The following is a list of networking events in Northwest Arkansas that will be happening in 2018. Events are added and updated weekly as new information becomes available, so check back often! (For a list of B2B networking groups that meet regularly in and around Northwest Arkansas visit our B2B Networking Groups page. And if we've missed any events (or you spot one that needs a correction), shoot us an email via our contact form!
Cost: Free
Startup Junkie and Cox Media are hosting this event as part of a four-part series dedicated to marketing for startups and small businesses. This is the second session in the series and will focus on helping startups and small businesses find their way: strategy, placement and optimization – what are your results?
Cost: Free
Gig Coffee Socials are a monthly in-person gathering hosted by The Gig Community. We like to get together to bond over the unique triumphs and woes that being a gig worker bring. Our events are open to any 1099/contract worker in the 4-county Northwest Arkansas area! Even if you earn just a bit of income from self-employment/contract work, we want you to join us!
Cost: Free
Avg. Attendance 5 - 10
Super fun and lighthearted little group of networkers hosted by Philip Knight of Bankers Capital Funding. The core of this group has been meeting for years (decades?) and is mostly bankers/lenders of various kinds, but the event is 100% open to all. The group meets in the back of the restaurant, to the left of the bar – look for a couple of tables pushed together with a group of people laughing way too loud for 4:30 on a Tuesday...
Cost: No information provided
The 5th Annual Life Stages Connect will allow members and non-members to network in small groups connected by Life Stages. Each Life Stage group will have a leader assigned to facilitate dialogue on relevant topics.
Cost: $25.00
Join Women In Networking of NWA for a luncheon!
Cost: Free
Join Stephen Ashmore and Dr. Michael Gashler from SupplyPike to discuss the applications of machine learning technology in supply chain. You’ll learn how machine learning algorithms can enhance and simplify replenishment, forecasting, phantom inventory, and sales by store analyses as a supplier.
Cost: Free
Ready to tackle some summer reading? Join AIGA NWA August 24 at Nightbird Books for a discussion on their next book, Pattern Recognition by William Gibson (or follow along in the Slack Channel)! As a special perk to AIGA NWA members, Nightbird Books will offer a 20% discount to anyone that places a special order through their store.
Do you like camaraderie, happy hours, and bikes? If so, then Bike Friendly Meetups are for you! It's a low-key gathering of bike friends sharing ideas, stories, and visions they have to make their town more bike-friendly. Enjoy in-depth conversations, actionable takeaways, and hands-on activities.
Cost: Free
Avg. Attendance 5 - 10
Super fun and lighthearted little group of networkers hosted by Philip Knight of Bankers Capital Funding. The core of this group has been meeting for years (decades?) and is mostly bankers/lenders of various kinds, but the event is 100% open to all. The group meets in the back of the restaurant, to the left of the bar – look for a couple of tables pushed together with a group of people laughing way too loud for 4:30 on a Tuesday...
$12.00 - $25.00
Details coming soon!
Cost: Free
This month, leisurlist is teaming up with Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders to incorporate a philanthropic element to this happy hour! Sample cocktails and appetizers from Theo's and learn about local non-profits who need young professional volunteers and board members just like you. Come alone or come with friends and hang out with us to meet like-minded yopros along the way! First round is courtesy of Theo's Rogers, so all you need to do is register for your free ticket, show up and make friends--it's that easy!
Come by and tour the Child Care Aware NWA office. There will be snacks, door prizes, and more. Celebrating 25 years of service.
Cost: $0.00 - $10.00
The whiteboard challenge – an exercise anyone interested in a UX position will most likely do – is a solid way for prospective employers to get into the mind of the designer. Join Dennis Wemyss as he shows how to navigate nailing a whiteboard challenge for work, covering everything from battling assumptions with questioning and understanding every stakeholder’s needs, to using psychology to get into our users’ heads. Then test out your new knowledge with an hour-long wireframe challenge. Make sure to bring research on the business you would want to create the wireframe for. We’ll provide breakfast and whiteboards.
Cost: Free
Avg. Attendance 5 - 10
Super fun and lighthearted little group of networkers hosted by Philip Knight of Bankers Capital Funding. The core of this group has been meeting for years (decades?) and is mostly bankers/lenders of various kinds, but the event is 100% open to all. The group meets in the back of the restaurant, to the left of the bar – look for a couple of tables pushed together with a group of people laughing way too loud for 4:30 on a Tuesday...
Cost: Free
Avg. Attendance 5 - 10
Super fun and lighthearted little group of networkers hosted by Philip Knight of Bankers Capital Funding. The core of this group has been meeting for years (decades?) and is mostly bankers/lenders of various kinds, but the event is 100% open to all. The group meets in the back of the restaurant, to the left of the bar – look for a couple of tables pushed together with a group of people laughing way too loud for 4:30 on a Tuesday...
