Exhibitor Overview: DeSoto County Ahead Resource Fair

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the DeSoto County community will gather at the Turner Agri-Civic Center in Arcadia for the DeSoto County Ahead Resource Fair and Community Update. This free event, presented by The Patterson Foundation, will showcase local organizations, highlight valuable resources, and feature meaningful presentations from community changemakers. The goal is to connect people, strengthen civic culture, and leave participants inspired with new ideas and practical steps to drive positive change.

For more than a decade, The Patterson Foundation has worked in DeSoto County to strengthen connections and build trust. Through initiatives like Aspirations to Actions, community conversations have identified shared priorities ranging from education and digital access to beautification and economic opportunity. Partnering with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, TPF supports the belief that solutions already exist within the community and that progress is accelerated when residents lead the way.

The day will begin with an Exhibitor Exchange from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, where exhibitors can connect with one another before doors open to the public. From 4:00 to 6:30 PM, the Resource Fair will invite attendees to explore exhibits, learn about local services, and engage with providers. Visitors will receive an “Exhibitor Passport,” and those who engage with 25 or more booths will earn a $25 gift card and a chance to win a $1,000 nonprofit donation to an organization of their choice. At 5:00 PM, dinner will be served by local food vendors, fully funded by The Patterson Foundation, and will be available to all attendees, presenters, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff. At 7:00 PM, the Community Update Presentation will feature leaders and organizations sharing progress, success stories, and opportunities for action, followed by networking until 8:00 PM, when exhibits conclude and breakdown begins.

Exhibitors are asked to set up on either Monday, January 12, from 12:00–3:00 PM or Tuesday, January 13, from 12:00–2:00 PM. All exhibits must be ready by 2:00 PM on January 13 and remain open until the event concludes at 8:00 PM. Upon arrival, exhibitors should check in at the lobby to receive their table assignment. Each booth will be equipped with an 8’ table and two chairs, and exhibitors are encouraged to bring additional materials to create engaging displays. With more than 400 residents expected to attend, this is a unique opportunity to connect with a broad cross-section of the community.

All exhibit staff must complete the attendee registration form in addition to the exhibitor registration form submitted earlier. This ensures that names are logged for check-in, meals, and participation. Exhibitors are encouraged to share the event registration link with family, friends, and neighbors since this event is open to the public. To prepare, every exhibitor should attend one of four pre-event Zoom info sessions scheduled for December 4 at 2:00 PM, December 5 at 9:30 AM, December 11 at 5:30 PM, or December 12 at 11:00 AM.

By exhibiting at the DeSoto County Ahead Resource Fair, you are contributing to a stronger, more connected community. Together, we can build partnerships, share resources, and inspire hope as we take actionable steps toward “Building our future with every voice.” For questions, contact Alicia Exantus (aexantustpf@gmail.com) or Lyndsey Smith (lsmithtpf@gmail.com). Interested in participating as an Exhibitor again in the Resource Fair? Complete this registration form.