Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism will host an Outdoor Recreation Pitch Competition and Dinner during the 52nd annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation. The event will be led by the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation in partnership with Startup Junkie and the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
WHO
Outdoor recreation startups and ventures based in Arkansas, along with investors and industry leaders interested in Arkansas’ growing outdoor recreation economy.
WHAT
A three-track pitch competition showcasing Arkansas outdoor recreation entrepreneurs:
- IdeaFame: 60-second pitches for anyone with a strong outdoor recreation idea.
- Service-Based: 3-minute pitches for Arkansas companies delivering outdoor recreation experiences to the public.
- Scalable Startups: 3-minute pitches for founders building businesses designed for growth beyond a single market, including technology-enabled ventures and innovative outdoor recreation products.
WHEN
Monday, February 23, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Schedule
5 – 5:30 p.m. | Track 1: IdeaFame (10 early-stage ideas)
5:30 – 6 p.m. | Track 2: Service-Based (5 Arkansas companies)
6 – 6:30 p.m. | Track 3: Scalable Startups (5 venture-stage companies)
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Dinner & Networking
7 p.m. | Winners & Awards Announced
WHERE
Wally Allen Ballroom
Statehouse Convention Center
Little Rock, Arkansas
WHY
To connect outdoor recreation entrepreneurs with investors, industry leaders and stakeholders—driving innovation, collaboration and investment in Arkansas’ outdoor economy. Participants will gain exposure and compete for prizes designed to help advance their businesses.
PARTICIPATION
This event is part of the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation.
- Included with Full Conference Registration/Included with Monday Day Pass
- General public tickets available for $40:
https://web.cvent.com/event/eeb3b0fd-fdc1-48d5-91b2-64693d39153b/regProcessStep1 - Media are invited to attend and support this statewide entrepreneurial initiative (RSVP requested in advance)
MEDIA REQUESTS & CALL TO ACTION
We are inviting media to support this statewide entrepreneurial initiative by:
- Attending the Pitch Competition & Dinner (RSVP requested in advance)
- Promoting participation opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs ahead of the February 6 application deadline
- Sharing event coverage and awareness with your audiences to help amplify Arkansas’ outdoor recreation economy
MEDIA REGISTRATION / RSVP
Media interested in attending or covering the event may RSVP or request additional information by emailing: Yoon Kim — yoon@outdoorecom.com