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Notes: Women only event; Facebook has event starting at 11:00, Chamber website says 11:30;
This luncheon will be an interactive workshop with Laurie Malloy, Founder of Simple Spaces, LLC. Learn to outline the priorities in your life by using a ‘wheel of life’. This diagram will serve as a visual representation of what is important to you and will reveal how you are doing in each area. Upon completing the exercise, you will be able to identify the areas to take actionable steps with successfully integrating your life and your work.
LOCATION NOTE: Chamber website lists 1 College Drive (in Bentonville) however the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technologies is located at 1000 SE Eagle Way – Doc4 is guessing the SE Eagle Way address is the correct one!
Members: $40 | Non-Members: $50
Note: Facebook Event has starting time as 9:00, Chamber website has it as 8:00
Experience the brand new TheatreSquared, get a firsthand look at the new Chamber rebranding, and see a sneak peak at upcoming events and programs. Each award category will highlight three of the top nominees using professionally produced videos, and will show why every business involved is a staple and deserves accolades, recognition, and community support.
Cost: Free
Non-Members are invited!
The members of SMPS Ozarks will gather for their annual meeting and Board of Directors transition. Members and non-members are then invited. Meeting will be from 3-4 p.m and a social of heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks following.
Cost: Free
Note: It's unclear if non-members may attend.
HCMA hasn't provided much info about this event – looks like there's no cost to attend but it's not clear if you have to be a member of the group to get in. We'll check it out and update this if/when we find out more!
$79 - $99
This Speaker Series brings together the resources of internationally-recognized subject matter experts to provide unique and actionable insights that increase your knowledge of all things retail and improve overall results. This event features Todd Harbaugh, Executive Vice President of Walmart Supercenters and former Chief Operating Officer of Sam's Club & Walmart Mexico.
Members: $0 | Non-Members: $30
Avg. Attendance 15 - 45
From the organizers: "In this presentation we will be covering an overview of SHRM D&I initiatives, progress made so far in 2019 and practical ways to promote true Inclusion in your organization. Specific topics will include but not be limited to the Gender Pay Gap, Mental Illness and other 'Unseen' Disabilities, Getting Talent Back to Work, Hiring Veterans, #MeTooMovement and its effects, and Hiring Individuals over the age of 50. Essentially, we will come to a real world understanding of how to make “being invited to dance” a reality for so many that are in our organizations but do not feel a true sense of belonging."
Free with Chamber Membership
Chamber Membership Required
Caffeinate is a monthly networking event for members and guests. You can count on making some valuable connections, delicious food, great coffee, and door prizes.
$0.00 - $15.00
The biggest startup party of the year! A one-night tour of NWA's amazing startup community! Get ready for live music, food trucks, beer gardens (unlimited beer with purchase of souvenir cup ticket), and get to know some of the most exciting startup and technology companies in Northwest Arkansas! Learn about the incredible entrepreneurial ecosystem and discover the movers and shakers of the startup community.
Cost: Free
Pretty excited to check out NWA's First Annual Architecture & Engineering Expo – they'll be featuring several companies specializing in the fields of architecture, engineering, interior design, and more.
Cost: Free
This workshop – brought to you by NWA Car Clinic – is an interactive and fun way to learn the basics about your car, what maintenance you can be doing to prolong the life of your car (and save money), how to talk to a mechanic, and what to do in an emergency. We provide a safe space for you to: ask questions, let go of any shame of being an uneducated car owner, and become a more confident driver. For anyone who would love to learn more about their car, these workshops are interactive with no crazy, over your head car talk. Practical and easy tips and lessons like, what is the purpose of coolant? How can I tell if I need brakes? What do the letters on the side of my tire mean? What can I touch under the hood of my car? What should I not touch? And so much more!
Cost: $5
Note: Appears to be women-only
Hustle in Heels - LADIES LEAD NWA is an initiative of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce dedicated to empowering, educating, and connecting women with a modern approach to professional and business development. Light appetizers will be provided and a cash bar is located on site.
Come to this presentation to learn about what research studies show makes people great at networking, the many varied types of professional/business and casual networking opportunities available in Northwest Arkansas, and specific tips from Martha Londagin - a seasoned networking pro - about how to build your personal networking plan. Martha’s own “Three B’s of Networking” are simple tips to learn in order to grow your skills in community networking.
Cost: Free
Gig Coffee Socials are a monthly in-person gathering hosted by The Gig Community. We like to get together to bond over the unique triumphs and woes that being a gig worker bring. Our events are open to any 1099/contract worker in the 4-county Northwest Arkansas area! Even if you earn just a bit of income from self-employment/contract work, we want you to join us!
