More than 40 travel writers from across America are expected to attend the 2026 North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) Conference and Marketplace. Hosted by North Little Rock Tourism, Arkansas Tourism and Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, from May 12 to 15, the event will expose attendees to points of interest in Little Rock and North Little Rock highlighting great food, excursions and entertainment options to be had locally.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for us, as a destination marketing organization, to have a lot of journalists come into our destination,” said Everett Gaither, vice president of marketing and communications for North Little Rock Tourism. “It is especially important to bring them to this area so that they can find something about North Little Rock and about this area that is appealing to their readers.
Everett Gaither
“It’s a group of really reputable writers who work all over the country. Being able to have such a direct connection with them and get them in for this conference, I think, is a great opportunity and hopefully we see a lot of coverage and stories and ultimately travel into the city from it.”
Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group and a 30-year veteran of Arkansas media, will deliver the keynote address. Through her storytelling Baker will share a native’s insights on central Arkansas, discuss the growth of tourism in North Little Rock and detail the momentum the city has enjoyed generally.
“The investment and promotion playbook North Little Rock has followed in recent years is a shining example for the rest of Arkansas on how to enhance and promote your community,” Baker said. “From live music and great food to breweries, baseball and community events, North Little Rock has shown a pride of place that is the envy of the state.
“My friends at North Little Rock Tourism are setting the pace and this event will bring that story to travel writers from all over North America, further getting the word out. I am honored to be part of this effort, just as AY Media Group has been throughout its history. As anyone who reads AY About You and Arkansas Money & Politics knows, AY Media Group is all about promoting Arkansas.”
In addition to speakers and panel discussions from within their industry, attendees will be treated to a curated Little Rock tour on Wednesday, May 13. Stops include Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, ESSE Purse Museum, Clinton Presidential Center and Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
On Thursday, attendees have their choice of excursions including kayaking the Arkansas River, rock climbing, an art experience including guided watercolor painting at the Old Mill or a hands-on agricultural experience at Faulkner Lake Orchard.
Local bars, restaurants and event venues spotlighted on the convention itinerary include Edgemont House, Four Quarter Bar, Funky Stretch Pizza, Draft + Table, Brood and Barley, Capeo Ristorante, Flyway Brewing and Crush Wine Bar.
“The journalists are also welcome to come before or stay after the convention,” Gaither said. “We’re partnering with Arkansas Tourism to do some pre- or post-event familiarization trips to places such as Hot Springs and other places around the state.”
This is the first time the annual convention has been held in North Little Rock and is one of the first national events to be held at the brand-new North Little Rock Event Center, which held its grand opening in March.
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