Bentonville Advertising, Promotion Commission Eyes Future Convention Center

BENTONVILLE -- Creating a convention or expo center in the city is a priority for the Bentonville Convention and Visitor's Bureau over the coming years, Advertising and Promotion commissioners discussed Thursday.

Commissioners held a planning meeting to talk about the bureau's vision and major projects to consider for the next three to five years.

Discussions about providing more meeting space with a convention or expo center started about two or three years ago, said Kalene Griffith, bureau president and CEO.

"We're at a tipping point," said Rob Apple, commissioner. "If there was ever the time to really push it with all the right people, now's the time."

There have been discussions about revenue source options, and the development of the arts and market districts in southeast downtown make now a good time to pursue the project, Griffith added.

"I think we're where we need to be to do it because I think if we would have done it two years ago, we probably wouldn't have put it in the right spot," she said.

Locations weren't discussed other than suggestions it should be in or somewhere near downtown.

Having it downtown would allow easy access to the downtown's amenities, said Chris Sooter, commissioner.

Commissioners and bureau staff discussed how it should be a place to host various events, anything from business meetings and conferences to outdoor sports expos to sports such as volleyball.

"We want to make sure it's a versatile place," Griffith said.

Money for a feasibility study will be included in the 2015 budget, Griffith said. It's important find out the needs of the community and how the center would be best used, she said.

Commissioners also talked about making public art more citywide, having bike kiosks at the trail entrances and developing more interaction with visitors.

Commissioners closed the meeting by approving changing Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau to Visit Bentonville.

Instead of the Convention and Visitors Bureau governed by the Advertising and Promotions Commission, it's Visit Bentonville governed by the Advertising and Promotions Commission, Griffith said.

It's a change that's been happening across the industry. It's more direct, more understandable and conveys an action, she said.

NW News on 08/29/2014

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