ASAE LIVE took the stage in Rogers on July 13–14, bringing association professionals from across Arkansas together for two days of learning, networking, and unforgettable experiences.
A huge thank you to our incredible hosts, Destination Rogers and Embassy Suites by Hilton Northwest Arkansas Hotel, Spa & Convention Center, along with our generous sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and partners who helped make ASAE LIVE a tremendous success.
From leadership and executive presence to community building and authentic connection, this year's educational sessions challenged attendees to think differently, strengthen their organizations, and invest in the relationships that make associations thrive. Thank you to our outstanding speakers, moderators, sponsors, and AV partner, CTi, for creating an engaging and seamless learning experience throughout the convention.
Couldn't make it or want to relive the fun? Click here for convention photos.
Convention Highlights
- A surprise second line band that turned lunch into a parade.
- Off-site adventures at K1 Speed and Honeycomb Kitchen Shop.
- Inspiring sessions from Lydia Fletcher, Brooke Woolsey, and Andrea Allen of Onyx Coffee Lab.
- A brand-new ASAE tradition—welcoming first-time attendees with impromptu interviews.
- Hundreds of conversations, new connections, and shared ideas.
- Hospitality Suite karaoke because Team Tunica + Team CTi = the soundtrack to ASAE LIVE.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Award Winners
Ken Graves Memorial Award
Bo Ryall, Arkansas Hospital Association
Emerging Leader Award
Shay Stout, Arkansas Hospitality Association
Partner of the Year Award
Stacey Ellis, Visit Hot Springs
Excellence in Communications Award Winners
Arkansas Bar Association for the Arkansas Lawyer Winter 2026
ACECA Building Arkansas
Arkansas Center for Health Management for Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast
Big I Arkansas for Big I Arkansas Roadshow
EAST for 2026 East Conference - Our Greatest Hits
Goodwill Industries for Arkansas for Arkansas 2025 Annual Report
2026–2027 ASAE Board of Directors
President - Greg Kirkpatrick, Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association
Vice-President - Debra Wolfe, Arkansas Pharmacists Association
Secretary/Treasurer - Michelle Bufkin Horton, Arkansas Cattlemen's Association
Immediate Past President - Michelle Kitchens, Arkansas Center for Health Improvement
Matt Burns, Arkansas Optometric Association
Dennis Farmer IOM, CAE, ARBEV
Neal Gladner, Arkansas Broadcasters Association
Sarah Newman, Arkansas Trucking Association
Jay Robbins, Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation
Shay Stout, Arkansas Hospitality Association
Ex-Officio - Anna Oberste, Oaklawn Hot Springs
Looking Ahead
We can't wait to see everyone next year!
2027 ASAE Annual Convention
2027 Convention will be in Hot Springs at Oaklawn Hot Springs on Sunday, July 11 - Wednesday, July 14.
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