Heartland Summit
Innovative Economic Development Leadership Summit
Overview
The Heartland Summit is an annual, high-impact economic development conference designed to convene thought leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors focused on advancing prosperity in the American Heartland. Our creative events agency led the full-scale event production — from immersive stage design and branding to seamless attendee experience — helping Heartland Forward deliver on its mission to drive regional innovation and inclusive growth. With dynamic programming, interactive installations, and world-class speaker support, we created an environment that fostered authentic dialogue and actionable collaboration.
Duration
Impact
The Challenge
The Solution
Since its inception in 2018, Markham has had the honor of bringing the Heartland Summit to life. As we returned to Bentonville, AR, for the fourth annual convening, our challenge was clear: how do you make a recurring event in the same city feel brand new, all while working within the same budget year after year? With a mix of innovation, creativity, and attention to every detail, we set out to reimagine the experience – for our client, loyal attendees, and first-time guests alike.
Drawing on our deep familiarity with the city, trusted vendors, and creative concepts, we infused the 2025 Heartland Summit with fresh energy and innovative experiences.
Traditionally, the closing dinner brought all attendees together in a single venue, but this year, we reimagined it entirely. To spark deeper connections and richer conversations around shared interests, we introduced 11 distinct salon dinners, each hosted by a Summit thought partner and held at one of nine venues across Bentonville.
These intimate gatherings gave attendees the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with peers who shared their passions.
Beyond meals, we revamped the schedule to include two hours of free activation time – an invitation to explore the beauty, creativity, and innovation that define Northwest Arkansas.
From bike tours and museum visits to pickleball, poker, yoga, and even helicopter rides, attendees had a chance to connect with the region – and one another – in unexpected, memorable ways.
Finally, with the main programming venue remaining the same each year, we confronted the challenge of transforming a familiar space into something that felt captivating and new.
The main stage – where visionary speakers from across the country gather to share bold ideas rooted in the heart of the country – needed to inspire.
Enter a 50-foot LED screen: the team used it as a dynamic canvas to immerse attendees in every panel discussion, infusing each session with vibrant visuals and creative storytelling that brought the content to life.
The Impact
The Heartland Summit has grown into a highly anticipated annual event, leaving attendees inspired and energized to spark change and innovation within their own organizations and communities. For Markham, the Summit has not only deepened our creative partnership, but also expanded the scope of our collaboration. The relationships sparked at the Summit continue to flourish, giving rise to new ideas, partnerships, and possibilities that extend beyond the event itself.
Venues
Highlights
