COVID-19 Statement

The health and wellbeing of our guests and patrons is of the utmost importance to LRCVB. To that end, we are updating our Calendar of Events on an ongoing basis as the COVID-19 situation plays out. We are working diligently to keep our guests and patrons updated with the latest information on the status of meetings, conventions and other events in Little Rock.

On Thursday, August 5, the City of Little Rock enacted a city-wide mask mandate stipulating that face masks are required in all public spaces within the city. This includes the public facilities that LRCVB manages – Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, and the River Market’s Ottenheimer Market Hall, Pavilions and First Security Amphitheater.

While almost 51% of Pulaski County’s population has received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccination, these measures have been put in place to reduce the spread of the virus and to ensure that visitors to our facilities remain safe. Also, key to our efforts to provide the safest environment for our guests and employees, in March of 2021, the Statehouse Convention Center became Arkansas’s first building to achieve Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention in the Statehouse Convention Center. This, coupled with strict adherence to the LRCVB’s own rigorous cleaning regimen, means that visitors to the Statehouse Convention Center and Robinson Center are surrounded by the most thorough cleaning processes possible.

Likewise, the LRCVB staff will be wearing face coverings and hand sanitizing stations will be placed at all entrances and throughout each facility. Our team is also ready to work with you to ensure that your event is met with your desired level of additional safety protocols. These protocols can include special signage, socially distanced room setups, and temperature checking machines for attendees. These are offered at no additional charge and allow your attendees to be in an environment that fits their maximum comfort.

Guidelines for LRCVB managed facilities Related to COVID-19

( Click here to download the COVID LRCVB Facility Guidelines )

Effective June 1, 2021:

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) operates the following public facilities: Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, First Security Amphitheater, Ottenheimer Market Hall, and multiple downtown parking facilities. The health and wellbeing of our guests and patrons is of the utmost importance to LRCVB.

Providing a safe environment for our clients, visitors, attendees and staff is our top priority. Our team is committed to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness throughout our facilities. Considering the dramatic changes to public health guidance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have updated and enhanced many of our cleaning and safety protocols to help ensure the safety and security of everyone who walks through our doors.

Our commitment was demonstrated by becoming Arkansas’s first event facility to achieve Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, LRCVB has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention in the Statehouse Convention Center.

Requirements for groups:

Signs shall be posted at all entrances advising the public with the most recent CDC recommendations.
Hand sanitizer stations will be available at all entrances and exits.
The facility, including seating, shall be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.
Frequently touched surfaces shall be cleaned periodically during the course of the event.

Products with an EPA-approved antibacterial disinfectant will be used for cleaning.

All public areas will be configured to include wider aisles and orderly queues, where needed. Some walkways may be designated “one way.”
Turnover time between events shall be lengthened to allow for proper cleaning and sanitization.

Additional LRCVB Event Operations & Safety Protocols:

Cleaning Products and Protocols: The facility, including seating, shall be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use. Utilize only cleaning products and protocols which meet EPA guidelines and are approved for use and effective against viruses, bacteria and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens.

Frequent Contact Surfaces: All frequent contact surfaces shall be cleaned and disinfected on a frequent basis during event hours and following all events. Frequent contact surfaces including, but not limited to, front desk check-in/ticket counters, public water fountains, door handles, public bathrooms, ATMs, stair and escalator handrails, concession counters, elevator call buttons, and common area tables and seating. Employees shall sanitize these areas at least once per hour when events are taking place at the facility.

Restrooms: Frequent and thoroughly disinfected during event hours. Restrooms feature touch-free soap dispensers, sink faucets, toilet fixtures, urinal fixtures, and paper-towel dispensers. The touch-free designs reduce cross-contamination and encourage better hygiene.

Meeting/Event Space: Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting conference room doors, tables, chairs, light switches, registration desks and other equipment after each group use.

Engineering: Control and optimize fresh air flow and building pressurization through HVAC enhanced filtration systems. This will offer the cleanest internal air possible and positive pressurization throughout the facilities.

Security: New protocols for magnetometers shall be implemented; patrons without a bag shall hold keys and cellphones overhead as they walk through.

Additional Helpful Information:

Arkansas Department of Health

They can be reached at (800) 803-7847. Also, regular updates can be found here:

www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Regular updates can be found at: