LR Convention and Visitors Bureau launches ‘rock star’ campaign

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) launched a new partnership program designed to bring more meeting and convention business to the capital city. The program identifies local residents belonging to associations and organizations, encourages them to promote Little Rock as a meetings destination, and assists them in the convention bidding, planning and execution phases. Members of these types of organizations can often influence where future meetings are held.

A press conference was held Tuesday, December 18, 2018 to explain the Little Rock “Rock Star” initiative in detail.

“Conventions are big business for Little Rock. In 2017, the LRCVB hosted 91 meetings, 45 conventions and 30 sporting events in one of the LRCVB managed facilities, resulting in $106+ million dollars in economic impact for Little Rock,” said Gina Gemberling, LRCVB Vice President of Sales & Services.

“We work hard to bring as many groups as possible to our great city, and we’re always proactively looking for more. The ‘Rock Star’ program is a great way to build relationships with local residents, encourage them to represent Little Rock by helping promote the city as a great meetings and conventions destination, work through the planning and execution phases, and celebrate them as stars of our industry,” she added.

Following the press event, an awards luncheon was held on the Robinson Performance Hall stage honoring local residents who have assisted in landing meetings in Little Rock. More than 40 local “stars” were inducted into the first-ever LRCVB Rock Star Hall of Fame, and publicly recognized for their efforts. Inductees included members of professional associations, hobby groups, sports leagues, fraternities and faith-based affiliates, and more.

Arkansas’s capital city welcomes more than 6 million visitors each year. They contribute nearly $2 billion dollars to the local economy by way of lodging, dining, shopping and sightseeing. Those expenditures directly support local business and generate significant tax revenue to Little Rock and the surrounding area.