Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Team Members Earn Top Industry Honors, Reinforcing Commitment to Excellence

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 9, 2026) — The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is celebrating several team members for recent professional development achievements, including Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Oaks, who has earned the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).

The CVE designation is the highest professional certification offered by IAVM and represents the pinnacle of achievement in public assembly venue management. Candidates are evaluated on their experience and accomplishments in venue management and must successfully complete a rigorous certification process that includes written essays, a comprehensive examination, and an oral review.

Oaks’ achievement is part of the LRCVB’s broader commitment to professional development across the organization. Team members Mariela Hernandez and Katina Brown recently completed Year Two of IAVM Venue Management School, a two-year professional development program that prepares venue professionals through advanced coursework and collaboration with peers from across the industry. Kitty Lane also recently completed the IAVM Leadership Institute, further strengthening the organization’s leadership expertise in venue and events management.

“Professional development is essential to delivering the highest level of service to our clients, partners and patrons,” said LRCVB President and CEO Gina Gemberling. “We’re proud to support opportunities that challenge our team to grow professionally and bring innovative ideas and industry best practices back to Little Rock. Brian’s achievement, along with the accomplishments of Mariela, Katina and Kitty, reflects the dedication our staff has to continuous learning and excellence.”

LRCVB encourages employees to pursue nationally recognized certifications and leadership opportunities that strengthen industry expertise, inspire innovation, and support the organization’s mission of delivering exceptional experiences for meeting planners, event organizers, performers, and patrons. These achievements reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to professional distinction and its investment in the future of Little Rock’s hospitality industry.

ABOUT THE LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Little Rock, responsible for promoting the city for convention and leisure travel. The LRCVB also operates the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, Cromwell Building, and the River Market which includes Ottenheimer Hall, two open air pavilions, and the First Security Amphitheater, as well as multiple parking facilities. The LRCVB is primarily funded by the city’s lodging tax and prepared food tax. The organization has four primary divisions: Finance & Administration; Sales, Services, & Community Engagement; Marketing & Communications; and Facility Operations. For more information, visit here.