Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau wins Conference over larger meeting locations

LITTLE ROCK, AR, September 17, 2008 – The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) announced today the selection of Little Rock for one of the nation’s most sought-after annual conferences. The National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) has officially selected Little Rock as the host city for its 2012 National Conference and Exposition.

A press conference has been set for Thursday, September 18th the Little Rock City Hall Rotunda for an official announcement of the selection and its impact on Little Rock. Among those scheduled to attend are Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, City Manager Bruce Moore, Police Chief Stuart Thomas, and NOBLE’s National President Joseph McMillan. The press conference will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Founded in 1976 on the commitment of ensuring justice through action, NOBLE has become one of the largest and most influential African American professional organizations in the country. Its annual exhibition is the premier conference for African American law enforcement executives and their families. In 2001 NOBLE expanded the exhibition to include a youth conference focusing on social and educational issues. According to NOBLE leadership, the 2012 Little Rock Conference is expected to attract more than 2,000 law enforcement professionals from across the nation, produce more than 4,500 room-nights for local hotels, and generate an overall boost to the Little Rock economy of approximately $2 million.

“Securing the NOBLE national conference is a big win for Little Rock, as well as evidence of our winning strategy for developing meeting and convention opportunities within diversity markets. We are elated to host such a prominent organization,” says Dan O’Byrne, CEO of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.

With the help of local NOBLE chapters, the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau spent nearly six months courting NOBLE before securing the 2012 conference. NOBLE leaders were quick to praise the City’s assets, its hospitality, and the proactive work of the LRCVB as major factors in their decision. Little Rock was selected over finalist cities including Atlanta, Chicago, and Prince George County, Maryland – all major convention locations with many attractions for diversity markets.

“At the conclusion of our selection process, we found Little Rock presented the combination of hospitality, cultural activities, history and entertainment options important to our membership,” stated Joseph McMillan, NOBLE’s National President. “We are excited to share the NOBLE experience with Arkansas and we look forward to the training opportunity it will provide to smaller law enforcement agencies who can’t afford to send officers to larger metropolitan areas.”

Little Rock Police Department Assistant Police Chief Carlos Corbin said, “We are absolutely honored that NOBLE has chosen Little Rock for the 2012 Conference. This will be an outstanding training and networking opportunity for our personnel. It will also give our team the opportunity to showcase the City; we will do our best to be great hosts.”

About the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) was founded 1976 on the principles of respect, integrity, the courage of convictions, accountability, community, value in diversity, and mentoring. The mission and vision of NOBLE is to be recognized as a highly competent, public service organization that is at the forefront of providing solutions to law enforcement issues and concerns.


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