Meetings & Events
In addition to regular meetings of the executive committee, advisory councils and boards, the League hosts two large events—Winter Conference and the Annual Convention—as well as an annual planning meeting.
Convention 92 | June 17-19, 2026 | Statehouse Convention Center
At Convention 92 we honor the strength and determination that keep our cities and towns rooted in history, resilient through challenges and rising toward a brighter future. Join us to connect, learn and be a part of the discussion about the future of Arkansas.
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As our events continue to grow, the League has discontinued the ‘Non-Member’ registration option to ensure priority access for our members—municipal officials and personnel. Businesses and exhibitors are still welcome to participate by joining us in the Exhibition Hall.
Times, descriptions and session content are a work in progress and may change before the event. Stay tuned for more information by checking register.arml.org.
The League’s Annual Convention is the most comprehensive gathering for Arkansas’ municipal leaders, a time to set policies, goals and resolutions for the year ahead. It’s where we elect new officers, honor municipal officials, and conduct the annual business meetings of our programs.
Our theme, Rooted, Resilient and Rising, reflects the realities facing Arkansas cities and towns: rooted in sound planning, infrastructure and policy; resilient to weather, legislative challenges and economic pressure; and prepared to rise to opportunities that strengthen communities.
10 a.m.-11 a.m.—State Aid Street Committee, Manning Room
12 p.m.—ACCRTA Annual Business Meeting, Arkansas Ballroom
12 p.m.-5 p.m.—Check-in and Exhibition Hall Open
1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m./3:10 p.m.—Certification Credit Options Available
- Mandatory Treasurer Training Module 3: Fund Accounting (100 minutes)
- Ethics of campaigns, bond initiatives and elections with Jill Rogers, Ethics Commission
- FOIA for 3,000
- Municipal Health: Wellness initiatives, Trauma Assistance Program, etc.
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.—Resolutions Committee, Fulton Room
Each municipality has a designated representative who votes on legislative matters to be included in the League’s Policies and Goals for the coming year.
3:45 p.m.-5 p.m.—Welcome and Presentation of Colors; General Session 1: Keynote by Jason Curry, Governor’s Hall IV
After a welcome from League Executive Director Mark Hayes, Convention 92 will begin with the Presentation of Colors and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by our keynote speaker Jason Curry. In Finish Empty: The Key to Extraordinary Results, Curry speaks to the challenges city officials face: long hours, constant pressure, and hard decisions that shape communities. Like a coach, he reminds leaders that success comes from discipline and resilience, not luck. His two principles: The steps you take today determine your tomorrow and excellence requires doing what others won’t. Curry offers strategies to refocus, define your destination and push beyond the ordinary. His challenge: Give everything you’ve got, every day, so you finish empty with no regrets and leave a legacy of excellence.
5 p.m.-6 p.m.—America 250 Celebration & Happy Hour, Exhibition Hall
6 p.m.-8 p.m.—Opening Night Dinner, Wally Allen Ballroom
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.—Check-in and Exhibition Hall Open
7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.—Breakfast, Exhibition Hall
8:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m. Voluntary Prayer Session led by Reverend Gary Perry, Fulton Room
Municipal officials and personnel are invited to gather and pray for national, state and local leaders.
8:30 a.m.—Arkansas City Attorneys Association CLE, Drew Room
9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.—General Session 2: The Future of Economic Development for Arkansas Municipalities, Governor’s Hall IV
Arkansas cities are entering a new era of economic development, and decisions made now will shape communities for decades. With Issue 3 on the November ballot, this session prepares municipalities for growth using proven models like Kentucky’s forecasting approach and practical steps to turn ideas into projects. League experts will walk through the process from concept to bond council. We ask that Executive committee members who are invested in economic development come share real-world insights.
