More than 3,000 students and educators from more than 240 schools will gather in Hot Springs next week for EAST Conference 2026, the annual showcase of student innovation, community service and technology-driven problem-solving.
The event, taking place March 17–19 at the Hot Springs Convention Center, marks the 30th anniversary of Little Rock-based EAST Initiative and will feature student technology demonstrations, project competitions and presentations highlighting how students are improving communities across Arkansas and beyond. This year’s theme, “Our Greatest Hits,” highlights three decades of student-led innovation while highlighting the future of community-focused technology education.
“If you know EAST, you know our students are more than just learners – they are visionary change-makers,” said Matt Dozier, president and CEO of EAST Initiative. “EAST Conference is where innovation, collaboration and creativity take center stage. As we celebrate 30 years of EAST, we’re honoring the past while amplifying the future these students are building.”
Six schools will be recognized during the conference’s Opening Session with the prestigious Founder’s and Cornerstone awards, which honor programs that best demonstrate the three core principles of EAST — student growth and engagement, community and collaboration and project sophistication and innovation.
The 2026 Founder’s Award recipients are: Lamar High School, Calico Rock High School and Buffalo Island Central High School in Monette. The 2026 Cornerstone Award recipients are: Nettleton STEAM Intermediate in Jonesboro for student growth and engagement, Lincoln Middle School for community and collaboration and Fountain Lake Charter High School for project sophistication and innovation.
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