The following is a list of networking events in Northwest Arkansas that will be happening in 2020. 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
Join the Conductor, young professionals and the startup community for Startup Stories, an event celebrating the startup community through storytelling. Entrepreneurs share their story in 10-15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q &A with the audience. Get a first-hand account of the successes and challenges faced by Arkansas entrepreneurs and how they found their start. This month we will hear from David Tapp with deTASO. Get the chance to hear Tapp's startup story and business advice!
Typically don't have presenters or give 60-second commercials. We do build and grow relationships of trust and support local businesses. Remember to bring your business cards to share with someone you'd like to have a connect meeting with and possibly enter in to win one of our awesome door prizes!
Free with Chamber Membership
Chamber Membership Required
Complimentary snacks and drinks, door prizes, and networking with other members of the Fayetteville Chamber.
Cost: $10.00
Avg. Attendance 100 - 150
This unique, Christ-centered event brings together (literally) hundreds of professionals from all over Northwest Arkansas (and beyond) for 'connection, equipping, and fellowship'. The Summit also brings in some pretty impressive business and civic leaders from around the country to share insights you just can't get anywhere else. Plus, lunch is top class, and the door prizes are probably the best in the area! The speaker for this event will be Sam Pittman, Head Football Coach, University of Arkansas.
$165.00
The Blockchain Center of Excellence at the Sam M. Walton College of Business is hosting technology, industry and academic experts to share on Blockchain and related topics at the 2020 Blockchain for Business Conference. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from world-class leaders who are creating the internet of value. Together, we will explore how decentralized information and value exchange online is transforming real businesses today.
The 2020 keynotes, panelists, and industry breakout sessions will address open frameworks and tools, enterprise mindshifts, evolving regulation, ecosystem building and much more. Conference participants will be exposed to different forms of blockchain, including public, private, permissioned, and hybrid solutions.
$50 - $130
The Arkansas Women in Agriculture Conference is an excellent networking event for Arkansas women involved in agriculture. The annual conference gives participants a chance to learn more about hot agriculture topics, resources for their farm, issues in production agriculture and today's family concerns. This year we're offering three tracks again, with one specifically tailored for college students with a workshop focuses on careers in agriculture.
Cost: No information provided
Registration Required
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Fayetteville Public Library is partnering with the Startup Junkie Foundation, a local community group that empowers entrepreneurs and innovators, to present this program. In this session Startup Junkie's Executive Consultant Martha Londagin will review the Lean Canvas design for starting any small business be it a "side hustle" started while still employed, a small sole-proprietorship d/b/a model, or an official LLC startup entity.
Basic topics such as owner experience and passion for the industry chosen, business structure, first steps to take as a road map, funding ideas, low or no-cost marketing ideas, personal testing of the consumer or client market base will be discussed. Networking opportunity available before and afterward.
Cost: Free
Join the Conductor for Game Changers with Christina Lecuyer, a former professional golfer, three-time reality television competitor, confidence and mindset coach, motivational speaker, and founder of Women with C.L.A.S.S. Mastermind as well as “Decide It’s Your Turn: Women’s Weekend”. Christina helps women to know they are #worthyaf to live a confident, purposeful, abundant life. Don't miss a chance to hear about Christina's life and business advice, and network over food! This event is free and open to the public!
Agenda:
• 5:30 p.m. - Doors Open + Food + Networking
• 6:00 p.m. - Chat with Christina Lecuyer
• 7:00 p.m. - Networking
Cost: $45.00
FOUNDER 2 FOUNDER (F2F) is a dine-around series where we hear from founders who have achieved major milestones in the life of their startup. The event will begin with networking, followed by a meal, and will conclude with a guided discussion of how our guest founder navigated their startup through major milestones like buying, selling, and merging.
The speaker for this event is Jessica Hester, RA. Jessica is the owner of Verdant Studio, a nationally recognized architectural firm based in Northwest Arkansas. Jessica's amazing career started in Oklahoma and she's been trailblazing in the architectural world ever since. Jessica has many passions, but one thing we love about Jessica is she recently expanded her business by purchasing a larger architectural firm. Her bold approach to scale and business is matched only by her passion for community and inclusive housing solutions.