10:30 a.m.-11:55 a.m.—General Session 3: Mandatory Treasurer Training (Modules 1, 2 and 5) Introduction, Core Concepts, Budgeting Basics and Internal Controls, Governor’s Hall IV
12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.—Lunch, Exhibition Hall
1 p.m.-2:20 p.m.—Mandatory Treasurer Training
Module 3: Fund Accounting (80 minutes)
1:30 p.m.—Certification Credit Options Available (50 or 90 minutes)
- Continuing the Conversation with Jason Curry
- Everything Housing Policy: ETJ, Infilling, Landbanks, Mixed Use, etc.
- AI for Rural Leaders
- Workers Comp: SafeTrack, Vehicle Backing
2:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m.—Mandatory Treasurer Training
Modules 6 and 7: Fixed Asset Records Management and Payroll Administration (75 minutes)
3 p.m.-3:50 p.m.—Resolutions Committee, Governor’s Hall IV
Each municipality has a designated representative who votes on legislative matters to be included in the League’s Policies and Goals for the coming year.
4 p.m.-5 p.m.—General Session 4
7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.—Check-in and Exhibition Hall Open
7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.—Breakfast, Exhibition Hall
8:30 a.m.—Arkansas City Attorneys Association CLE, Drew Room
9 a.m.-9:50 a.m.—General Session 5: Annual Business Meetings and State of the League: Rooted in Structure, Governor’s Hall IV
Following the annual business meetings for Municipal Workers Comp, Health, and Vehicle and Property Programs, League members will review and vote on the proposed 2026–2027 Policies and Goals. The Nominating Committee will present its recommended slate of officers, and Mark Hayes will deliver the annual State of the League address, reflecting on the past year, outlining priorities ahead and setting the tone for the work to come.
10 a.m.-11:10 a.m. a.m.—Mandatory Treasurer Training
Modules 8 and 9: Annual Audit Preparation and Documentation, Ethics in Municipal Finance
10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.—General Session 6
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.—New Officers’ Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, Marriott Ballrooms
Before heading home, we’ll welcome the incoming president and 2025–2026 slate of officers and recognize Certified Municipal Officials and present awards from the Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders and Treasurers Association, along with the John Woodruff City Above Self Award, the Adrian White Municipal Leadership Awards, the Marvin Vinson Commitment to Excellence Awards, and the Jack Rhodes Sr. Distinguished Service Award.
2026 Regional Meetings
Municipalities are increasingly being asked to take on more responsibilities with fewer resources. From navigating the next steps after abating neglected properties to addressing challenges in delivering essential water and wastewater services with limited capacity, the need for collaboration has never been greater. The Arkansas Municipal League’s regional meetings offer a space to explore practical solutions like cooperative purchasing, interlocal agreements, and regional planning for economic growth. By encouraging participation from state legislators, municipalities, counties, chambers of commerce, state agencies, planning and development districts, and private partners, these meetings help build a more connected and resilient Arkansas.
Spring Schedule
Registration for Bentonville is now open!
Agenda
- 9 a.m.: Shared Resources, Shared Benefits ($20, includes ACE Certification Credit)
- 10:30 a.m.: Land & Water (Free)
- 12 p.m.: Economic Development District Lunch ($20)
See below for more information on each session. Attendees can register for individual sessions at events.arml.org.
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9 A.M.: SHARED RESOURCES, SHARED BENEFITS
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10:30 A.M.: LAND & WATER
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12 P.M.: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT LUNCH
Our 2025 regional training series put the spotlight on the legal procedure to abate dilapidated and nuisance properties and confirmed that the many hurdles that our municipalities face can be cleared through cooperation and collaboration.
Neighbors who share resources share the benefits of success. This training offers an overview of a few tools in the municipal toolbox such as cooperative purchasing, intergovernmental cooperation councils, interlocal agreements, and more. While cooperation is beneficial for all local governments regardless of size, utilization of interlocal assistance agreements can be incredibly helpful in the less populated rural areas of the state as they move forward with efforts to clear blight and make way for economic opportunities. In this training we will spotlight opportunities and facilitate discussion among members as to what they are doing in their own areas.
Shared Resources, Shared Benefits attendees will earn ACE Certification Credit for participating. This session is $20 per person.
