2013 Conference Planner (2mb ) - with conference schedule, local arrangements information, travel information, local events and much more!

Take full advantage of this beautiful area in the fall by coming early to shop at the NWA Crafts Fairs (http://nwacraftfairs.com/). One will be held at the John Q Hammons Convention Center and if you are driving in, you can visit the granddaddy of them all, the War Eagle Craft Fair (www.wareaglemill.com). The hotel will allow conference rates the weekend before our conference begins starting on the October 19.

Alice Walton's Crystal Bridges Museum: The Stage for Our Off-Site Event

On Wednesday afternoon/evening, the off-site event will be held at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art , so pack your walking shoes for up to 3.5 miles of trails that wind through the museum's 120-acre site, providing guests with access to the beautiful Ozark landscape. If you would rather go shopping at the Pinnacle Hills Mall, that’s an option as well. At 6:00 p.m. the actual event will begin and a cash bar will be provided along with heavy hors d'œuvres and a popular local band, 3 Penny Acre.

Shuttles to Crystal Bridges will start at 3:30 for those of you who want to walk the trails, spend more time in the galleries, or go shopping. Restaurant Hops for the Rogers/Bentonville area will follow the reception and shuttles will once again be available.

A little back story about the museum: Walmart heiress Alice Walton for many years had a dream of building a world-class museum of American art in her hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. Now, since she is the world's third-wealthiest woman, Walton used the money to make this dream a reality.

Get ready to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, along with the warm local hospitality (among many other things), in Northwest Arkansas in October. See you soon!