2027 State Conference 

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The 2026 State Leadership Conference, which was held over two days in February of 2026, was attended by over 1,540 members who met at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

 

The conference gives student members who have become involved in HOSA the opportunity to further develop and build leadership skills, acquire health care related competencies through competitive events, and gain networking opportunities with students across the state who share similar interests and goals.

 

The Arkansas HOSA State Leadership Conference also features industry partners as exhibitors and competition judges, giving them the opportunity to interact with the largest gathering of future health professionals in the state.

 

In 2026, 72 Competitive Events were featured, with each member allowed to compete in one event.  The Competitive Events Program is designed to motivate HOSA members and provide a system for recognizing the competencies developed by members through Health Science and Biomedical Science class instruction, related job training, and HOSA related activities. 

 

Competitive events motivate HOSA members to improve their knowledge and skills.  HOSA provides an international competitive events program as a means of recognizing students who are willing to pursue excellence by preparing for competition and having the determination to attend a conference and participate in a competitive event. 

 

The top three competitors in each event are awarded a medal and are eligible to compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC).  

 

In 2026, 202 Arkansas HOSA members attended the ILC in Indianapolis, IN, where over 13,000 HOSA members competed in over 90 competitions.

 

Arkansas HOSA members were very successful at the 2026 (ILC). Many members advanced to the second rounds of their competitions, showcasing their healthcare skills and knowledge.​