Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Outdoor Economy Summit join forces in 2025

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is bringing together the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism presented by Oaklawn and the Arkansas Outdoor Economy Summit for the first time to create an opportunity for industry leaders, tourism professionals and outdoor advocates to collaborate. According to Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the expanded event will be held Sunday through Tuesday in Bentonville to explore the future of tourism and the growing economic power of the Natural State’s outdoor industry.

The conference will feature a fireside chat featuring First Gentleman Bryan Sanders and Runway Group co-founder and CEO Tom Walton and moderated by Outside, Inc., CEO Robin Thurston. The conversation will dive into the future of outdoor recreation in Arkansas and the industry’s growing impact on tourism and the economy.

Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis says, “This is a landmark year for the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. By bringing together our state’s top tourism and outdoor industry leaders, we’re setting the stage for innovation, investment and economic growth. This first-of-its-kind collaboration underscores the vital role outdoor recreation plays in Arkansas’ future.”

The gathering is set to offer a lineup of sessions covering the latest trends in travel, destination marketing, outdoor recreation economics and industry workforce development efforts. The event kicks off Sunday night with an opening reception and culminates Tuesday night with the annual Henry Awards Banquet, where leaders in Arkansas tourism are recognized for their contributions to the state’s thriving visitor economy.

Click here for event details.

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