Little Rock is hosting a political conference that's drawing hundreds of lawmakers from across the country to the Natural State. It's the 31st Annual Legislative Conference of Black Legislators.  The conference kicked off Wednesday at the Arkansas State Capitol, with hundreds of high school students getting a taste of the legislative process while rubbing shoulders with a variety of elected officials.

More than 200 students were invited to participate in opening day activities, which included a youth congress sponsored by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. 

Little Rock was selected as the site of this year's conference after beating out a number of competing states. In addition to the youth component, the five-day event will bring together legislators from throughout the country.

(Rep. Calvin Smyre, NBCSL) "When anything comes out of our organization, it's a good barometer for Congress and for other state legislatures, because we've found a common denominator around these very difficult issues, whether it's education, whether it's health, economic development."

(Sen. Tracy Steele, Conference Chairman) "It's a huge economic impact for the positive here to have these national leaders to come to this state. It's a great opportunity for Arkansas."

Other notable speakers and honorees include Ernest Green and former President Clinton.