2027 Henry Awards

What makes a stand-out nomination is quality not quantity. For an example of a quality nomination, please see 2026's The Natural State Development Award winning nomination below: 

"What began in 2013 as a small gathering of 55 climbers and friends has grown into one of Arkansas's most meaningful grassroots outdoor traditions. King of the Crag, held annually at Jamestown Crag in the foothills of the Ozarks, has become a celebration of community, stewardship, and sustainable outdoor recreation. Now in its twelfth year, the 2025 event welcomed 72 competitors and more than 225 attendees from 12 states, drawing visitors from across the country. For an event held "in the middle of nowhere," this turnout speaks to a genuine tourism draw—one built not on commercial promotion, but on authenticity, relationships, and the enduring charm of Jamestown. The experience itself is unlike any other in Arkansas. Deep in the woods, with no electricity or running water, the setting feels simple, remote, and refreshing. Sandstone bluffs tower over shaded campsites, and string lights weave through the trees, creating a warm, communal atmosphere. Each year, climbers and families choose to camp all weekend, sharing meals, catching up with old friends, and forming new connections. The event blends rustic backcountry charm with remarkable coordination: generators powering a live band, an outdoor movie screen, award-winning food, a bounce house for kids, and a thriving campfire culture. Many who attended that very first year now return with their children, creating a multi-generational tradition that continues to grow. King of the Crag serves a deeper purpose as well. It is the sole annual fundraiser for Jamestown Crag and plays a vital role in sustaining free public access on privately owned land. For years, the Crag was lovingly maintained by the Christopher family and a handful of dedicated friends. In 2024, stewardship transitioned to the Jamestown Crag Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to preserving long-term access for all. The 2025 event marked the second year under Foundation leadership, and the results were encouraging: $19,541 raised—nearly double the previous year and far beyond the historic $2,000–$5,000 range of early events. These funds directly support trail improvements, route maintenance, conservation efforts, and visitor access. Volunteer engagement has expanded just as strongly. For a decade, fewer than ten individuals carried most of the workload. This year, more than 15 volunteers participated in each trail-prep day, and over 20 helped during the event weekend. Their efforts covered registration, shuttles, camp setup, parking, and safety. This shift reflects a broader cultural investment—people are stepping up to care for the place they cherish. Infrastructure improvements have strengthened that momentum. Green Bay Packaging donated equipment hours to widen the access road and expand parking, easing long-standing challenges and improving the visitor experience. Combined with stronger organization and a clear mission, King of the Crag is entering a new chapter of growth while staying true to its grassroots heart. This event is more than a climbing competition. It is a testament to community-led tourism, strengthening Arkansas's outdoor identity, welcoming families from across the nation, and preserving a remarkable natural resource for generations to come."

What makes a stand-out nomination is quality not quantity. For an example of a quality nomination, please see 2026's Tourism Organization of the Year's winning nomination below: 

"Visit Bentonville: Destination Management Through Unreasonable Hospitality Visit Bentonville exemplifies tourism organization excellence by fully embracing its role as a destination management organization—serving visitors, residents, and industry partners with equal commitment to Will Guidara's "Unreasonable hospitality." In 2024-2025, this philosophy transformed how we operate, positioning Bentonville as a model for thoughtful, community-centered tourism development. Redefining Meeting Sales Excellence Visit Bentonville has our Unconventional Convention—a collection of unique meeting spaces in our downtown area where we break the mold of traditional conventions by combining quality education and community experience. Rather than confining groups to isolated conference centers, we connect attendees to the authentic character of Bentonville through venues that blend professional functionality with local flavor. Our commitment to this innovative approach was validated when we successfully hosted the Governor's Conference on Tourism—demonstrating our ability to deliver exceptional service even to unconventional convention guests who arrived with high expectations and intimate knowledge of tourism operations. We've built expertise in serving groups seeking destination experiences—from cycling teams and outdoor industry gatherings to film festivals and specialized conferences—while maintaining strong relationships with traditional convention center programs. This dual approach requires creativity, flexibility, and deep destination knowledge. Our expanded visitor services operations create personalized welcome experiences and maintain year-round touchpoints that convert attendees into repeat visitors and advocates for Bentonville as a meeting destination. Destination Management in Action Visit Bentonville has pioneered the Bentonville Best Practices Lab—hosting delegations from cities nationwide seeking to understand our collaborative approach to destination building. This knowledge-sharing reflects our belief that destination management means elevating the entire industry, not just our community. Cities from across America visit Bentonville to learn how strategic public-private partnerships, authentic placemaking, and resident engagement create sustainable tourism economies. Our strategic research has documented tourism's genuine community benefit, providing data that helps residents understand how visitor spending supports the local businesses and amenities they value. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates accountability to the community that makes hospitality possible. Resident Engagement and Community Partnership Recognizing that authentic destinations require resident buy-in, Visit Bentonville launched a comprehensive resident awareness program and Champion volunteer initiative. These programs acknowledge that our best ambassadors are locals who genuinely love their community. We expanded staff strategically to serve both visitors and residents, launched mobile visitor services, and created communication channels that keep residents informed about tourism's impact on quality of life. Our marketing evolved beyond visitor attraction to destination stewardship—pursuing innovative partnerships with USA Cycling, showcasing Bentonville at major festivals like Sea Otter Classic and Outside Festival, and hosting journalists and content creators who authentically experienced what makes Bentonville special. This approach ensures that the story we tell matches the experience visitors receive. Visit Bentonville demonstrates that tourism organization excellence requires operating as true destination managers—balancing visitor experience, resident quality of life, and sustainable economic development through unreasonable hospitality that serves everyone exceptionally well."

