EAST Seminar 2026

Little Rock, AR

July 14-16, 2026

Highlights

150 EAST facilitators came together to "START HERE" and make their first move toward an incredible 2026–27 school year! EAST Seminar 2026 featured three days of engaging educational sessions, game-changing networking opportunities, and meaningful connections with community partners.

Together, facilitators built their strategy, expanded their networks, and got ready to level in up the year ahead!

Matt Dozier EAST Legacy Award

In 2022, the EAST Board of Directors established the Matt Dozier EAST Legacy Award to commemorate the EAST President and CEO’s 20 years of service to the organization and to recognize an outstanding facilitator each year at EAST Seminar.

Josh Worthy is this year’s recipient of the Matt Dozier EAST Legacy Award! For 15 years, Josh has led the EAST program at Sonora Elementary School, inspiring students to explore advanced technologies and take ownership of their learning. His passion for education, support of fellow facilitators and dedication to the EAST community reflect the lasting impact the EAST model can have on students, educators, schools, districts and communities.

Facilitator Service Recognition

Being an EAST facilitator is an investment of time and energy for educators. We proudly recognized these educators for their milestone years of service.

15 Years of Service

Paul Miller, Jeff Risner, Josh Worthy

10 Years of Service

Allen Landry, Kelly Martin, Andrew Killingsworth, Dorothy Ivey, Leeann Mobley, Jennifer Hightower (Not Pictured: Joseph Alderman, Lynette Curzon, Abigail Farrell)

5 Years of Service

Nolan Brown, Alison Cox, Erin Baughtman, Jenine Ottaway, Tammy Beardsley, Kelsi Peterson, Dalton McGathy, Andy Sills, Shannon Page, Jim Tran, James Woods (not pictured: Jenna Donnell)

Breakout Sessions

Facilitators had 42 opportunities to level up their skills through educational sessions covering topics ranging from hands-on technology to classroom management strategies. Each session offered new tools and fresh ideas to help them build a winning game plan for the year ahead!

These education sessions were led by industry leaders, veteran facilitators, and members of the EAST staff. Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and expertise at EAST Seminar 2026!

Stacie Allen
Angie Allison
Shannon Banks
Jason Blake
Bradley Brewer
Rob Brisk
Breanna Burris
Dai’Sha Curin
Troy DeBill
Matt Dozier
Keeley Frye
Neal Gladner
Rinda Hall
Aspen Ham
Mara Hitner
Bethany Howell
Janelle Jessen
Jocelyn Johnson
James Jones
Kristen Kelley
Stephanie Lara
Erin Larkin
Kelly Martin
Dalton McGathy
Jamie Moody
Bob Ocken
Nicole Pena
Dr. Sarah Pitman
Erin Rappold
Derek Ratchford
Scott Simon
Elijah Skinner
Jamie Stallings
John Stokes
Luke Story
Trey Suskie
Tina Taylor
Mickey Thompson
Thomas Thrash
Jayson Wall
Amanda Wicker
Josh Worthy

Industry Tours

Facilitators made their move into the real world during the 2026 Industry Tours, exploring how EAST skills are shaping communities across Little Rock. Stops at Moonlight Mixes, Custom Aircraft Cabinets, and THV11 offered behind-the-scenes looks at entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing, aviation, broadcasting, and teamwork. Giving attendees fresh inspiration to help students turn big ideas into game-changing projects.

Networking Events

EAST Seminar networking events gave facilitators opportunities to step away from the sessions, recharge, and connect with the EAST community. Through casual activities, shared experiences, and plenty of fun, attendees strengthened relationships, welcomed new faces, and made meaningful connections to carry into the year ahead.

Monday: WELCOME RECEPTION

The Opening Move Welcome Reception set the game in motion for EAST Seminar 2026! Facilitators checked in, explored inspiring student work in the Project Gallery, and connected through tabletop activities, card games, and oversized yard games. With great food, friendly competition, and plenty of familiar and new faces around the table, it was the perfect first move for the days ahead.

Tuesday: Loony Bin Comedy Club

The Bonus Round unlocked an evening of laughter and connection at the Loony Bin Comedy Club. Attendees recharged with a hosted dessert bar, classroom-inspired comedy, and a live prize drawing while connecting with friends and colleagues. It was the perfect mix of laughter, sweet rewards, and fun after a full day of learning.

Door Prize Donors

Thank you to the generosity of these companies, organizations and individuals for contributing to EAST Seminar and sending our facilitators home happy.

Arkansas 4-H STEM
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship (ASPSF)
Art by Jessica Jones
Chicken Salad Chick Destination Rogers
Eagle Hill Golf & Athletic Club
First Tee Central Arkansas Greg Moore
Rick & Rinda Hall
Kimtox Aesthetics & Wellness -Little Rock
Little Rock Marathon
Little Rock Zoo
Loony Bin Comedy Club
Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Party Time Rental and Events
Sandlin Rhoads ART
Skin Fix Med Spa
Sonic
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Visit Hot Springs

EAST-opoly Challenge Winner

Facilitators used their EAST-opoly game boards to track their participation throughout Seminar, collecting stickers as they landed on key event spaces for a chance to win the grand prize. After completing all five spaces, Brooke Cheely from Mulberry High School was drawn as the winner of a 3D printer valued at $1,349 courtesy of MatterHackers!

EAST Seminar 2026 was made possible through the valued support of our sponsors.