Want your event added to our Events page? Contact Tracie Spivey at tspivey@uca.edu
The Southern Economic Development Council: 2026 Annual Conference
When: Sunday, August 16, 2026 to Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Where: Bonita Springs, FL
About: The Southern Economic Development Council, North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association, will gather in beautiful Bonita Springs, Florida at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point for #SEDC2026 from August 16 through 18, 2026.
This landmark event will bring together more than 700 of the world’s leading economy builders, visionary leaders, and changemakers for three days of powerful learning, transformative collaboration, and unforgettable experiences. Attendees will enjoy dynamic keynote sessions, practical breakout discussions, and unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers and partners who are shaping the future of economic growth.
With the stunning Gulf Coast as our backdrop, SEDC 2026 promises not only cutting-edge insights and strategies but also an inspiring environment that captures the spirit of innovation and progress in the American South.
Fees are provided on the registration webpage.
Registration: https://www.sedc.org/events/2026-annual-conference–bonita-springs-fl/register
AEDCE 2026 Business in the ‘Boro
When: August 23–25, 2026
Where: Embassy Suites in Jonesboro, Arkansas
About: Ten years. One milestone event. Endless opportunities.
Join Arkansas’s leading chamber executives, economic developers, entrepreneurs, workforce champions, elected officials and community leaders as AEDCE celebrates a decade of impact at its biggest conference yet. This isn’t just another annual meeting. It’s a gathering of the people shaping Arkansas’s future.
Over three action-packed days, you’ll hear from nationally recognized speakers, explore the trends transforming communities, and engage in conversations that matter. From artificial intelligence and data centers to workforce, childcare, housing and economic competitiveness, Business in the ’Boro is designed to help you lead what’s next.
Expect powerful keynote presentations, thought-provoking breakout sessions, the return of the popular site selector panel, exclusive networking events, the AEDCE Awards Luncheon, the State of the State Breakfast, and special experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re building a stronger chamber, recruiting industry, supporting entrepreneurs, developing workforce solutions or helping your community thrive, you’ll leave Jonesboro with fresh ideas, valuable connections and practical strategies you can put to work immediately.
Register: https://app.glueup.com/event/aedce-business-in-the-boro-182474/
CDI 2026
When: July 27 – July 31, 2026
Where: Conway, AR (University of Central Arkansas)
Registration fee: $600
About: CDI is a three-year community and economic development training program, with one week of training per year. Participants that graduate from CDI are eligible to become a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED).
75Strong Business Building Program
When: April 29, 2026 – September 30, 2026
About: The 75Strong Business Building Program is a 24 week virtual & FREE intensive program designed for Arkansas businesses looking to create a strategy to scale. Gain access to business growth professionals, a network of other companies across Arkansas looking to grow, and business growth curriculum designed to help you overcome obstacles and chart a path to sustainable growth. Applications are open now through April 10.
Professional Development In Motion: The Active Transportation Academy
When: September 22-25, or October 20-23, 2026
Where: Bentonville, AR
Registration fee: $2,850
About: The Active Transportation Academy is a four-day professional development course that equips engineers, planners, advocates, and elected officials with practical strategies to create safer, more connected communities through walking, biking, and micro-mobility. Participants experience Northwest Arkansas firsthand by traveling its multimodal corridors and learning from regional leaders and partners.
Register: Visit here to learn more and register!