Hot Springs Convention Center spent much of Tuesday running on generators after an overnight storm that prompted several severe thunderstorm warnings knocked out power to the 360,000-square-foot facility.
Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said the building's alarm system notified staff of the power outage around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.
"We're trying to get it fixed," he said. "All the experts were in here first thing this morning. Our alarm system alerted us that there was a problem (at) 1:30 in the morning. Management staff was here about 4 this morning, and we've been working on it ever since."
Arrison said a bus duct was "impacted by weather," but he was unsure whether the issue was caused by "either lightning or some kind of water."
A bus duct is a grounded sheet metal duct typically used to transmit electric current in a commercial setting.
Arrison said several events are planned for the convention center for the next several weeks, including the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America state conference and the SkillsUSA state conference.
"We're trying to get a quick fix in," he said. "We've already ordered a whole replacement, which will have to be manufactured, that we won't have for a week. It's just part of doing business. You can't control the weather, unfortunately."
The Performance Food Group Food Show, which is set for today, is still planned, Arrison said.
"We are bringing in portable lights so the PFG Food Show can continue to set up for their food show (today)," he said.
Arrison said Tuesday afternoon power had been restored to the exhibit halls, but the other half of the building was still running on generators.