Marketing Partnership
Are you a business or organization looking for marketing funds to promote tourism and hospitality activities in the Little Rock area? The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (LRCVB) Marketing Partnership Program can provide matching marketing funds for eligible applicants.
Policies & Procedures
Marketing Partnerships are available to organizations actively marketing to attract visitors to Little Rock. Applications must be completed in their entirety and follow the following policies and procedures:
- Agency fees are not eligible for reimbursement, or for inclusion of total marketing budget calculation.
- All organizations must provide 50% matching funds for the total marketing project.
- A minimum of 50% of total award amount must be used for out-of-market advertising and promotion efforts. (Out-of-market is defined as more than a 60-mile radius from Little Rock.) For example, if the amount awarded is $500, $250 must be used for out-of-market advertising and promotion.
- Funds are NOT carried over into the next calendar year (January-December).
- Funds must be used within the same calendar year the application was submitted. LRCVB must be notified in writing if the applicant does not plan to use their approved funds.
- The awarded applicant must provide a valid Tax ID and completed W9 form.
- Reimbursement will be processed after the event. A summary sheet, collection of assets and analytics of marketing performance are required.
- Applicants will be notified of awards via letter or email 30 days from application due date.
Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Logo Requirements
- The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau logo must be used in all projects. The size of the logo must be legible and proportionate to the size of the ad.
- Mobile ads sized 320x50 where the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau logo cannot be accommodated must link to a landing page where the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau logo is present.
- Native ads must include #LittleRock or #BigOnLittleRock in the ad headline or ad copy if the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau logo cannot be accommodated on the ad. Logo on the article or landing page does not suffice.
- Paid social media requires use of #LittleRock or #BigOnLittleRock.
- Radio and streaming scripts must mention the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.
- All public notices must acknowledge support of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.
- Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau must review and approve all uses of logo and brand messaging.
If you have questions about the LRCVB Marketing Partnership Program, please contact Tori Rogers at (501) 255-3319 or email partnership@littlerock.com.
frequently asked questions
What is the Marketing Partnership Program?
The LRCVB’s Marketing Partnership Program provides matching marketing funds to eligible businesses and organizations to promote activities and events that will increase tourism opportunities in the Little Rock area. The program is available to organizations to assist in either the start-up or expansion of a visitor-related product. Examples of eligible activities may include projects such as advertising, marketing, public relations, and special events. The Marketing Partnership Program seeks to provide no more than 50% of the financing for projects. A match of at least 50% of the total project cost is required for all applicants.
Can the funds be used for catering, program materials, or venue rentals?
No. The allocated funds are intended for advertising expenses to enhance event marketing and increase attendance. While they cannot be used for catering, program materials, or venue rentals, you can utilize the funds for creating flyers and posters to promote the event to the public effectively.
How can I utilize the award money for out-of-market advertising?
At least 50% of your award must be allocated for advertising efforts situated at least 60 miles outside Little Rock. Examples of out-of-market advertising methods include
- Billboards
- Paid social media campaigns
- Flyers
- Posters
- Direct mailouts
- Radio advertisement
- Digital placements
- Text alerts
- Newsletters
Could you please clarify the concept of the 50% match?
The Marketing Partnership program stipulates that it provides a maximum of 50% financing for marketing projects. Applicants are required to contribute a matching amount of at least 50% of the total project cost.
The "total project cost" refers to the final budget or cost of the marketing project. For instance, if an organization's marketing project to set up billboards outside central Arkansas is quoted at $5,000, the sponsorship request would be $2,500. To satisfy the 50% outside-market requirement, $1,250 must be allocated to out-of-market advertising.