CONWAY, AR — The Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) successfully concluded its seventh annual Women’s Business Showcase on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Conway Expo Center. This year’s event marked a significant milestone for the organization, tripling the number of vendors from previous years to feature more than 150 women-led brands and nonprofits.
Nearly 900 guests attended the showcase which lasted from noon until 8 p.m. The high- energy expo provided a platform for a diverse range of entrepreneurs to showcase products like jewelry, candles, and books, alongside professional services like healthcare, consulting, and catering.
Attendees enjoyed live demonstrations, upbeat music, food trucks and good vibes.
Dr. Shaneil Ealy, Executive Director of WLN, expressed her pride in the event’s impact on the entrepreneurial community. “It was exhilarating to see so many women stepping out, some for the first time, to share their passions and their talents with the community,” she said.
Ealy noted that beyond the shopping and networking with the public, the connection between the business owners themselves was a highlight. “The vendors always say the networking among other vendors is almost as fulfilling and impactful to them as selling their products. To have this space where women can be empowered and inspired is what we do.”
In addition to business growth, the showcase emphasized community support. The event featured a networking lounge sponsored by Silverlake Design Studio, offering free market analysis and business plan reviews for growing companies. Attendees also contributed to a community drive, donating feminine hygiene products to support local women in need.
The 2026 showcase was presented by the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative, with additional support from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Tommy’s Car Wash, Candace Wilson Creative and the Conductor.
Founded in 2017, the Women’s Leadership Network is a community of over 2,000 women dedicated to empowering women to live authentically and become agents of influence. By providing resources, fostering community engagement, and creating safe spaces for professional growth, WLN support aspiring and seasoned leaders in the home, workplace and community. Learn more at wlnarkansas.org.
