List Of Manufacturing Events In Arkansas - 2026

Updated on March 3, 2026

Arkansas's manufacturing sector continues to expand across diverse industries including food processing, poultry production, and traditional manufacturing. With manufacturers seeking solutions to streamline operations and optimize cash flow, attending industry events provides crucial networking opportunities and insights into emerging trends. For businesses looking to enhance their financial operations while offering flexible payment terms to customers, Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform provides comprehensive support that addresses the unique challenges faced by manufacturers in today's competitive landscape.

Key Takeaways

• This list highlights 8 notable manufacturing-related events in 2026 that are relevant to Arkansas manufacturers, including in-state conferences plus one major out-of-state event with an Arkansas connection.
• Confirmed events include the 32nd Annual Agribusiness Conference (February 11), ARDOT/ACEC Joint Conference (April 7-8), PLMA Annual Meeting (April 15-17), and Poultry Symposium (October 13-14)
• Northwest Arkansas emerges as a manufacturing hub with multiple events concentrated in the Rogers/Bentonville/Springdale/Fayetteville corridor
• Food and agricultural manufacturing dominate the event calendar with dedicated conferences covering poultry, agribusiness, private label, and green industry production
• Events range from free admission conferences to premium multi-day experiences, providing options for businesses of all sizes
• Manufacturers can leverage accounts receivable automation solutions to manage cash flow challenges while expanding their customer base through event networking
• Business credit checks become essential when establishing new B2B relationships formed at these industry gatherings

1. PLANTS 2026 Trade Show & Conference

The PLANTS Trade Show & Conference serves the green industry manufacturing sector with a one-day in-person trade show with separate virtual recertification training components. This annual event typically takes place in January at the Benton Event Center.

Best For

Green industry manufacturers, horticulture producers, and landscaping equipment suppliers seeking to showcase products and connect with industry professionals.

Key Details

• Date: January 20, 2026
• Venue: Benton Event Center, Benton, AR
• Target Audience: Growers, retailers, service providers, and wholesalers
• Format: Trade show followed by virtual recertification training

Manufacturing Relevance

This event specifically targets manufacturers in the green industry supply chain, including equipment producers, irrigation system manufacturers, and horticultural product suppliers. The trade show format provides direct access to potential B2B customers who require flexible payment solutions for seasonal purchasing patterns.

Manufacturers exhibiting at PLANTS can offer net terms to buyers making significant equipment purchases, with Resolve handling credit assessment and payment collection while advancing up to 90% of invoice value within 24 hours.

2. Arkansas Rural Development Conference 2026

The Arkansas Rural Development Conference brings together community leaders, economic developers, and manufacturers to address rural economic growth and manufacturing support initiatives. This multi-day conference typically attracts over 600 attendees annually.

Best For

Manufacturers in rural communities seeking economic development resources, government support programs, and networking with community leaders who influence local business growth.

Key Details

• Date: May 19-21, 2026
• Venue: Red Wolf Convention Center and Embassy Suites, Jonesboro, AR
• Target Audience: Mayors, county judges, legislators, state/federal officials, and community leaders
• Hosted By: Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services

Manufacturing Relevance

This conference directly addresses the needs of rural manufacturers who often face unique challenges in accessing capital and managing cash flow. The event provides valuable connections to economic development programs administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission that assist rural manufacturers with planning, revitalization, and growth initiatives.

For rural manufacturers scaling operations, Resolve's non-recourse financing model eliminates credit risk while providing immediate access to working capital, enabling them to fulfill larger orders from customers met at the conference without straining existing cash reserves.

3. Agribusiness Conference (32nd Annual)

The 32nd Annual Agribusiness Conference at Arkansas State University provides a free educational forum for agricultural producers and manufacturers serving the farming sector.

Best For

Agricultural equipment manufacturers, input suppliers, and agribusiness service providers seeking to connect with producers and policymakers in Arkansas's vital agricultural sector.

Key Details

• Date: February 11, 2026
• Time: 7:30 AM registration; 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM program
• Venue: Red Wolf Convention Center, Arkansas State University campus, Jonesboro, AR
• Cost: FREE (pre-registration encouraged)
• Target Audience: Agricultural producers, agribusiness professionals, and policymakers

Manufacturing Relevance

With Arkansas's strong agricultural foundation, this conference connects manufacturers of farming equipment, processing machinery, and agricultural inputs with their core customer base. The free admission makes it an accessible opportunity for manufacturers of all sizes to showcase products and establish relationships.

