2026 SWLS Workshops

Choose from three workshops

Workshop Three Workshop Three
Workshop Three

Workshop Overview: This two-for-one session gives nonprofit leaders a foundational understanding of public relations and social media and how to leverage both to elevate their mission. Through a fun, mission-centered workshop, nonprofit leaders will learn to build a PR and social media strategy rooted in clarity, dignity and storytelling. Participants learn what makes a story newsworthy, how to develop relationships with the media, and how to craft pitches that resonate with reporters and editors. 

What Participants Will Learn: 

  • What PR is and why it matters for nonprofits 

  • How to identify what is truly newsworthy 

  • How to craft clear, compelling pitches 

  • Building and maintaining media relationships 

  • Practical tips to gain traction with local media outlets 

  • How to turn mission statements into clear messaging 

  • Identifying content pillars that reflect impact 

  • Aligning social media content with development and program goals 

  • A simple month-by-month content approach 

  • How social and PR work together for brand awareness

What Participants Will Walk Away With: 

  • A simple pitch template 

  • A list of newsworthy angles for their organization 

  • Three to five content pillars 

  • A refreshed, mission-driven social bio

  • Tools for sustainable social engagement


Ideal for: Nonprofit communications teams, executive directors & leaders, program leaders, development teams

Led by: Lauren McKinnon + Jillian Bowman, Project Mockingbird 

Workshop Two Workshop Two
Workshop Two

Workshop Overview: A practical session designed to help leaders communicate clearly, confidently and effectively with the media. Participants learn how to stay on message, handle difficult questions and represent their organization with professionalism and ease. 

What Participants Will Learn: 

  • Understanding the media interview process 

  • How to prepare key messages and talking points 

  • Techniques for staying calm and confident 

  • Bridging, blocking, and staying on message 

  • Common pitfalls and how to navigate challenging questions 

What Participants Will Walk Away With: 

  • A clear set of talking points 

  • Tools for handling tough questions 

  • Increased confidence speaking on behalf of their organization 

Ideal for: Executives, communications leads, program spokespeople and small-business owners

Led by: Susanne Williams, Project Mockingbird

Workshop One Workshop One
Workshop One

Workshop Overview - The keynote introduced a powerful question: How often do you rehearse the best-case scenario? This workshop is where you build the skills to change that pattern. We will explore the neuroscience behind why worst-case thinking dominates, then practice research-backed techniques to systematically retrain your brain. Through a three-scenario exercise, you will give best-case outcomes the detailed rehearsal time they deserve. Through language reframing, you will learn to shift how your body experiences challenges and uncertainty. And through embodied practice, you can rehearse showing up calm and confident. This is an interactive session. Consider it your research lab. You will leave with a personalized rehearsal protocol for your next high-stakes moment, specific language reframes for your actual challenges, and the muscle memory of what confidence feels like in your body.

Ideal for: Any level employee or executive

Led by: Cindy Jones-Nyland, CJN Consulting Group

If you're looking for even more opportunity to learn and grow, then our workshop add-on is the perfect solution for you! Add a workshop to your ticket when you buy . Workshops will be held from 2:15 -3:45 p.m.

2026 Sponsors

  • DELTA DENTAL OF ARKANSAS

    CO-PRESENTING SPONSOR

  • THE HATCHER AGENCY

    CO-PRESENTING SPONSOR

  • BAPTIST HEALTH

    WELLNESS SPONSOR

  • SIMMONS BANK

    LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPONSOR

  • WOMAN RUN (WLJ)

    ENTREPRENEUR TRACK SPONSOR

  • WOMEN'S FOUNDATION OF ARKANSAS

    SUPPORTING SPONSOR

  • DESIGN1

    VIP SPONSOR

  • UAMS HEALTH

    OPENING KEYNOTE SPONSOR

  • LITTLE ROCK MARRIOTT

    HOSPITALITY PARTNER

  • LRCVB

    PRODUCTION PARTNER

CORPORATE TABLE SPONSORS

Arvest Bank

CARTI

First National Bank

IQonic Wealth Management

Mitchell Williams Law Firm

Meridian Investment Advisors

Lexicon

Project Mockingbird

The Arkansas Financial Group