law Federalist Society,
the Show-Me Institute is pleased to present
The Honorable Thomas C. Albus
United States Attorney
and former adjunct professor at WashU Law
In the last fifty years, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri has gone from a small prosecutor’s office to an important part of our region’s response to crime. This change has come about in response to the history of crime in St. Louis and through the leadership of numerous chief federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials.
Mr. Albus will review the organized crime investigations of the 1980s, the large narcotics investigations of the 1990s, the post-9/11 restructuring of the FBI, and more recent violent crime and public corruption matters with attention to some of St. Louis’s most notorious criminal cases.
To RSVP, please email events@showmeinstitute.org.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
12:00 noon
WashU Law
Anheuser-Busch Hall, Room 204
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130

RSVP for this Complimentary Event Here

New Gen Connection Hour in St. Charles
2026-04-09 17:00 - 18:30 | OPO Startups, 119 S. Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri, 63301
April Ballot Issues and Local Data Centers – Get the Facts!
Join us for the Next Generation Connection Hour with the Show-Me Institute, a unique opportunity to hear directly from our policy experts about the most pressing state and local issues that are directly impacting the lives of Missouri’s citizens.
Brenda Talent, David Stokes, and Avery Frank will discuss the outcomes of the April ballot elections and the economic implications the tax votes will have on St. Charles County, Missouri’s serious literacy crisis, and the debates surrounding data centers.
RSVP to events@showmeinstitute.org
Thursday, April 9, 2026
OPO Startups
119 S. Main Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
5:00–5:30 p.m. Networking Reception
5:30–6:30 p.m. Discussion and Q&A
Complimentary appetizers and drinks
This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about policies that could shape Missouri’s future. Come, have a drink and engage in meaningful conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!
