Industry Tours
We’re hitting the road in El Dorado! Join us for the 2025 Industry Tours and see how EAST skills are shaping communities in real life. We have three unique and engaging locations to explore in El Dorado, each offering a firsthand look at how local organizations, cultural institutions, and community leaders are shaping their region — and how their work connects to the skills and values taught in EAST classrooms.
Check out the descriptions and schedule below, and make your plans to meet us on Tuesday, July 22 at 12:00 PM at the
El Dorado Conference Center for an afternoon of discovery, connection, and inspiration with the 2025 EAST Seminar Industry Tour!
Registration for this experience is just $20. Please note that seats are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis — so sign up today!
Register Here
First Stop:
South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society
Step back in time as we begin our tour with a visit to the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society and the historic Newton House. This hour-long experience will explore the importance of preserving local history through storytelling, artifacts, and architecture. EAST facilitators will explore how their students can take on meaningful projects—such as creating virtual museum tours, documenting oral histories, participating in digital archiving, or partnering with local preservation efforts.
Second Stop:
Murphy Arts District & Production Tech
Next, we head to the heart of El Dorado’s cultural revitalization — the Murphy Arts District. This tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at their event spaces and production technology. From stage lighting to sound design, we’ll explore how the entertainment industry uses tools and techniques that are already familiar to many EAST students. Facilitators will walk away with new ideas for creative and technical projects that connect students to real-world careers in media, design, and live production.
Third Stop:
El Dorado Chamber of Commerce – Industry Workshop
We’ll close out the tour with a dynamic workshop at the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce. Here, facilitators will meet with local industry leaders to learn about workforce trends, community needs, and how EAST programs can be powerful partners in local development. This conversation will help facilitators think about how to build stronger partnerships and how their students can use EAST projects to make a real difference in their communities.