Building What’s Next Together

The workforce landscape is shifting, this is where we make sense of it together.

Changing labor-market conditions, emerging technologies, evolving employer needs, and new approaches to economic mobility are already influencing what workers experience and what organizations must be prepared to do next.

Across the RON community, leaders are encountering these shifts from different places and perspectives. Each sees an important part of the picture. The 2026 Convening will bring those perspectives together so we can better understand the forces shaping the field, see how our work connects, and identify where action is needed most.

Over two days, participants will examine current and emerging workforce realities, exchange practical ideas and lessons from their work, and strengthen relationships across sectors. Together, we will explore what these changes mean for our organizations, where stronger coordination could accelerate progress, and how each of us can contribute to greater opportunity and economic mobility for workers.

Building on the call from last year to move From Silos to Systems, this year’s convening invites us to turn connection into contribution, shared learning into practical action, and promising ideas into progress.

Planning Your Stay in Bentonville

The RON Hotel Room Block Is Now Full

The dedicated RON room block at the Motto by Hilton has filled well before the August 27 deadline. We know some participants may still be making travel arrangements, and we are sharing several options to help you identify accommodations that work for your plans.

Rooms may still be available at the Motto at the hotel’s current public rates. Additional nearby options are listed below. Hotel availability is limited and rates may change, so we encourage participants to book as soon as possible.

Hotel Options for September 14–16

Best for shuttle access: Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown | 229 South Main Street, Bentonville, AR 72712 | The RON room block is full, but rooms may still be available at the hotel’s public rate. The Motto is directly across from the Ledger, our downtown shuttle pickup location.

Downtown and shuttle-friendly: 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville | 200 NE A Street, Bentonville, AR 72712 | The 21c is located in downtown Bentonville, approximately a seven-minute walk from the Ledger shuttle pickup.

Closest to the convening: AC Hotel Bentonville | 1201 SE 8th Street, Bentonville, AR 72712 | The AC Hotel is directly across from the convening venue, about a three-minute walk from Sam Walton Hall. Availability for September 14–16 is extremely limited. If you find an available room, we recommend booking promptly.

Lowest current rate: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bentonville | 301 SE Walton Boulevard, Bentonville, AR 72712 | The DoubleTree is approximately a 10-minute rideshare from Sam Walton Hall. This hotel is not located near the event shuttle route.

Event Shuttle

Complimentary transportation to Sam Walton Hall will depart each morning from The Ledger, 240 South Main Street, Bentonville, AR 72712. The Ledger is directly across from the Motto and approximately a seven-minute walk from 21c Museum Hotel.

Participants staying at the AC Hotel can walk to the convening venue. Those staying at the DoubleTree should plan to use a rideshare or arrange their own transportation. Shuttle times and additional transportation details will be shared closer to the convening.

Make the Most of Your Time in Bentonville

An informal welcome cocktail hour for early arrivals will take place Monday, September 14, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. The formal convening begins Tuesday, September 15, with registration at 8:00 a.m., followed by programming from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and an evening reception from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Programming resumes Wednesday, September 16, from 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. CT.

Planning Your Travel

Participants traveling by air should plan to fly into Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), the primary airport serving Bentonville and the surrounding region.

More to Come

We are continuing to shape the RON 2026 Convening and will share additional details in the coming weeks, including the agenda, featured speakers, travel and onsite logistics, and ways to make the most of your time in Bentonville. Check back here for the latest updates as Building What’s Next Together comes into focus.