Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase Brings Innovation and Solutions to Little Rock
For Immediate Release
Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase Brings Innovation and Solutions to Little Rock
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September x, 2025) —The Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase, hosted by Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, will take place on October 1–2, 2025, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. This dynamic two-day conference will bring together executives, industry leaders, and manufacturers from across the state to highlight the latest strategies and innovations in supply chain management, operational excellence, workforce development, additive manufacturing, IoT, and AI-driven solutions.
The event is designed to help manufacturers of all sizes adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, address workforce needs, and strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly global market. Through keynotes, breakout sessions, and interactive panels, participants will gain actionable insights and hear real-world success stories that they can immediately apply to their own facilities.
“From the very beginning, our vision for the Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase has been simple: an event for manufacturers, by manufacturers. We believe this event truly delivers on that intent—bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, educators, economic developers and others to make connections they might not otherwise make and to share ideas and best practices. There’s never been anything like this in Arkansas, and we’re proud to help bring it to our state,” said Keith Gammill, Director of Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of Arkansas’s economy, and this Showcase will put a spotlight on the ideas and partnerships that keep it strong,” said Randy Zook, President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. “This event is about helping Arkansas companies find real solutions to real challenges—whether that’s supply chains, workforce, or technology—so they can compete and win in today’s global market.”
Day one of the Showcase opens with the LeanWorks: Lean in Action Lab, an interactive experience designed to bring lean manufacturing principles to life. Attendees will then connect with peers at a networking happy hour before joining a fireside chat on automation moderated by Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. This session will explore how automation can both increase efficiency and empower the workforce.
Day two kicks off with a keynote address from Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, who will share his insights on strengthening U.S. manufacturing and supporting local economies. The remainder of the day is packed with breakout sessions and panels covering topics such as supply chain optimization, workforce pipelines, additive manufacturing, IoT, and the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping supply chains. The conference will also highlight Arkansas’s state-led talent initiatives that are connecting manufacturers with skilled workers and building stronger teams for the future.
The Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase is supported by the generosity of its sponsors, including Platinum Sponsor Entergy Arkansas. Gold Sponsors are Big River Steel, ABB, Keathley Patterson, Hutton, and RIC Construction. Silver Sponsors include Engineering Design Services, Cisco-Eagle, OrthoArkansas, S&H Systems, Safe Haven Security, Capital CDC, Ferrosource, and the Arkansas District Export Council. Bronze Sponsors are MCC, Biotech, Caddell Construction, and Rubber & Gasket Company of America.
Registration for the Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase is now open. Manufacturers and industry leaders are encouraged to secure their place at this premier event to gain valuable insights, explore best practices, and connect with peers and experts across the sector.
Media Contacts:
Trish Villines
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas
tvillines@arkansasstatechamber.com
501-804-7409
Tyler Hale
Arkansas Department of Commerce
tyler.hale@arkansasedc.com
501-682-2559
About the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce / Associated Industries of Arkansas
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas is the leading voice for business at the State Capitol and serves as the primary business advocate on all issues affecting Arkansas employers. Its mission is to promote a pro-business, free-enterprise environment and contest anti-business legislation, regulations, and rules.
About Arkansas Workforce Connections
Arkansas Workforce Connections is at the center of the state’s workforce development efforts, delivering career support and training for job seekers and connecting employers with skilled, industry-ready talent. Workforce Connections is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit dws.arkansas.gov.
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