Just a short plane ride or a five-hour road trip away from Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas, is an innovative city on the banks of the Arkansas River. This capital city is host to millions of visitors each year and offers small-town warmth mixed with a level of sophistication that might surprise visitors.
Vibe: From global cuisine to innovative art, attendees can encounter something new in Little Rock. The city is known for its historic role in the Civil Rights movement, and residents have created protected areas to honor this legacy and the people who made so many sacrifices in the early days of desegregation.
Transportation: The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport offers flights to and from major U.S. cities, and interstates 30 and 40 bring meeting-goers into Little Rock from Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The METRO streetcar system and Rock Region Metro bus service provide easy on-and-off transportation around town.
Hotels: The Little Rock Marriott offers 418 rooms, 40,000 square feet of meeting space, and a direct connection to the Statehouse Convention Center. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock is connected to the Robinson Center and provides an additional 12,700 square feet of meeting and event space and 288 guest rooms. Another popular choice is the historic Capital Hotel with 95 guest rooms and 6,000 square feet of meeting space.
Meeting Venues: The Statehouse Convention Center’s 220,000 square feet includes flexible exhibit space, a ballroom, and 12 meeting rooms. The nearby Robinson Center, which overlooks the Arkansas River, is a 25,000-square-foot meeting and conference center and performing arts venue. The Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, located in the River Market District, brings elegance and gravitas to meetings. The venue boasts 10,000 square feet of event space.
Restaurants: The River Market District near downtown stretches 11 blocks along the Arkansas River and offers attendees a variety of entertainment, shopping, and dining options. Cache Restaurant serves a fine-dining American menu and offers three chef’s tables, a VIP lounge, and several private spaces. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room brings
a festive atmosphere to a gathering on the patio, in the piano bar, or a private room. For something more laid-back, Lost Forty Brewing seats up to 75 for pub grub with your brew.
Must-Sees and -Dos: Little Rock is filled with cultural, artistic, and historic attractions. Book seats at the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra or visit the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. For some fresh air, explore the 88-mile Arkansas River Trail connecting 38 parks, 12 museums, and four towns, including Little Rock. The Quapaw Quarter is home to Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, where the Little Rock Nine were the first African American students to attend the formerly all-white public school in 1957.
