2026 APW Fall Conference: Resilient Storytelling for a New Era

by | Oct 25, 2026 | Upcoming Events

The Arkansas Press Women 2026 Fall Conference will be held Nov. 14 at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

Conference Schedule

8:30-9 a.m. | Registration & Networking

9-9:15 a.m. | Welcome Remarks
Speaker: NFPW President Debbie Miller

9:15-10:15 a.m. | Route 66: Still Getting Our Kicks in 2026

Speakers: Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement for the City of Springfield, Missouri, and Chair of the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission
Mary Billington, Director of Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum and Chair of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Byway

10:15-10:30 a.m. | Break

10:30-11:30 a.m. | Pulitzer-Winning Insights & Independent Journalism

Speaker: Ziva Branstetter, Founding CEO, Tulsa Flyer; 2025 Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist
Moderator: Antoinette Grajeda, Deputy Editor at Arkansas Advocate

11:30 a.m. – Noon | Break and Lunch Pick Up

Noon-1:15 p.m. | Luncheon Panel: Exploring Ways to Support Journalism

Speakers: Scott Loftis, longtime Arkansas journalist, Editor and Publisher of Carroll County Community Media and recent purchaser of the Madison County Record
Antoinette Grajeda, Deputy Editor of Arkansas Advocate

1:15-1:30 p.m. | Break

1:30-2:30 p.m. | The Art & Business of Food Writing
Speaker: Kat Robinson, Author & Culinary Historian

1:30-2:30 p.m. | Documentary Filmmaking & Environmental Journalism

Speaker: Stephanie Lewis, Chair of Visual Arts, Media, and Humanities at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in conversation about her sabbatical documentary film project titled “Berryhill”

Event Logistics and Information

  • Registration Fees: $30 for Professionals | $20 for Students (Student financial assistance scholarships available upon request).
  • Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/APW-Fall-Conference
  • Payment Options: Cash, checks (payable to Arkansas Press Women), and credit/debit cards accepted at the door.
  • Catering: Boxed lunches available.
  • Location: NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Shewmaker Center for Global Business Development, 900 SE Eagle Way, Bentonville 72712

Where to Stay