ROGERS CONVENTION CENTER
October 28-29, 2024

The 2026 NWA Tech Summit brings together business leaders, innovators, and technology professionals to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the way organizations operate. Attendees will gain valuable insights into AI-driven operations, workforce transformation, supply chain innovation, and organizational readiness.

Taking place on September 1, 2026, at The Ledger in Bentonville, Arkansas, the Summit will feature thought-provoking discussions, practical strategies, and meaningful networking opportunities. Hosted in Northwest Arkansas, one of the nation’s leading centers for retail, supply chain, and business innovation, the NWA Tech Summit connects the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of business.

2026 Content Pillars:

View the schedule below for the agenda and speakers for the NWA Tech Summit. Our theme this year is Homegrown, and we’re excited to bring you insights and innovations from the heart of Northwest Arkansas.

Cultivating Local Innovation, Shaping the World

Shelley Simpson, MBA, President & CEO, J.B. Hunt

Innovation at the Core: Transforming Supply Chains for the Future

Dennis Anderson, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, ArcBest

Not Broken, Just Ready for Redesign: Scaling Omnichannel Healthcare

Marcus Osborne, MBA, Chairman, RightMove Health

Transforming the Moving World

Cyrus Sigari, MBA, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, UP Partners

Retail Workflow Transformation

Explore how AI is reshaping retail operations—from merchandising and category management to shopper engagement and in-store execution. Learn how retailers are using AI to work smarter, move faster, and improve decision-making.

Supply Chain + Operational Intelligence

Discover how AI is improving forecasting, planning, visibility, and coordination across supply chains and business operations. Focuses on creating more efficient, agile, and data-driven organizations.

People, Leadership + Responsible AI Adoption

Learn how companies can prepare their workforce and leadership teams for AI. Covers change management, workforce readiness, governance, security, and responsible implementation strategies.

Build or Buy: Making Smart AI Investments

Understand how organizations evaluate AI solutions, select technology partners, and decide whether to build capabilities internally or purchase existing solutions. Connects business challenges with practical AI applications and innovators.

Get Your Tickets Now!

We have bulk ticket discounts available! (No promo code necessary)

Featured Speakers

Anupriya Sharma
Vice President, Technology Strategy, AI Tech and Data Strategy
Walmart U.S.

David Keefauver
Executive Vice President of People
J.B. Hunt

Ben Roberts
Chief Marketing + Technology Officer
Outdoor Cap

Archimedes Stuk
Vice President, Agent Building
Walmart

Angie Cooper
President
Heartland Forward

Andrew Fano
Sales Director
Slalom

Allisha Watkins
Chief Executive Officer
Paradox Retail

Bill Akins
Founder
Triton Ventures

John Fogarty
Sam’s Club

Brad Garrard
Vice President Engineering & Technology
J.B. Hunt

Senator Bart Hester
Co-Chair
Heartland AI Caucus

Nate Watson
Vantage 9

Colton Dillard
Vendormint

Felloship AI
Christian Polus

Homero Ruiz
Foreko

Jaithra Polavarapu
CropIntel (ignite)

Matt Waller
Professor of Supply Chain Management
University of Arkansas

Vaden Spurlock
Vice President, Talent Management
Tyson

Andy Wilson
Executive Director
Doing Business in Bentonville

Dr. Dennis Rittle
President
NWACC

Lance Dunkin
Senior Director, Merchandising (DMM: Meat & Merchandising AI Acceleration)
Walmart

Brandon Viveiros
Chief Commerce Officer
AdFury

Brad Pope
SVP, Applied AI and Customer Innovation
Engine

Eugene Park
Chief Strategy Officer
Kite String

Bill Reimer
Senior Director, Business Strategy
Slalom

Debs Todd
Vazen

Havish NagaSai Sashank
Kunchanapalli
CropIntel (ignite)

Arjun Paradkar
Homefax (ignite)

Seth Perry
J.B. Hunt

Andrea Albright
Retired Walmart

Tom Douglass
Fuse

What to Expect

Hear directly from executives leading AI transformation at Walmart, J.B. Hunt, Tyson Foods, and other innovative organizations.
Learn practical strategies and real-world use cases that can be applied within your organization.
Explore how AI is reshaping retail, supply chain, operations, workforce strategy, and enterprise decision-making.
Connect with executives, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the region.

Build valuable relationships through curated networking with peers and industry leaders.
Leave with actionable insights to help your organization successfully navigate the next era of AI-driven business.
Whether you're a C-suite executive, technology leader, operations professional, HR leader, entrepreneur, or innovation strategist, the 2026 NWA Tech Summit is your opportunity to gain practical insights, build meaningful connections, and help shape the future of business in an AI-powered world.

2026 NWA Tech Summit Ticket Prices

MEMBER

$200

Benefits:

Access to the full Summit programming breakout sessions

NON-MEMBER

$250

Benefits:

Access to the full Summit programming breakout sessions

VIP

$300

Benefits:

Access to the full Summit programming breakout sessions
Expedited check-in
Access to the Walmart-sponsored VIP Lounge
Exclusive networking opportunities
Designated meeting-room access

VIP GROUP (8 VIP TICKETS)

$1,500

2026 Sponsors

Acxiom

Arvest

Doing Business in Bentonville

Felloship

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Northwest Arkansas Community College

Okta

Paloalto Networks

Silk

Slalom

Triton

University of Arkansas Walton College of Business

Visit Bentonville

Walmart

Product Connections

2026 Sponsors

Axiom

Paloalto Networks

Slalom

Walmart

Featured Speakers

David Glick — Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business Services, Walmart

Archimedes Stuk — Vice President, Agent Building, Walmart

Lance Dunkin — Senior Director, Merchandising (DMM: Meat & Merchandising AI Acceleration), Walmart

David Keefauver — Executive Vice President of People, J.B. Hunt

Vaden Spurlock — Vice President, Talent Management, Tyson Foods

Andy Wilson — Executive Director, Doing Business in Bentonville

Ben Roberts — Chief Marketing Technology Officer, Outdoor Cap

Matt Waller — NewRoad Capital Partners / University of Arkansas

“If you’re interested in learning and finding out about the future, you should be coming to this. It’s such a cool forum to think about something that is really growing in the world, and especially Northwest Arkansas."

— Vice President at Walmart

“If you look across all the different discussion topics, there’s going to be something for everyone and something that really speaks to how technology is impacting our daily lives.”

— Vice President at Flywheel Digital