NWA Local Food Systems Conference

Schedule - December 9, 2026

Join us for a day of practical learning and connection across Northwest Arkansas’ local food system, followed by a happy hour reception at Market Center of the Ozarks.

During breakout sessions, choose the topic that best fits your interests. All times are Central.

Register Now
7:45–8:30 AM

Registration & Coffee

8:30–9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

9:00–10:00 AM

Keynote

Farming Is Hard, and Yet We Persist

Ellen Polishuk · Plant to Profit

10:00–10:20 AM

Extended Break

10:20–11:20 AM

Choose a session

Morning Session 1

  • Farmer Panel: Lessons from the Field

  • From Purchasing Power to Local Impact: Making Institutional Procurement Work for Local Food

  • Managing the Market Like You Don’t Own It

11:20–11:30 AM

Break

11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Choose a session

Morning Session 2

  • For Chefs: The Importance of Ordering Local and How to Get Started

  • More Than a Benefit: Unlocking the Potential of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs for Farmers, Families, and Communities

12:30–1:30 PM

Lunch

1:30–2:30 PM

Afternoon Session 3

Beyond the Menu: Marketing Your Food Business

Startup Junkie

2:30–2:50 PM

Extended Break

2:50–3:50 PM

Choose a session

Afternoon Session 4

  • Finding New Markets for Your Business

  • Bridging the Gap: Local Food as a Healthcare Strategy

  • Social Media Marketing 101

3:50–4:00 PM

Break

4:00–5:00 PM

Choose a session

Afternoon Session 5

  • Building a Farm Team: When and How to Hire

  • From Ideas to Action: Building Local Food Access Partnerships

  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship

  • Farmers Markets & the Arkansas Food Freedom Act: What Vendors Need to Know

5:00–6:30 PM

Happy Hour Reception

Market Center of the Ozarks

Schedule subject to change.

Join us in December

Register for the NWA Local Food Systems Conference on December 9–10, 2026, in Springdale.

Register Now