Manufacturers can leverage Resolve for Sellers to offer credit to agricultural customers who often operate on seasonal cash flows, enabling them to purchase necessary equipment and supplies while maintaining their standard payment cycles.

4. ARDOT/ACEC Arkansas Joint Conference

The collaboration between the Arkansas Department of Transportation and American Council of Engineering Companies brings together infrastructure professionals whose work directly supports manufacturing logistics and facility development.

Best For

Manufacturing facility developers, logistics providers, and equipment manufacturers whose operations depend on transportation infrastructure and engineering services.

Key Details

• Date: April 7-8, 2026
• Venue: Northwest Arkansas Convention Center, Springdale, AR
• Target Audience: Engineering leaders, transportation professionals, policymakers, and industry partners
• Format: Two-day conference with breakout sessions and networking opportunities

Manufacturing Relevance

Infrastructure development directly impacts manufacturing operations through supply chain efficiency, facility access, and logistics optimization. This conference connects manufacturers with the engineering firms and transportation authorities who influence these critical factors.

Manufacturers attending can explore how B2B payments platform solutions integrate with engineering and construction payment cycles, which often involve complex milestone-based invoicing and extended payment terms.

5. PLMA 2026 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference

The Private Label Manufacturers Association conference serves food and consumer product manufacturers who produce private label goods, a significant sector in Arkansas's manufacturing landscape.

Best For

Food processors, packaging manufacturers, and consumer goods producers serving retail private label programs, particularly those connected to Northwest Arkansas's retail ecosystem.

Key Details

• Date: April 15-17, 2026
• Venue: Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas
• Target Audience: Private label manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers
• Focus: Private label manufacturing, packaging innovation, and supplier relationships

Manufacturing Relevance

Northwest Arkansas's proximity to major retail headquarters makes this conference particularly valuable for manufacturers serving private label programs. The event provides direct access to retail buyers and category managers who influence significant manufacturing volumes.

For private label manufacturers managing high-volume, recurring orders, accounts receivable with AI-powered automation can streamline the credit-to-cash cycle, automatically reconciling payments and reducing manual processing for complex retail invoicing requirements.

6. ASTM International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing (ICAM) 2026

While held in Orlando, Florida, ICAM 2026 features Arkansas participation through Arkansas Tech University's co-organization of key symposia, making it relevant for Arkansas's advanced manufacturing community.

Best For

Advanced manufacturing researchers, engineers, and companies working in aviation, polymers/composites, additive manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies with Arkansas connections.

Key Details

• Date: September 28 - October 2, 2026
• Venue: Hyatt Regency Orlando, Orlando, FL
• Arkansas Connection: Co-organized by Mohammad Amjadi, Arkansas Tech University
• Target Audience: Manufacturing researchers, engineers, standards developers, and government stakeholders
• Abstract Deadline: March 6, 2026
• Format: 5-day conference with symposia, student competitions, and expo

Manufacturing Relevance

This conference showcases cutting-edge manufacturing technologies including industrial applications (aviation, space, medical, energy), additive manufacturing, and AI/ML in manufacturing—sectors where Arkansas manufacturers are increasingly active.

Advanced manufacturers can benefit from Resolve's integrations with engineering and manufacturing software systems, ensuring seamless payment processing for complex, high-value transactions common in advanced manufacturing sectors.

7. Poultry Symposium for Live Production 2026

Arkansas's significant poultry industry is showcased at this two-day symposium focusing on live production advancements and best practices, representing a major manufacturing sector in the state.

Best For

Poultry equipment manufacturers, feed producers, processing technology suppliers, and veterinary product companies serving Arkansas's vital poultry industry.

Key Details

• Date: October 13-14, 2026
• Venue: Rogers Convention Center, Rogers, AR
• Target Audience: Farmers, producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, suppliers, and researchers
• Focus: Production technology innovations, STEM skills development, and industry networking

Manufacturing Relevance

Poultry processing represents one of Arkansas's largest manufacturing sectors, with equipment, feed production, and processing technology creating significant B2B opportunities. The symposium provides direct access to industry decision-makers who influence substantial purchasing decisions.