Ticket price includes a fixed-menu of Mediterranean cuisine which includes two alcoholic drink tickets in the beautifully designed Fox Trail Distillery.
Cost: $5 - $10
Come out to the 30th Annual Home Show and explore over 100 vendors. See the industries newest trends for remodeling and building the home of your dreams!
$0 - $99
Techstars Startup Weekends are 48-hour events designed to provide superior experiential education for technical and non-technical entrepreneurs. Beginning with Friday night pitches and continuing through brainstorming, business plan development, and basic prototype creation, Techstars Startup Weekends culminate in Sunday night demos and presentations. Participants create working startups during the event and are able to collaborate with like-minded individuals outside of their daily networks. All teams hear talks by industry leaders and receive valuable feedback from local entrepreneurs. The weekend is centered around action, innovation, and education. Whether you are looking for feedback on an idea, a co-founder, specific skill sets, or a team to help you execute, Techstars Startup Weekends are the perfect environment in which to test your idea and take the first steps towards launching your own startup.
Orchestrated by the Center for Advancing Innovation (CAI) and supported by the Walton Family Foundation, SCALE - Supply Chain and Logistics Enterprises - is a global startup challenge to disrupt supply chain, logistics and transportation across industries (e.g. food, fashion, pharma, retail, entertainment) using high tech.
20 SCALE Challenge winners will pitch a room of investors in an exclusive, invite-only event at the Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a new contemporary art space satellite to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opening in downtown Bentonville and will be a cultural hub where inspiration brings together musicians, visual artists and the entire community.
Cost: $50.00 - $125.00
The APHA annual meeting is a place where public health professionals come together to learn, network and engage with public health leaders and organizations to discuss the latest in research and best practices in public health. We expect more than 300 conference participants and will offer learning opportunities ranging from plenary sessions with public health leaders to hands-on workshops led by local program experts.
Cost: Free
Join the Conductor, young professionals and the startup community for Startup Stories, an event celebrating the startup community through storytelling. Entrepreneurs share their story in 10-15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience. Get a first-hand account of the successes and challenges faced by Arkansas entrepreneurs and how they found their start. This month we will hear from Lacey Vance with Hounds Hideaway. Get the chance to hear Vance's startup story and business advice! Lacey Vance is a recruiter and marketer-turned-entrepreneur mixed with Crazy Dog Lady. As the founder and Head Human at Hounds Hideaway, she handles everything from marketing and furry customer service to mopping floors. Lacey is a Jonesboro native with a BS in Marketing from ASU, and has called Conway home since 2011. She currently serves on the Board of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and serves as Director of Beagle Basecamp, a local nonprofit rescue group that sends beagles to forever homes through Colorado Beagle Rescue.
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.
Members: $25 | Non-Members $35
A true experience of Louisiana right here in Northwest Arkansas! The event will feature:
• An authentic Crawfish Boil with all the fixins'
• Live Music
• Craft beer & other tasty bites
• Lip Sync Battle
• Honarary Guest; To be announced soon
This one-day, interactive conference provides professionals with an opportunity to enhance relevant workplace skills. Hear from industry veterans on topics that align with this year’s theme.
Cost: $100.00
NWA TechFest is a for-geeks-by-geeks technology conference held each Spring in NWA. Its goal is to bring the tech community together to learn, interact, and network, as well as promote diversity in STEM, sharing of best practices, and promotion of transferable skills. Proceeds from each conference go to assist STEM-related initiatives in the Northwest Arkansas community.
Day one is the NWA TechFest you know and love. It will enrich those currently working in our technology community with insightful presentations on a variety of technical and communication-oriented topics. Day two will empower students and attendees with knowledge of their local community, including how to further educational, employment, and charitable opportunities in NWA. The focus will be on what it's like to work in STEM careers and hands-on activities.
Cost: No information provided
Save the date for this Pitch Contest – more details to come!
$0 - $99
Techstars Startup Weekends are 48-hour events designed to provide superior experiential education for technical and non-technical entrepreneurs. Beginning with Friday night pitches and continuing through brainstorming, business plan development, and basic prototype creation, Techstars Startup Weekends culminate in Sunday night demos and presentations. Participants create working startups during the event and are able to collaborate with like-minded individuals outside of their daily networks. All teams hear talks by industry leaders and receive valuable feedback from local entrepreneurs. The weekend is centered around action, innovation, and education. Whether you are looking for feedback on an idea, a co-founder, specific skill sets, or a team to help you execute, Techstars Startup Weekends are the perfect environment in which to test your idea and take the first steps towards launching your own startup.
