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Convention center posts growth in events but seeks budget changes; board directs work on parking and catering agreements
Summary
Oakview‑operated Fort Smith Convention Center reported 108 events and 58,280 attendees in 2024, improved operational metrics, and presented a proposed 5.13% reduction in the 2025 operating budget. Directors asked staff to pursue parking revenue options and revisit outside‑catering limitations with legal and administration.
Shannon Davis, general manager for the Fort Smith Convention Center (operated by Oakview Group), presented the center’s 2024 year‑end report and a 2025 operating budget that included a requested 5.13% reduction (roughly $47,620). Davis said the center hosted 108 events in 2024 with 58,280 attendees and noted it achieved its budget targets for the first time, reporting gross profit and operating results that compared favorably with budget assumptions.
Davis described major maintenance and capital work in 2024 — storm repairs, HVAC and roof work after hail damage, Wi‑Fi upgrades and new restroom dispensers — and highlighted signature events that drew regional audiences. She said food and service feedback was positive and that concessions revenue and some operational revenues grew year over year.
Board discussion focused on two budget issues: potential paid parking to generate revenue and the convention center’s outside‑catering restrictions. Directors noted parking models used by other cities and referenced a prior study that estimated potential annual parking revenue at a modest rate (examples discussed: $10 per space producing an estimated ~$129,650). The board directed staff to pursue an updated parking proposal and report back.
On catering, staff explained current contract language allows the center to cater off‑site only when the client is also using a room in the facility; the city’s existing agreement prevents the center from pursuing outside catering contracts that would compete with local businesses. Directors asked legal and administration to revisit the catering restriction and to present changes for study‑session consideration. The board also discussed modifying Oakview Group’s renewal terms to provide longer renewal periods for contract stability; staff said a proposal to change renewal terms would be prepared for consideration.
Directors moved to have staff and legal draft refined parking and catering proposals and bring those issues back to a future study session for board review.
