Little Rock, AR

Key Highlights

Hotels	215
Total Sleeping Rooms	17,151
Committable Meeting Rooms*	4
Largest Exhibit Space	82,892 Sq. Ft.
Largest Ballroom	28,000 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $86
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $61
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $279
*Maximum for a single hotel

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Little Rock, AR Meeting Planning Overview

Warm Southern hospitality, affordability and accessibility are just a few of the reasons Little Rock is popular with meeting planners and its over 5.4 million annual visitors. Centrally located on two fronts, Little Rock is situated in the geographic center of the state and country. By car, Little Rock is less than two hours from Memphis, five hours from Dallas and less than eight hours from Atlanta, St. Louis and New Orleans. For those traveling by plane, this sunbelt city is just as convenient. Little Rock National Airport offers approximately 90 flights per day.

Once in the city, planners are greeted by over 6,000 hotel rooms that can meet any price point. In fact, over 1,300 rooms are conveniently found within a five-block radius of the city's convention centers, the Statehouse Convention Center and the Robinson Center. Situated in Little Rock's charming Statehouse Plaza, the Statehouse Convention Center features approximately 220,000 square feet of space. With an 18,000-square-foot ballroom and four multi-use foyers, this sleek center is an ideal choice for both tradeshows and pre- and post-event affairs.

Just steps away from the Statehouse Convention Center, the prestigious Robinson Center Music Hall is Little Rock's premier performance facility. The hall has hosted such legendary acts as Willie Nelson, Bill Cosby and the Black Crows and is home to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Broadway Theater Series. Featuring 14,867 square feet of exhibit space along with seven versatile meeting rooms, the Robinson Center is one of the most perfect Little Rock event venues for award ceremonies, general sessions, presentations and special programs.

For memorable meetings, Little Rock's cityscape also boasts a number of exciting venues. Masterpieces by Jackson Pollock and Georgia O'Keefe make a stunning backdrop for events held at the Arkansas Art Center. Or get outdoors at the popular River Market Pavilions, which offer function space for up to 1,000 people. For top-notch cuisine in an elegant setting, the private room at the highly lauded 1620 Restaurant invites guests to relax for an evening of fine food and networking.

Several major corporations are headquartered in Little Rock including Alltel, Dillard's Department Stores, Windstream Communications and Acxiom. In addition, the city is home to several large companies including Metropolitan National Bank, Rose Law Firm, Central Flying Service and Stephens, Inc. The city is also home to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

About Little Rock, AR / Additional Info

Spanning 105.4 square miles, Little Rock is the state capital and most populous city in Arkansas. Nestled along the banks of the Arkansas River in the geographic center of the state, Little Rock is home to approximately 184,055 people. Meanwhile, its entire metropolitan area, which extends across six counties, is home to approximately 666,401 people. Widely considered Arkansas' historic, economic and cultural center, Little Rock combines distinctive local flavor with historic sites, inviting attractions and stunning surroundings.

Named "La Petite Roche" by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe in 1722, Little Rock was once a well-traveled river crossing. The city became the seat of territorial government in 1821 and later the state capital in 1836. The city truly took center stage, though, during the United States Civil Rights Movement in 1957. It was then that Little Rock made global news as federal troops were sent to the city to enforce a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against segregation in public schools.

Today, a patchwork of historic neighborhoods preserve the city's storied past. Just a short walk from downtown Little Rock's bustling River Market District, visitors find the elegant Quapaw Quarter. Made up of nine square miles of lovingly restored antebellum and Victorian homes, Quapaw invites guests to explore sites such as the antebellum Pike-Fletcher-Terry House, the ornate 19th century Empress Hotel or the magnificent 1843 Trapnall Hall. Quapaw Quarter is also home to the MacArthur Museum of Military History and the Old State House Museum, the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River.

Little Rock, known to locals as simply "The Rock," does offer its fair share of historic attractions, but it's far from behind the times. Little Rock has connected past and present with modern attractions such as the new William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. The nation's newest and most sophisticated presidential library, the center offers an intriguing look at turn-of-the-century American history and features an exact replica of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. Little Rock has also stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to the environment. It's even home to one of the greenest buildings in the nation, the Heifer International Center Green Building, which guests can tour during the week.

When night falls, visitors can get a true taste of the city's distinctive flavors at one of its many phenomenal restaurants. From fresh catfish and barbecue to Southern comfort fare, guests will not want to miss out on all of the regional specialties Little Rock has to offer. Sit down for an elegant meal of sumptuous seafood at 1620 Restaurant, or enjoy the riverfront views of the highly-lauded Brave New Restaurant. After dinner, visitors can catch a show, enjoy the sounds of the symphony, or simply listen to live music emanating from the many piano bars, dance clubs and pubs in the River Market District. After just one day, guests are quick to see why Little Rock has big appeal.