As two of the most vital resources entrusted to municipalities, land use and water infrastructure require effective planning and stewardship. Local experts will join John Wilkerson and James Walden in a discussion of key legislative changes from the 2025 session, water infrastructure needs and the importance of working with ANRC, as well as emerging issues on the state and federal horizon (like the Road to Housing Act) that directly affect municipal growth and infrastructure.
This session is free. Attendees will receive a pre-event survey to lead this interactive discussion. Audience participation is encouraged and appreciated.
Legislators, chamber members, economic developers and other local guests interested in moving Arkansas forward are invited to join this discussion of Issue 3, which will appear on the November ’26 ballot to establish Economic Development Districts in Arkansas.
The Economic Development District Lunch is $20 per person.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
NLC Congressional City Conference
- Monday-Wednesday, March 16-18
- Washington, D.C.
Advisory Councils Meeting
(Combined virtual meetings of the Incorporated Towns and Cities of the Second Class, Cities of the First Class, Cities of the Large First Class, Public Safety, and Economic Development Advisory Councils)
- Wednesday, April 1
- 10 a.m.
- Virtual
Regional Meeting
- Wednesday, April 8
- 9 a.m.
- Robbins Sanford Grand Hall, Searcy
Municipal Health Board of Trustees Meeting
- Wednesday, April 15
- 10 a.m.
- Virtual
Municipal Workers Comp Board of Trustees Meeting
- Wednesday, April 15
- 1 p.m.
- Virtual
Regional Meeting
- Thursday, May 7
- 9 a.m.
- El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, El Dorado
Investment Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, May 20
- 11 a.m.
- League Campus
Executive Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, May 20
- 12:30 p.m.
- League Campus
92nd Annual Convention
- Wednesday-Friday, June 17-19
- Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
Annual Planning Meeting
- Wednesday-Friday, August 19-21
- Beebe
NWA Housing Supply & Affordability Summit
Co-hosted by the Arkansas Municipal League, the City of Cave Springs and Groundwork, the NWA Housing Supply & Affordability Summit will focus on the four L’s affecting housing supply and affordability in NWA: land, laws, lending and labor.
Join us for a meaningful discussion to identify obstacles and strengths related to housing affordability, while setting aside politics to focus on collaborative solutions. A detailed agenda with specific discussion times will be distributed for those who cannot commit for the entire day.
Manning Room
Arkansas Ballroom
- Mandatory Treasurer Training Module 3: Fund Accounting (100 minutes)
- Ethics of campaigns, bond initiatives and elections with Jill Rogers, Ethics Commission
- FOIA for 3,000
- Municipal Health: Wellness initiatives, Trauma Assistance Program, etc.
Fulton Room
Each municipality has a designated representative who votes on legislative matters to be included in the League’s Policies & Goals for the coming year.
Governor’s Hall IV
After a welcome from League Executive Director Mark Hayes, Convention 92 will begin with the Presentation of Colors and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by our keynote speaker Jason Curry. In Finish Empty: The Key to Extraordinary Results, Curry speaks to the challenges city officials face: long hours, constant pressure, and hard decisions that shape communities. Like a coach, he reminds leaders that success comes from discipline and resilience, not luck. His two principles: The steps you take today determine your tomorrow and excellence requires doing what others won’t. Curry offers strategies to refocus, define your destination and push beyond the ordinary. His challenge: Give everything you’ve got, every day, so you finish empty with no regrets and leave a legacy of excellence.
Exhibition Hall
Wally Allen Ballroom
Convention 91 Highlight: Drugs, Dogs & Drainage
In this June 21 general session at Convention 91, League General Counsel and Legislative Director John Wilkerson led a candid discussion with three mayors who know a thing or two about the dreaded three Ds. Keo Mayor Stephanie White, Eudora Mayor Tomeka Butler and Elaine Mayor Lisa Hicks-Gilbert joined Wilkerson for an inspiring and heartwarming conversation about mayoral life and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.