Poultry industry manufacturers can utilize business credit checks to quickly assess the creditworthiness of new customers met at the symposium, enabling them to extend appropriate credit limits while managing risk exposure.

8. Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase 2026

The Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase represents the state's premier manufacturing event. While 2026 dates are pending official announcement, the event is announced to return in fall 2026 following the 2025 inaugural event.

Best For

All Arkansas manufacturers seek comprehensive networking, educational sessions, and exposure to the latest manufacturing technologies and best practices across all sectors.

Key Details

• Expected Date: September 30 - October 1, 2026
• Expected Venue: Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock, AR
• Organizers: Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions & Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
• Format: Typically a two-day conference with pre-conference workshop

Manufacturing Relevance

As Arkansas's flagship manufacturing event, the Showcase provides networking across all manufacturing sectors. Previous programs have featured sessions on supply chain optimization, workforce development, additive manufacturing, IoT, and AI in manufacturing.

Manufacturers can prepare for post-event sales growth by implementing net terms management solutions that automate credit checks, invoicing, and collections for new customers acquired through conference networking.

Maximizing Your Manufacturing Event Investment

Attending Arkansas's diverse manufacturing events in 2026 provides invaluable opportunities to expand your business network, showcase products, and stay current with industry trends. However, the real value comes from converting event connections into profitable business relationships.

Manufacturers should prepare for post-event sales growth by implementing financial infrastructure that supports flexible B2B payment terms while protecting cash flow. Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform enables manufacturers to offer competitive payment terms to new customers met at these events without assuming credit risk or waiting for payment.

The platform's ability to advance up to 90% of invoice value within 24 hours addresses the cash flow challenges that often accompany business growth, while automated credit assessment, invoicing, and collections management reduce administrative burden during periods of expanded customer relationships.

With Arkansas's manufacturing events spanning traditional sectors like poultry and agriculture to emerging areas like biotech and advanced manufacturing, having a payment solution that scales across diverse customer types and transaction values becomes essential for sustainable growth. By attending these conferences and implementing the right financial infrastructure, Arkansas manufacturers can confidently offer net terms that close deals while maintaining healthy cash flow throughout periods of rapid expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can attending manufacturing events benefit my business in Arkansas?

Manufacturing events provide direct access to potential customers, suppliers, and industry partners across Arkansas's diverse manufacturing sectors. Events like the Agribusiness Conference and Poultry Symposium connect manufacturers with specific high-value industries, while broader conferences provide statewide networking. These connections often lead to new business opportunities that require flexible payment solutions to close deals effectively.

What types of manufacturing industries are prominent in Arkansas?

Arkansas's manufacturing landscape includes significant poultry processing and food manufacturing sectors, agricultural equipment production, green industry manufacturing, and emerging bio-manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors. The state hosts 8 manufacturing events in 2026 that reflect this diverse industrial base, providing networking opportunities across all these sectors and connecting manufacturers with customers, suppliers, and economic development resources.

How can Resolve assist manufacturers attending these events with their B2B payment needs?

Resolve enables manufacturers to offer net terms to new customers met at events without assuming credit risk. The platform provides instant business credit checks to assess new customer creditworthiness, advances up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours, and handles collections management. This allows manufacturers to convert event connections into sales while maintaining healthy cash flow through accounts receivable automation.

Are there any specific grants or funding opportunities for Arkansas manufacturers?

The Arkansas Rural Development Conference specifically addresses economic development programs administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission that assist rural manufacturers with planning, revitalization, and growth initiatives. Additionally, manufacturers can leverage non-recourse financing through Resolve's platform as an alternative to traditional grants, providing immediate access to working capital without debt obligations or credit risk.

How can I stay updated on new manufacturing events in Arkansas for 2026?

Monitor the websites of key organizers like Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and industry associations. Many annual events announce dates in early spring for fall conferences. Subscribing to industry newsletters, chamber of commerce updates, and following the Arkansas Economic Development Commission provides timely event information. Event organizers typically follow similar timing patterns to previous years, making it easier to anticipate upcoming conferences.

This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Resolve assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.