Daylong event on Saturday, Nov. 14, explores investigative reporting, food journalism, environmental filmmaking, and student mentorship.
Arkansas Press Women (APW) will hold its fall conference on Saturday, Nov. 14, bringing together journalists, public relations specialists, authors, and student communicators from across the region for a day of professional development and mentorship.
The conference will take place at the Shewmaker Center for Global Business Development at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville featuring the theme, “Resilient Storytelling for a New Era.”
The conference features a lineup of state and regional media leaders, headlined by a keynote session with Ziva Branstetter, founding CEO of the Tulsa Flyer and member of a 2025 Pulitzer Prize-winning editing team. Branstnetter will be interviewed by Antoinette Grajeda, deputy editor of the Arkansas Advocate, discussing investigative reporting, nonprofit news models, and the evolving digital media landscape.
“In an evolving media landscape, communicators are finding innovative ways to tell stories that matter,” said Debbie Miller, president of National Federation of Press Women and a member of Arkansas Press Women. “Whether through independent investigative journalism, local food culture, or environmental documentary work, this year’s theme reflects our community’s adaptability, tenacity, and commitment to impactful storytelling.”
The conference lineup features a session on Route 66 and a luncheon panel on supporting local news. Attendees will also learn from Arkansas food author Kat Robinson and documentary filmmaker Stephanie Lewis before closing with one-on-one student portfolio reviews and an optional visit to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Read the APW Fall Conference Schedule.
Registration is $30 for professionals and $20 for students, with a limited number of student scholarships available upon request. Boxed lunches are included and payment will be collected at the door via cash, check, or credit card.
Registration is requested by Nov. 10. Contact Debbie Miller with questions at dmiller13@nwacc.edu.