5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love Arkansas

Agritourism. Arkansas offers a behind-the scenes peek into the makers of the liquor and the cows that contribute to your latte-drinking habit. Attendees will have the chance to experience places like Dogwood Hills Guest Farm, where visitors can eat on the farm and meet the animals. Delta Dirt Distillery gives visitors a tour of the entire process of making its spirits.

Outdoors. Arkansas (and Louisiana) is home to Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world at 364 miles. The state’s “outdoorsyness” also spills over into the world of meetings. Take Saracene Landing, located alongside the 500-acre Saracen Lake; here is where the 10,080-square-foot pavilion sits, suitable for planners who want meetings with an aquatic view.

History. Like several other U.S. states, Arkansas’ placement made it a battleground during the Civil War, as well as the site of many historical Native American and Civil Rights moments. Several venues attendees can explore the state’s history are Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and Museum of Native American History.

Sightseeing. Arkansas offers multiple modes of transportation to explore the city’s sights and history. In Eureka Springs, Belle of the Ozarks offers a 12-mile cruise, passing by 12 points of interest in the region. Arkansas & Missouri Railroad offers three round-trip tours through the Ozark Boston Mountains and a 45-minute holiday-themed Holiday Express/Pajama Train excursion.

Local music. Entertainment in the state is alive and well, and so are the music venues. Bentonville has several music venues for attendees to experience around the meetings, like The Momentary, Backroom Social Club and City Sessions.

 

5 Places to Meet

For up to 20, Capital Hotel’s wine cellar in Little Rock can be the setting for a private dining experience. More than just a place to meet, the cellar is also where the wine is stored for the property’s two F&B options, Capital Bar & Grill and One Eleven.

3,352 sq. ft. of meeting space; 94 guest rooms.

Astral Spa is Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort’s only Forbes Four Star-rated spa. For post-spa eating, the Hot Springs property features 17 F&B options, including Mainline Sports Bar, which features three Topgolf Swing Suites, and Carousel, which provides a view of the races, in addition to a collection of antique carousel horses.

18,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 200 guest rooms.

Now in its 100th year, Hot Springs’ The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa remains the largest hotel in the state. Another appeal, hot spring water being pumped into the hotel, allows guests to bathe in natural water in its thermal water spa.

40,137 sq. ft. of meeting space; 478 guest rooms

Arkansas River views accompany many of Little Rock Marriott’s 21 meeting rooms. Beyond these spaces, the property is also next to Statehouse Convention Center, providing an additional 220,000 sq. ft. of space. Its dining options include a Starbucks and Heritage Grille Steak and Fin.

44,747 sq. ft. of meeting space; 418 guest rooms.

21c Museum Hotel Bentonville is one of several contemporary museum hotels by the brand. From the lobby to its restaurant, The Hive, guests will see contemporary art all throughout the property.

12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 104 guest rooms.

This article appears in the January 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.