Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase Highlights Innovation in the Natural State

Innovation is vital for manufacturing companies, keeping them at the cutting edge of their industry and delivering their products to customers. From small to large manufacturing companies, it is critical to stay plugged into the latest trends and developments in the manufacturing sector.

This October, companies will have the opportunity to hear from leaders and executives that will help them deliver increased efficiencies and build their workforce strategies.

The Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase is a dynamic two-day event in Little Rock, Arkansas that will provide actionable insights that company representatives can take back and implement in their facilities. During the event, attendees will hear from leaders as they share proven strategies on supply chains, operational excellence, and workforce development.

Hosted by the Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, the Manufacturing Showcase will be held on October 1-2, 2025 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

Attendees will be able to take part in multiple breakout sessions on topics ranging from logistics and supply chain, talent pipelines, additive manufacturing, and much more. There will also be multiple panels, tackling AI and supply chains and Arkansas’ state talent initiatives that can make an impact on manufacturers.

The first day will be a fireside chat on automation, moderated by Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald, followed by a happy hour. The second day will be the full conference day.

Here’s a brief rundown of some of the summit’s activities:

• Day 1 (October 1) starts with the LeanWorks: Lean in Action Lab, where you’ll dive into lean manufacturing principles through an interactive, real-world experience. Next, unwind and connect with peers at a lively networking happy hour – the perfect setting to swap ideas and build relationships. The day wraps with a compelling fireside chat on automation, moderated by Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald, offering a deep dive into how automation can boost efficiency while empowering your workforce.
• Day 2 (October 2) kicks off with a powerful keynote address by Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, who will share insights on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and strengthening local economies. The day continues with a full slate of breakout sessions and panels covering critical topics like supply chain optimization, workforce pipelines, additive manufacturing, IoT, and more. You’ll also dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming supply chains and learn about Arkansas’s talent initiatives that are building stronger manufacturing teams. Check out the full agenda to plan your experience.

The Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase is made possible by generous sponsors. The event’s Platinum Sponsor is Entergy Arkansas. Gold sponsors include Big River Steel, ABB, Keathley Patterson, Hutton, and RIC Construction. Silver sponsors include Engineering Design Services, Cisco-Eagle, Ortho Arkansas, S&H Systems, Safe Haven Security, Capital CDC, Ferrosource and the Arkansas District Export Council. Bronze sponsors include MCC, Biotech, and Rubber & Gasket Company of America.

Don’t miss out on learning from experts and hearing case studies about some of the biggest successes in the manufacturing sector. Registration for the Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase is now open for attendees.

Register for the Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase here.