$65 - $149
Avg. Attendance 1,500
The NWA Business Women's Conference is the premier women's conference in the region. Known for its outstanding keynote speakers and networking opportunities, more than 1,500 of northwest Arkansas' most accomplished business women attend the conference each year.
Cost: $30.00 - $40.00
Avg. Attendance 40 - 60
Rogers-Lowell Chamber Membership Required
This may be the best networking bang for your networking buck! Six business representatives sit at a table and each participant at the table has two minutes to promote their products and services. Then, we rotate to two other tables and rinse and repeat, which means you get to network with at least 18 participants. That's a lot of networking! So be sure to bring plenty of business cards, brochures, product samples, and promo items to hand out.
The Business After Hours business-building networking event keeps growing in popularity, with close to 100 business networkers attending on average at each event. One of the main reasons is that you get to mix and mingle with other Northwest Arkansas business professionals and find out what other businesses have to offer. It's a fun way to make new contacts, generate business leads, and find new vendors!
Cost: $100.00 - $150.00
Great developers aren’t just found in the Valley, or Seattle, or New York. They’re right here in Arkansas, in the heart of America. In the middle of “nowhere.” The name, Nowhere Developers, is our way of tipping our hats to all the incredible developer talent in our region. For this reason, our mission is to provide a platform for industry professionals to engage in top-notch, pure-tech events in the state of Arkansas.
The Nowhere Developers Conference will star local, regional, and national speakers that will talk about the state of technology, software engineering, machine learning, and our region’s technology ecosystem. The conference will feature various expert-led sessions tailored to our attendees technological interests. Local food will be provided to foster community and attendee interaction. Additionally, attendees can look forward to networking, appetizers, and drinks at the afterparty.
WalStreet Members: $0 | MainStreet Members: $25 | Non-Members: $50
The WalStreet Member Bike & Brew is a high energy social event for anyone wishing to make new friends, engage in our community, and increase their professional network while enjoying the world-class outdoor amenities NWA has to offer. This year's ride supports the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County. After the ride, enjoy food from Brightwater Culinary, and Brews from Bike Rack. Enjoy an exciting Bike Stunt Show from Chris Clark, Music and Fun!
Chamber Membership + WalStreet Membership Required
The Bentonville Chamber's WalStreet Speaker Series provides opportunities for Walmart and Sam’s Club executives to engage with front-line supplier employees. Steve Breen, SVP Merchandising at Walmart, will be the speaker for this event.
Free with Chamber Membership
Chamber Membership Required
This informal event being put on by the Bentonville Chamber will allow you to showcase your company, meet with other members of the business community and network in a casual atmosphere. Refreshments and food will be provided.
Team Cost: $350.00 Members | $450 Non-Members
Registration Required
This is a fun opportunity to engage with others in the community, promote your business and encourage economic development of the area through networking. This event is open to both Main Street, WalStreet and non Chamber members. In addition to golf, there are also various sponsorship packages available offering you the opportunity to promote exposure for your brand in a relaxed environment.
$20.00
Avg. Attendance 150 - 300
GiveCamp is a weekend-long event where technology professionals and creatives including designers, developers, database administrators, marketers, content creators, and web strategists donate their time to provide technology solutions for non-profit organizations. We have volunteers who come to Northwest Arkansas from all over the state to make a major difference for the weekend!
Free
Avg. Attendance 50 - 60
The Startup Junkie team interviews Warren Stephens about his view of the Arkansas startup landscape, capital, and his experience in business.
Cost: No information provided by organizers
SMPS Ozarks is proud to present Sandra Lauro and this informative presentation. The demographic makeup of the United States has changed dramatically over the last 25 years and is continuing to do so. Our country’s population is more diverse in ethnicity, religion, national origin, and in other ways than ever before. As a result, we are more likely to come into contact in professional settings and in the workplace with people unlike ourselves, and this can lead to conflict and unconscious bias in decisions and interactions. This is an outcome that is counter-productive and may even be illegal.
The objectives of this highly interactive presentation are to
1. Identify your own unconscious biases
2. Understand and identify how unconscious bias can present in professional and work related settings
3. Identify effective strategies to diffuse and defeat intentional and unconscious bias in professional and work-related settings
$13.50
Note: It's unclear if non-members may attend.
Guest speakers will be Donna Galloway and Holly Johnson.
Members: $0 | Non-Members $30
Avg. Attendance 15 - 45
Save the date – event information coming soon!
Cost: TBD
No details on this event yet but we'll update as soon as we know more!
Free with Chamber Membership
Chamber Membership Required
Caffeinate is a monthly networking event for members and guests. You can count on making some valuable connections, delicious food, great coffee, and door prizes.