What makes a stand-out nomination is quality not quantity. For an example of a quality nomination, please see 2026's Tourism Attraction of the Year's winning nomination below: 

"I am nominating the Beatles at the Ridge Festival for the 2026 Henry Awards in recognition of its outstanding impact on tourism, cultural preservation, economic development, and community engagement in Northeast Arkansas. What began as a small celebration of a remarkable moment in music history has evolved into one of the state's most beloved annual festivals—an event that continues to bring thousands of visitors to Walnut Ridge while shining a spotlight on Arkansas' unique place in the story of the world's most influential band. The Beatles at the Ridge Festival commemorates the Beatles' brief but unforgettable 1964 stopover at the Walnut Ridge airport—an encounter that left an enduring mark on the community. Today, the festival transforms that moment into a full celebration of music, arts, and heritage, drawing families, fans, musicians, vendors, and tourists from across the United States and abroad. In 2025 alone, the festival hosted more than 100 vendors, five major performances, and attracted what we believe to be the largest audience in recent years, with thousands filling the streets for a weekend of entertainment, culture, and community pride. What truly distinguishes Beatles at the Ridge is its power to blend local heritage with international cultural relevance, creating an experience that is both deeply rooted in Arkansas and widely appealing. The festival has become a signature tourism driver for Lawrence County, filling hotels across the region, boosting local restaurants and retailers, and providing critical visibility for small businesses and artists. The economic impact is significant—not just during festival weekend, but year-round, as visitors return to explore Walnut Ridge's attractions such as Beatles Park and the Guitar Walk. Equally important is the festival's commitment to artistic expression and community collaboration. Each year, Beatles at the Ridge features world-class musicians, tribute artists, artisan booths, children's activities, and interactive experiences that invite visitors to engage with the arts in meaningful ways. The event is powered by dedicated volunteers, civic partners, and local organizations working together to create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience. This spirit of partnership is one of the festival's greatest strengths, reflecting the very best of small-town Arkansas hospitality. The 2025 festival in particular represented a milestone. With its record-breaking attendance, diverse vendor participation, and exceptional entertainment lineup, it showcased both the resiliency and continued growth of tourism in rural Arkansas. Visitors experienced not just a festival—but a sense of belonging, nostalgia, discovery, and joy that echoes the lasting legacy of the Beatles themselves. Beatles at the Ridge is more than an event. It is a catalyst for tourism, a celebration of arts and music, a driver of economic vitality, and a point of pride for Arkansas. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate the Beatles at the Ridge Festival for the 2026 Henry Awards and believe it represents the very spirit and excellence the award is meant to honor."

What makes a stand-out nomination is quality not quantity. For an example of a quality nomination, please see 2026's Individual Innovation in Tourism's winning nomination below: 

"The way Chris Kent thinks, plans, and executes his vision for downtown North Little Rock truly defines Innovation in Tourism. His creativity and forward-thinking approach consistently result in fresh, engaging experiences that draw visitors while also enhancing the quality of life for the residents who call the area home. Chris has an exceptional talent for identifying opportunities that others may overlook and transforming them into meaningful projects that energize the community. His support for partners and creators who want to bring new, fun, and inventive events to the city further demonstrates his commitment to fostering a thriving, collaborative tourism environment. He not only champions innovation—he inspires it. Chris continually raises the bar for what's possible in Arkansas tourism, leading with enthusiasm, vision, and a deep love for his community. His work makes him profoundly deserving of this recognition, and he stands out as an exceptional candidate for the Innovation in Tourism Award."

What makes a stand-out nomination is quality not quantity. For an example of a quality nomination, please see 2026's Excellence in Hospitality Award's winning nomination below: 

"Marshal has been working at 21c Museum Hotel for over 8 years. He has worked in the engineering department, upkeeping maintenance throughout the hotel. He has worked in our valet department, assisting guests with their luggage. He now works in the sales department, booking groups and ensuring every client leaves happy. Marshal is always willing to go above and beyond for the guests. Even today as a sales manager, you will find him helping guests with luggage or parking cars. He is always chatty and friendly. Happy to share about his own life and genuinely curious about others. He treats everyone with respect and is one of the most helpful humans I know. He truly is always seeking a solution that works for both the guests and the hotel. He has put many miles on his car in search of a guest's favorite drink. He has given guests rides in his own personal vehicle when they've been in a pinch! (Which is definitely against hotel policy.) He has made such genuine connections with the hotel guests over the years, he even had a gentleman offer to open a savings account for his daughter when she was born and he started it off with a large sum. It is hard for me to put into words - but someone offering decent hospitality is not gifted a gift like that. It is a testament to the hospitality he offers that far exceeds expectations. And it is just who he is. If you are around him, you will not have to open a door, he will beat you to it. If you are feeling blue, he will notice, and he will try to cheer you up. If you say you need something, he will retrieve it. I once said I could use an energy drink in his presence and was shocked when I had one in 4 minutes. I was not even trying to actually request one! If more people were like Marshal, the world would be a happier, friendlier place. I don't think I can write a paragraph about Marshal without also mentioning that he is a single dad and one of the best dads I have ever witnessed. I didn't know dads like him could exist. He is a kind soul. And he would be deserving of any recognition for his hospitable spirit."

For a full list of previous Tourism Person of the Year winners, please visit our webpage at Arkansas.com.

For a full list of previous Tourism Hall of Fame winners, please visit our webpage at Arkansas.com.