Cost: Free
Avg. Attendance 30
Fayetteville Chamber Membership Required
Complimentary breakfast, door prizes, and networking with members of the Fayetteville Chamber.
Cost: Free
Join the Conductor, young professionals and the startup community for Startup Stories, an event celebrating the startup community through storytelling. Entrepreneurs share their story in 10-15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q &A with the audience. Get a first-hand account of the successes and challenges faced by Arkansas entrepreneurs and how they found their start. This month we will hear from Christi Baker with Healthcare Transformed. Get the chance to hear Baker's startup story and business advice! Christi Baker is the CEO/President of Healthcare Marketing Associates and the Founder of Healthcare Transformed.
Cost: Team - $700.00
Registration Required
This four-person scramble with shotgun start times of 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at beautiful Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers. The tournament is a fun day for Chamber members to come together, compete for prizes and network with other players. It's a great way to treat yourself, reward company employees and say thank you to special clients on the golf course.
Players can test their skills in the hole-in-one, longest drive, closest-to-the-pin and putting contests. Prizes will be awarded for top finishing team and individual contest winners. Each golfer will receive two complimentary adult beverage tickets, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Breakfast will be served for the morning golfers. Lunch will be served to every golfer.
Cost: $175 Single | $600 Team of Four
The Spring Classic four person scramble is themed after the "Masters" but in Fayetteville, so that means golfers compete for their very own Purple Jacket! This tournament boasts great prizes, great awards, delicious food, 19th hole networking event, and prizes for all! Lunch at noon, and a 1:00 pm shotgun start.
Free with Chamber Membership
Chamber Membership Required
Complimentary snacks and drinks, door prizes, and networking with other members of the Fayetteville Chamber.
Free with Chamber Membership
Chamber Membership Required
Complimentary snacks and drinks, door prizes, and networking with other members of the Fayetteville Chamber.
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.
Members: $40 | Non-Members: $50
Experience TheatreSquared and get 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.
Free with Fayetteville Chamber Membership
Fayetteville Chamber Membership Required
Complimentary snacks and drinks, door prizes, and networking with other members of the Fayetteville Chamber.
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.
WalStreet Members: $0 | MainStreet Members: $25 | Non-Members: $50
The WalStreet Member Bike & Brew is a high energy, next-gen social event for everyone from bike borrower to the aspiring adventureprenuer 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. The event is powered by the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce WalStreet Program and is open to all. This is less a ride atmosphere than it is a post-ride atmosphere.
The bike route will take our riders around town to 5 featured stops to be announced soon. The check in will start at 1:00 pm location will be announced soon. The ride will start at 2:00 - the charity poker ride, which covers roughly 8 miles over 2 hours with stops along the way to demonstrate the ease of cycling and engagement with local merchants. After the ride cyclists will ease over to the post-ride party, that will feature food, craft beer, music, and a bicycle stunt show by Chris Clark.
Riders can purchase an optional "Poker Score Card" to make your ride a "Poker Ride" and to support our non-profit partner. Turn in your score cards at the post-ride party. Winning poker hand will be announce and will win a great prize to be announced soon.
Celebrating the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in Northwest Arkansas. We are looking for the best attendance ever as we expand our lineup of activities and promotions, including a soccer skills contests for all ages; Dance contests; Parade of Nations; Music and entertainment; Giveaways and drawings and much, much more.
This second annual all-day women's conference will include business and business organization exhibitors, educational breakout sessions, networking, and keynote addresses from business experts and successful women entrepreneurs who will present their success stories in doing business, advice on mentorship and a look at their battles along the way.
Team Cost: $350 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.
Free with Fayetteville Chamber Membership
Fayetteville Chamber Membership Required
Complimentary snacks and drinks, door prizes, and networking with other members of the Fayetteville Chamber.
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
Avg. Attendance 30
Fayetteville Chamber Membership Required
Complimentary breakfast, door prizes, and networking with members of the Fayetteville Chamber.
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.
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.