Arkansas Tourism Honors Industry Leaders at 2026 Henry Awards

Pati Brown named Tourism Person of the Year; Beatles at the Ridge recognized as Tourism Attraction of the Year

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The 2026 Henry Awards, presented at the 52nd annual Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, honored outstanding individuals, organizations, and attractions that have made significant contributions to the state's tourism industry. Pati Brown was named Tourism Person of the Year, while the Beatles at the Ridge festival was recognized as Tourism Attraction of the Year.

Why it matters

The Henry Awards celebrate innovation, dedication, and excellence in Arkansas tourism, highlighting the leaders and initiatives that are driving the industry forward and enhancing the state's reputation as a premier travel destination. These awards showcase the diverse range of tourism assets and the passionate individuals who are committed to showcasing the best of The Natural State.

The details

The 2026 Henry Award recipients include Pati Brown as Tourism Person of the Year, recognized for her nearly 48 years of dedication and passion in the industry. The Natural State Development Award went to the King of the Crag event, which blends outdoor recreation, stewardship, and community tradition. The Excellence in Hospitality Award was presented to Marshal Stettler of 21c Museum Hotel for his exceptional customer service. Chris Kent received the Individual Innovation in Tourism Award for his creative leadership in downtown North Little Rock. The Beatles at the Ridge festival was named Tourism Attraction of the Year, and Visit Bentonville was honored as Tourism Organization of the Year. Steve Arrison was inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame for his long-standing contributions to Arkansas tourism.

  • The 2026 Henry Awards were presented on February 24, 2026 at the 52nd annual Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation in Little Rock.
  • The Beatles at the Ridge festival has been held annually since 2025, drawing thousands of visitors to Walnut Ridge.

The players

Pati Brown

A tourism industry veteran with nearly 48 years of experience, Pati Brown was named the 2026 Tourism Person of the Year for her dedication and passion in supporting and uplifting others in the industry.

King of the Crag

A grassroots outdoor recreation event that blends climbing, stewardship, and community tradition, King of the Crag was recognized with the Natural State Development Award for its unique appeal and lasting impact on the Ozarks region.

Marshal Stettler

A long-serving employee at 21c Museum Hotel, Marshal Stettler was honored with the Excellence in Hospitality Award for consistently going above and beyond to ensure exceptional customer service and guest experiences.

Chris Kent

The recipient of the Individual Innovation in Tourism Award, Chris Kent has championed creative leadership and community-driven innovation in downtown North Little Rock, redefining destination development.

Beatles at the Ridge

An annual festival in Walnut Ridge that celebrates the town's historic 1964 Beatles stop, Beatles at the Ridge was named the 2026 Tourism Attraction of the Year for its ability to draw thousands of visitors and generate significant economic impact for the region.

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What’s next

The 53rd annual Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation is scheduled for February 2027, where next year's Henry Award winners will be announced.

The takeaway

The 2026 Henry Awards showcase the diverse range of tourism assets and passionate individuals who are driving innovation, enhancing community pride, and elevating Arkansas' reputation as a premier travel destination. These awards highlight the power of public-private partnerships, grassroots initiatives, and a steadfast commitment to hospitality and guest experiences.