Little Rock, AR Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Central Time (CT)
Convention Center(s):

Hotel at Convention Center? No
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 0

Airport(s):

Little Rock National Airport

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
30
Population
841,326
Restaurants
550
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
7.50%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Little Rock, AR

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Memphis, TN	145 mi	2 hr 22 min	49 min	USD $490+
Tulsa, OK	272 mi	4 hr 4 min	3 hr 5 min	USD $220+
Dallas, TX	317 mi	4 hr 44 min	1 hr 10 min	USD $159+
Nashville, TN	348 mi	5+ hrs	3 hr 24 min	USD $450+
St. Louis, MO	403 mi	5+ hrs	3 hr 47 min	USD $250+
New Orleans, LA	443 mi	5+ hrs	3 hr 22 min	USD $280+

Little Rock, AR Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	50	55	63	73	81	89	92	92	85	75	62	53
Avg. Low (°F)	31	34	42	51	60	68	72	70	63	51	41	34
Rec. High (°F)	83	85	91	95	98	105	112	108	103	97	86	80
Rec. Low (°F)	-4	-5	17	28	40	46	54	52	38	29	17	-1
Rainfall (in)	4.1	4.0	4.8	5.3	5.2	3.6	3.5	3.2	3.8	3.6	4.9	4.4

Little Rock has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. The average temperature in summer is 81°F while winter temperatures average 39°F. Average rainfall is approximately 49 inches, spread fairly evenly throughout the year. Very little snowfall occurs in Little Rock. In fact, the city sees an average accumulation of fewer than five inches per year.

With year-round temperatures averaging a pleasant 62°F, Little Rock makes a terrific year-round destination. The best time to go is during the transitional seasons of spring and fall, when whether is mild and visitors can enjoy the outdoor markets, recreational activities and bustling districts of this lively Southern city.

Meeting Planning in Little Rock, AR

Robinson Center

Located in Statehouse Plaza, the Robinson Center provides exceptional convenience in the heart of Little Rock's thriving downtown core. The center's Barry L. Travis Exhibition Hall offers 14,867 square feet of meeting space and can accommodate up to 60 10-foot-by-10-foot booths. The hall also features a number of meeting rooms, an adjacent foyer, and a 9,000-square-foot balcony level.

The Robinson Center Music Hall and Performance Theater features a 2,609-seat arch hall, perfect for award ceremonies, programs and seminars. Its dressing room level boasts three chorus halls, a green room and five dressing rooms.

The elegant center, which plays host to Broadway Shows, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and legendary performing artists, is just a 10-minute drive from Little Rock National Airport and is attached to the Double Tree Hotel. The center also features a 550-space underground parking garage.

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Statehouse Convention Center

Ideally located in Little Rock's historic Statehouse Plaza, the Statehouse Convention Center offers approximately 220,000 square feet of space as well as a wealth of amenities and accommodations. The center's convenient downtown location places it just steps away from hundreds of parking spaces and next to the elegant Peabody Hotel.

The center's four Governor's Halls provide up to 82,892 total square feet of flexible space. In addition, the grand Wally Allen Ballroom provides up to 18,362 square feet of space and can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. Offering stunning views of Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River, the ballroom is divisible into three separate rooms for more intimate gatherings.

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Little Rock, AR Meeting Venue Spotlight

Verizon Arena

One Alltel Arena Way
Little Rock, AR 72114
Total Meeting Space – 28,000 Sq. Ft.

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Little Rock, AR Airport Information

Little Rock National Airport (LIT)

Approximate taxi fare: $15 USD

Located just five miles from downtown, Little Rock National Airport sees over two million passengers per year. The airport averages more than 150 flights per day on seven major carriers and provides service to virtually all American destinations and major foreign cities. Currently comprised of a single 12-gate terminal, the airport's growing popularity has prompted expansion plans.

Little Rock National is home to the Arkansas Gallery, a 1,700-square-foot museum featuring art and artifacts from Arkansas history. A recent expansion to the concessions area of the airport has doubled the space devoted to restaurants and shops. Among the new dining additions is Ouachita Brew House, which features a full-service bar serving Arkansas microbrewed beers. Other amenities at Little Rock National Airport include ATM machines, information booths, hotel boards, public conference rooms, an arcade and several parking options.

Airline carriers serving Little Rock National Airport

American Eagle
Continental
Delta

Northwest
Southwest

United Express
US Airways

Little Rock, AR Train Information

Little Rock Amtrak Station

Visitors by rail arrive at the historic Little Rock Union Station. Amtrak's Texas Eagle route provides service to Little Rock. The Texas Eagle originates in Chicago and Los Angeles with stops in major cities such as St. Louis, Dallas, Austin, El Paso and Tucson.

Little Rock, AR Public Transportation

Central Arkansas Transit Authority Bus Line

The Central Arkansas Transit Authority (CAT) operates 21 fixed routes and three express routes in Little Rock. A number of routes travel through the downtown area, providing easy access to attractions.

Fares are $0.60 for children ages 5-11, $1.35 for adults and $0.65 for seniors. Children under 4 ride free.

River Rail Electric Streetcars

The River Rail Electric Streetcar follows a 2.5-mile route with 11 stops in Little Rock and North Little Rock. The streetcar operates Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 10 PM; Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to midnight; and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM.

Fare is $0.50 for children ages 5-11 and seniors and $1 for adults. Children under 4 ride free. Day passes are $2.

Rental Cars

Little Rock National Airport features seven on-site car rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise Rent A Car, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Check-in counters can be found in the Ground Transportation center at the south end of the terminal.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at Little Rock National Airport. Fares start at $3 and continue at a rate of $2 per mile. There is a $2 fee for trips originating at the airport. Average fare from the airport to downtown Little Rock is $15.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Memphis, TN	145 mi	2 hr 22 min	49 min	USD $490+
Tulsa, OK	272 mi	4 hr 4 min	3 hr 5 min	USD $220+
Dallas, TX	317 mi	4 hr 44 min	1 hr 10 min	USD $159+
Nashville, TN	348 mi	5+ hrs	3 hr 24 min	USD $450+
St. Louis, MO	403 mi	5+ hrs	3 hr 47 min	USD $250+
New Orleans, LA	443 mi	5+ hrs	3 hr 22 min	USD $280+