Conway Expo Center schedules multiple June tournaments and events amidst weather challenges

The Advertising & Promotion Meeting held by Conway City, Arkansas, on June 9, 2025, focused on various topics related to local events, facility usage, and business developments. The meeting began with a discussion led by a representative who highlighted the city's competitive advantage in sports facilities, particularly for baseball. Despite recent weather challenges, the representative noted that the city is well-prepared to attract business in the upcoming months, emphasizing the positive economic impact of soccer tournaments held over the weekend.

Pat Burton, representing the Parks and Recreation Department, provided an overview of the busy schedule for June at the Expo Center, which includes events such as a gun show starting June 13, the Enchanted event on June 20, and the American Grappling Federation tournament on June 27. Additionally, he mentioned that Conway Station Park and City of Colleges Park will host four tournaments each, while the Don Owen Sports Center and McGee Center will hold basketball tournaments, and a volleyball tournament is also scheduled.

Denise, another department representative, reported on new permit applications, noting the issuance of four mobile food vendor permits since the last meeting. However, she pointed out that two vendors would only be present for a single event. She also mentioned that Scooter's Coffee has been permitted but may not yet be open for business. Denise expressed concerns regarding the lack of activity in short-term rental permits, suggesting that a public service campaign might be necessary to raise awareness among potential applicants.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of the closure of two notable restaurants in the area, Volstead Proper and Verona Italian, indicating a shift in the local dining landscape. Overall, the meeting underscored the city's ongoing efforts to promote events and businesses while addressing challenges in permit applications and local restaurant stability.