Cost: Team - $400.00
Rogers-Lowell Chamber Membership Required
Back for its third year, this popular event offers members a unique and fun opportunity to network with other business professionals and conduct business on the range at Gunsmoke Sporting Clays in Garfield. Sponsors may invite special customers/clients to join them as a gesture of thanks or reward employees with a day of team building. Shooters receive continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, ammo, goodie bags and beverages. Experienced and novice shooters alike are welcome!
Free
Avg. Attendance 50 - 60
Selling online is simple... in theory. Hitting KPI's across multiple online selling platforms is complex. Stonehenge Technology Labs is playing multi-platform eCommerce speed chess... with the smartest team on the planet! Hear from their Founder, Meagan Kinmonth Bowman. We'll be asking Meagan about her experience building a technology startup in NWA and some of the lessons learned along the way.
Cost: Free
Gig Coffee Socials are a monthly in-person gathering hosted by The Gig Community. We like to get together to bond over the unique triumphs and woes that being a gig worker bring. Our events are open to any 1099/contract worker in the 4-county Northwest Arkansas area! Even if you earn just a bit of income from self-employment/contract work, we want you to join us!
Free with Chamber Membership
Membership Required; Registration Not Required
This month's Business After Hours features "Networking with a Purpose," a nonprofit showcase hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders and the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. This event is set up so you can meet and network with contacts from a variety of local nonprofit organizations. You'll find out how you can volunteer and contribute, learn what services are provided by nonprofits, and discover what products and services these organizations need.
Cost: TBD
Avg. Attendance 1,000
The Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit brings together small businesses, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, retail and suppliers, technology, academia and communication and social media professionals to celebrate technology, innovation and the power of digital in shaping our future. Forward-thinking and practitioner-driven general session speakers and high value breakout sessions deliver ways to effectively collaborate on innovative solutions to common business challenges and learn how technology is powering change and leveling the playing field.
Members: $30 | Non-Members: $40
34 new people are moving to NWA each day, with Bentonville being one of the fastest growing cities. Investing in quality of life is vital to the growth of our community, there is no shortage of things to do in northwest Arkansas; where nature meets art, meets music, meets food, meets education; so on. These intersections are what make the region so unique. During this lunchtime discussion, you will hear from business representatives about the growth of Bentonville's entreprenurial scene and how it impacts your business.
Free with Chamber Membership
Chamber Membership Required
Caffeinate is a monthly networking event for members and guests. You can count on making some valuable connections, delicious food, great coffee, and door prizes.
Cost: No information provided
This is an annual HR conference for managers, supervisors, and business leaders. This year's conference will feature presentations from Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C.
Cost: Free
Gig Coffee Socials are a monthly in-person gathering hosted by The Gig Community. We like to get together to bond over the unique triumphs and woes that being a gig worker bring. Our events are open to any 1099/contract worker in the 4-county Northwest Arkansas area! Even if you earn just a bit of income from self-employment/contract work, we want you to join us!
Cost: $30.00 - $40.00
Avg. Attendance 40 - 60
Rogers-Lowell Chamber Membership Required
This may be the best networking bang for your networking buck! Six business representatives sit at a table and each participant at the table has two minutes to promote their products and services. Then, we rotate to two other tables and rinse and repeat, which means you get to network with at least 18 participants. That's a lot of networking! So be sure to bring plenty of business cards, brochures, product samples, and promo items to hand out.
Free with Chamber Membership
This informal event being put on by the Bentonville Chamber will allow you to showcase your company, meet with other members of the business community and network in a casual atmosphere. Refreshments and food will be provided.
This informal event being put on by both the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber and the Bentonville Chamber to allow you to showcase your company, meet with other members of the business community, and network in a casual atmosphere. Refreshments and food will be provided.
Chamber Membership + WalStreet Membership Required
The Bentonville Chamber's WalStreet Speaker Series provides opportunities for Walmart and Sam’s Club executives to engage with front-line supplier employees. Simon Belsham, President at Jet.com, will be the speaker for this event.
Free with Chamber Membership
Chamber Membership Required
Caffeinate is a monthly networking event for members and guests. You can count on making some valuable connections, delicious food, great coffee, and door prizes.
Cost: Free
Gig Coffee Socials are a monthly in-person gathering hosted by The Gig Community. We like to get together to bond over the unique triumphs and woes that being a gig worker bring. Our events are open to any 1099/contract worker in the 4-county Northwest Arkansas area! Even if you earn just a bit of income from self-employment/contract work, we want you to join us!
The Business After Hours business-building networking event keeps growing in popularity, with close to 100 business networkers attending on average at each event. One of the main reasons is that you get to mix and mingle with other Northwest Arkansas business professionals and find out what other businesses have to offer. It's a fun way to make new contacts, generate business leads, and find new vendors!