Little Rock to Host Southeast Tourism Society Showcase, PR Media Event 

(Southeast Tourism Society)

Little Rock will be hosting the 2024 domestic showcase of the Southeast Tourism Society March 20-23, the not-for-profit organization announced Feb. 12.

The regional “appointment style” marketplace will be at the Statehouse Convention Center and will offer tourism professionals a chance to engage directly with group tour professionals and southeastern suppliers.

The goal is to enhance tourism across the region, and the event will be held in partnership with the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau and Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

The showcase will offer delegates “two days of networking and fun exploring the culture, food, art, history and outdoor recreation of Little Rock,” according to a news release about the event.

“Working with STS is an existing part of LRCVB’s plan to increase tourism for our city,” said LRCVB President & CEO Gina Gemberling. “Hosting them here puts our city on the map for hundreds of group tour buyers and travel journalists to showcase everything Little Rock has to offer for group and leisure travel.”

One key element of the event will be a PR Media Marketplace that will put society member destinations together with travel journalists, offering opportunities for “earned media results,” the release said.

“Arkansas is proud to host this distinguished group of travel industry professionals and travel media,” said a statement by Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Attendees will be able to experience firsthand what Arkansans have known all along – that The Natural State is one of the best destinations in the world for outdoor recreation and adventure. We look forward to sharing the attractions and dining experiences that make Arkansas so unique.”

Keynote speakers will include Stephanie Stuckey, chair of Stuckey’s, and Brian Jewell, executive editor of The Group Travel Leader, Inc. “Their insights into group tour and travel trends, coupled with forecasting future opportunities, are poised to not only benefit tourism in the Southeast but also contribute positively to Arkansas’ tourism industry,” the release said.

“On behalf of the STS Board of Directors and staff, I would like to express our gratitude to the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau and Arkansas Tourism for hosting the 2024 Domestic Showcase event,” Monica Smith, president and CEO of STS, said in the release. “Domestic Showcase is an incredible educational and networking experience allowing the participants the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow professionals from the travel and tourism industry.”