Cost $75/each Limit: 48 people

Join us for an unforgettable pre-conference excursion, Trolley Tracks and Taps: Exploring Bathhouses and Brews! Starting at 2:00 PM, the Hot Springs Trolley will pick you up at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort for a charming 1.5-hour narrated trolley tour through historic Hot Springs. We’ll begin our journey by enjoying a refreshing mini water jug filled at the Mountain Springs fountains. At 3:30 PM, we’ll arrive at Superior Bathhouse Brewery for a tour, a flight of craft beer, and appetizers. If you prefer, you can explore the many unique shops in the area. We’ll head back around 4:45 PM, arriving at the hotel by 5:00 PM, just in time for the "First Drink at the First Turn" welcome reception where you'll network with other conference attendees in advance of the conference start on Monday. Space is limited, so sign up now!

Your first drink at the First Turn Bar in Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is on us!

Check into your room, drop your bags and head to the First Turn Bar anytime between 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to say hello to your economic developer and chamber colleagues and enjoy your first drink on us!

Presented by: Arkansas Economic Development Commission |
West Memphis Economic Development & the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce

Please note: Breakfast will be on your own

Attorney General Tim Griffin will provide an update on his office and discuss his upcoming Cyber Security conference in October.

Ballroom C

Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs, will share information regarding what tourism means to Hot Springs and how you can use tourism to boost your community's economy.

Ballroom C

Economic Development Track: Staying on Track: FBI Strategies for Safe and Secure Economic Development--Ballroom C
Explore the FBI's services and support for economic developers in managing international and security challenges with Special Agent Ann Alexander, FBI LR Private Sector Coordinator and Special Agent Cody Overall, FBI.

Chamber of Commerce Track: Leading the Way-Developing Schools of Innovation in Your Communities--Ouachita | Hamilton
Hosted by Gary Troutman | Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Metro Partnership and Anita Brackin | Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce


Entreprenurial Support Track: Rural Racers--Growing Entrepreneurs in Rural Arkansas with Jeff Standridge of The Conductor--Catherine | DeGray

Ballroom A/B
Join us for AEDCE's Award Luncheon as we honor:
-Jack Thomas, CEcD | Outstanding Economic Developer
-Julie Murray, PCED | Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Executive
-Bryan Huff, Alma AR | Volunteer of the Year
-Del Boyette | Maria Haley Lifetime Leadership for Economic Development

Presented by Jeff Standridge, The Conductor

Ballroom C

Economic Development Track: Aligning for Success: Connecting Economic Development, Workforce, and Higher Education on the Fast Track
When economic developers, workforce professionals, and higher education partners align, it can spell huge wins for our communities and be mutually beneficial to partnering agencies. In this session, Graycen Bigger, PCED and Dr. Ken Warden, Commissioner of ADHE will share how best to coordinate and align your economic development efforts with workforce and higher education partners. You will see Arkansas examples of best practices and leave with a self-developed list of “to-do’s” that will make your work better.
Ouachita| Hamilton

Chamber of Commerce Track: Growth Zone's 2024 Chamber Survey Report--Family Feud Style! Hosted by Chamber Growth Zone's Scott Robertson--Ballroom C

Entreprenurial Support Track: Building Winning Ecosystems with Tiffany Henry | Arkansas Capital Partners
Catherine | DeGray

Join Michele Allgood of Mitchell Williams as she moderates a panel including a city attorney and a FOIA attorney to discuss real FOIA issues, real FOIA experiences and answering questions about the law. Please submit your FOIA questions to candice@aedce.org prior to the event to get them answered!

Ballroom C

Matt Bell is a native Arkansan, successful business entrepreneur, certified Level 1 Sake Professional and CEO/President/founder of Origami Sake of Hot Springs. Sit back and relax as Matt tells his story of entrepreneurship and the beginnings and story of the company.
We'll end the day with a taste test of the 100% Hot Springs, Arkansas-made Origami sake. Cheers to a successful first day of AEDCE on TRACK!

Ballroom C

Mainline Sports Bar
Watch your favorite game on one of over 90 large screen Tv's and wager in the all-new Sportsbook area. Try your hand at axe throwing or challenge your friends to a game of shuffleboard. The Mainline Sports Bar also featured three Topgolf Swing Suites, offering simulated golf, baseball, hockey, soccer, and more.

Join Scott Robertson from Chamber Growth Zone as he hosts an unforgettable Hospitality Suite focused on fun and networking. (You can bet on that!!)

Room 202

Ballroom A/B
Sponsored by: Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, Jonesboro Unlimited, Arkansas Capital, and OG&E
Join us for a plated breakfast as Sec. of Commerce Hugh McDonald delivers a state of the state address. We will conclude breakfast with our annual AEDCE membership meeting.

Economic Development Track: The Race for the Rite Site
Join Jack Thomas, CEcD and Jarod Wickliffe of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce as they do a deep dive on site selection--Ouachita | Hamilton

Chamber of Commerce Track: Don't be Afraid of the "A" Words: Advocacy, Accreditation, and Advancement
Join U.S. Chamber's Monique Thierry to learn the ins and outs of accreditation while embracing IOM for organizational success. Catherine | DeGray

Entreprenurial Support Track: ARISE with Kris Adams
Learn about ARISE, a dynamic new initiative supporting tech ventures in our state. Formerly known as Innovate Arkansas, this fresh and expanded iteration of that program includes a comprehensive suite of services for tech and tech-enabled startups across Arkansas.
Ballroom C

Economic Development Track: Retail Recruitment Races with Charles Parker of Retail Strategies
Ballroom C

Chamber of Commerce Track: Champions in the Community
How to best leverage Ambassador and Leadership Groups to grow your community
Hear from chamber leaders across the state as they share best practices they've learned on how to create and leverage successful leadership and Ambassador programs to grow your community.
Ouachita/Hamilton

Entreprenurial Support Track: Mapping the Future--Introducing the Arkansas Business Resource Hub
Discover the new Arkansas Business Resource Hub, a curated platform connecting entrepreneurs to events, funding options, and business development tools across the state. Learn from industry experts about the resources available, real-world case studies, and how we’re creating a more accessible and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to connect with vital tools and support to drive your community’s success!
Catherine/DeGray