The first annual Ozark Gateway Region Summit, hosted in partnership with the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will be held Oct. 9 at the Lawrence County School District auditorium.
The summit is designed to help businesses and communities better leverage tourism opportunities, with an emphasis on effective tourism marketing. Registration is free but required, and the deadline to sign up is Friday (Oct. 3).
“This summit is more than just a meeting—it’s an opportunity to bring together the communities of the Ozark Gateway Region to share resources, ideas, and strategies for growth,” said Cathy Drew, Executive Director of the Ozark Gateway Region.
The inaugural event will feature local businesses, leaders, and tourism professionals from across the eight-county Ozark Gateway Region. The summit will rotate annually between counties, giving each community the chance to showcase its assets and share in regional growth opportunities.
“We are thrilled to host the very first Ozark Gateway Summit right here in Lawrence County,” said Terrence Ward, Executive Director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. “With only one week left to register, I encourage businesses, organizations, and community leaders to take advantage of this free opportunity. Bringing professionals together in this way not only highlights what Lawrence County has to offer, but it also creates lasting connections that help our entire region grow.”
The day-long event will feature sessions with expert speakers, including:
Ozark Gateway Region – Regional grant opportunities, exposure in the Gateway, and practical social media strategies;
Arkansas tourism representative – Statewide grant programs, festival promotion, and maximizing state resources;
Arkansas tourism photographer – Practical tips for capturing photos that connect with audiences online;
CJRW (State Advertising Agency) – Co-op advertising opportunities to increase visitor traffic;
Social media influencers/bloggers – Real-world advice for growing an online presence and attracting attention to local businesses.