Arkansas Tourism announced the winners of the 2026 Henry Awards during a special banquet at the 52nd annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation in Little Rock on Feb. 24. The Henry Awards honor the very best of Arkansas’ tourism community, recognizing the individuals, organizations, and attractions whose leadership and vision leave a lasting impact on The Natural State. These awards celebrate innovation, dedication, and excellence in service, storytelling, and destination development.
The 2026 Henry Award recipients are:
Tourism Person of the Year: Pati Brown
Dalaney Thomas, Arkansas Tourism Director; Pati Brown, Tourism Person of the Year; Sec. Shea Lewis, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
Selected by former honorees, the Tourism Person of the Year award is presented to an individual who is actively involved in tourism and has made a substantial contribution within the past year to the betterment of the tourism industry. With nearly 48 years in Arkansas tourism, Pati Brown exemplifies dedication and passion. She has grown from front desk staff to IT Marketing and Creative Director while remaining deeply committed to hospitality and the industry. Pati has been involved with the Diamond Lakes Travel Association since its inception and has attended nearly every Governor’s Conference for more than 40 years. Humble about her many awards, Pati focuses on sharing the how and why behind her work. As one nominator said, She lives and breathes hospitality and Arkansas tourism, consistently supporting and uplifting others in the industry.
Natural State Development Award: King of the Crag
Dalaney Thomas, Arkansas Tourism Director; King of the Crag organizers, Natural State Development Award; Sec. Shea Lewis, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Natural State Development award is presented to a community, organization, program or attraction for an innovative project that stands out from the crowd with a unique appeal or creative approach that increases pride and placemaking. King of the Crag represents grassroots development at its finest, blending outdoor recreation, stewardship, and community tradition into a distinctive annual gathering. What began with 55 climbers has grown into a multi-state draw, fostering pride and connection at Jamestown Crag in the Ozarks. As both a tourism event and the sole annual fundraiser supporting conservation and public access, King of the Crag stands out for its authentic character, creative spirit, and lasting impact on place and preservation.
Excellence in Hospitality Award: Marshal Stettler
Sec. Shea Lewis, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Andrea Zambrano on behalf of Marshal Stetler, Excellence in Hospitality Award; Dalaney Thomas, Arkansas Tourism Director
The Excellence in Hospitality award celebrates outstanding customer service and guest experience by a lodging property, restaurant, guide service or front-line staff member who consistently goes above and beyond for visitors. For more than eight years, Marshal Stettler has served guests at 21c Museum Hotel with attentiveness and integrity across multiple roles, including engineering, valet, and sales. No matter the position, he consistently steps beyond expectations to ensure every guest feels welcomed and supported. He has been known to personally procure a guest’s favorite drink or even offer a ride to ensure their stay is seamless and memorable. From thoughtful gestures to problem-solving with professionalism and care, Marshal delivers service that reflects the highest standards of hospitality and guest experience.
Individual Innovation in Tourism Award: Chris Kent
Sec. Shea Lewis, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Chris Kent, The Natural State Tourism Development Award; Dalaney Thomas, Arkansas Tourism Director
The Individual Innovation in Tourism award is presented to an individual who has created or spearheaded an innovative project that breaks the traditional tourism mold and/or highlights effective public/private partnership. Chris Kent exemplifies innovation through his creative leadership in downtown North Little Rock. By identifying overlooked opportunities and turning them into engaging visitor experiences, he has introduced fresh programming and events that attract visitors while enhancing quality of life for residents. His ability to champion partnerships and support creative collaborators highlights the power of community-driven innovation. Chris’s forward-thinking vision continues to redefine how destination development can strengthen both tourism appeal and local pride.
Tourism Attraction of the Year: Beatles at the Ridge
Dalaney Thomas, Arkansas Tourism Director; Beatles on the Ridge organizers, Tourism Attraction of the Year; Sec. Shea Lewis, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Tourism Attraction of the Year award recognizes the contribution of local attractions in drawing visitors, delivering excellence in customer service and enhancing the profile of the area. Beatles at the Ridge transforms Walnut Ridge’s historic 1964 Beatles stop into a vibrant annual celebration of music, arts, and heritage. Now one of Arkansas’ most beloved festivals, the event draws thousands of
visitors from across the United States and abroad. In 2025, more than 100 vendors, five major performances, and record-breaking attendance generated significant economic impact for Lawrence County, filling hotels and supporting local businesses. By blending local history with international cultural appeal and authentic small-town hospitality, the festival enhances community pride while serving as a powerful tourism driver for the region.
Tourism Organization of the Year: Visit Bentonville
Dalaney Thomas, Arkansas Tourism Director; Visit Bentonville members, Tourism Organization of the Year; Sec. Shea Lewis, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Tourism Organization of the Year is presented to a convention and visitors bureau, advertising and promotion commission, chamber of commerce or other entity for excellence over the course of the previous year. Visit Bentonville continues to set a high standard for destination management through its commitment to serving visitors, residents, and partners with intentional hospitality and innovation. Over the past year,
the organization has advanced community-centered tourism through initiatives such as the Unconventional Convention and the Bentonville Best Practices Lab, highlighting the power of public-private partnership and placemaking. By balancing event recruitment, resident engagement, and thoughtful visitor services, Visit Bentonville exemplifies excellence in modern tourism leadership.
Tourism Hall of Fame Inductee: Steve Arrison
Sec. Shea Lewis, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Steve Arrison, Hall of Fame inductee; Dalaney Thomas, Arkansas Tourism Director
Each year, the Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose long-standing contributions have shaped Arkansas tourism. These honorees have demonstrated leadership, innovation and dedication to making Arkansas a premier travel destination.
The Henry Awards are a highlight of the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, an annual gathering of industry professionals committed to growing tourism and elevating Arkansas’ place on the travel map.
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