Best of Northeast Arkansas - Timeline

How it works ...

Each year we ask the general public to nominate their favorites across 215 categories. All nominated businesses will move forward to the voting ballot, no matter how many times they’re nominated. During the voting phase each person can vote one time per day per category. After voting ends, results are published as a year-long reference for the community.

Nomination Phase

Jan 20th, 2027 at 12:00pm thru Feb 10th, 2027 at 5:00pm

It all starts with the Nomination Phase. In the Nomination Phase, the public submits their favorites for consideration in each category. It only takes one nomination to move onto the voting phase, so no need to nominate your favorite over and over again - one nomination is all it takes!

Voting Phase

Feb 17th, 2027 at 12:00pm thru Mar 3rd, 2027 at 5:00pm

After the Nomination Phase comes to a close, there is a brief pause for the nominees to be validated to ensure each nominee qualifies for their respective nominated category. Each member of the public can vote one time per day per category.

Winner Announced

May 20th, 2027 at 12:00pm

The votes are tabulated and the winners are selected based on the most votes. Winners will be reflected online for one year as a resource for the community.

Winner & Magazine Timeline

For winners and those who purchase a magazine ad, please see the timeline below for important dates and deadlines:

Winner Notification Due Date

Due Mar 26th, 2027 at 6:00pm

Non-disclosure agreements and winner questionnaires will be sent to all winners via email. Winners will be able to provide content and update contact information for themselves. Winners will also be able to see a preview of their free winner feature. Winners must submit their questionnaire by Mar 26th, 2027 at 6:00pm.

Magazine Ad Purchase Deadline

Ad purchases must be placed by Mar 26th, 2027 at 6:00pm

Various ad placements are available for purchase for this year's magazine. The ads must be purchased by Mar 26th, 2027 at 6:00pm in order to secure the spot for the magazine.

Looking for the magazine spec sheet? Click to download it

Content Due Date

Apr 2nd, 2027 at 5:00pm

If you purchased a magazine ad, all images and ad copy must be submitted to the design team by Apr 2nd, 2027 at 5:00pm.

Ad Approval Deadline

Magazine design due date is Apr 9th, 2027 at 5:00pm

For those who purchased a magazine ad, all magazine ads must be approved by Apr 9th, 2027 at 5:00pm. This date applies to ads being designed by our team or ads being provided to us camera ready.

Would you like to know more about Best of Northeast Arkansas?

If you still have any questions on any part of the contest, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more clarification on many parts of the contest.