Explore Asheville Partner Events
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Upcoming Explore Asheville Events
At Explore Asheville, we believe in the power of partnership. As the destination marketing organization for Asheville and Buncombe County, our mission is to support and grow our local tourism industry, ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our community. We invite you, our valued industry partners, to connect with us through a series of signature events designed for networking, education, and celebration. Join us to gain insights, share best practices, and contribute to the collective success that makes Asheville a truly unique and beloved destination.
Join us for the
The Year Ahead 2026: Inspiring Community and Collaboration
Monday, January 12 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | The Orange Peel
You’re invited to join Explore Asheville, industry colleagues, and community leaders at our first partner event of 2026, The Year Ahead!
Several panels will give attendees the inside track on what’s in store for 2026, including information on how to plug into dynamic sporting events like the PGA TOUR’s Biltmore Championship Asheville, new arts and cultural experiences like the spring launch of Luminere at Biltmore, and aligned conferences and new venues to come.
The 13th Annual Explore Asheville Superstar Awards will be presented to travel and hospitality partners who continue to lead our industry with resilience and community mindedness. We will also recognize the $12.4 million in 2025 Tourism Product Development Fund investments in community projects throughout the county.
We invite you to come early and stick around for networking, coffee, and light bites from Everyday Gourmet!
Seating is limited, so we recommend you register early for this event.
Explore Asheville Signature Events
The Year Ahead - January
Kick off the year with a comprehensive look at what's on the horizon for Asheville tourism. This event brings together industry leaders and partners to discuss upcoming initiatives, market trends, and opportunities for collaboration, setting the stage for a successful year ahead. The Year Ahead event convenes industry and government leaders, business partners, and community members for a look at what’s ahead in the new year, from restaurant and attraction openings to infrastructure updates and expansions, community capital investments, and more. The Explore Asheville Superstar Awards are presented each year to individuals making an impact on the industry and community through their work. Ticket sales benefit the Explore Asheville Workforce Program.
Hospitality Outlook - March
Gain critical economic insights at our Hospitality Outlook event. This gathering provides an Asheville/Buncombe County-specific 18-month outlook on visitor spending and lodging forecasts, presented by tourism impact experts. It’s an invaluable opportunity for lodging leadership, managers, and sales teams to understand the context of regional and national markets.
Earth Day Cleanup Events - April
Demonstrate your commitment to our beautiful destination by participating in the Explore Asheville Travel & Hospitality Earth Day Cleanup. In partnership with local environmental organizations, we invite your staff to join colleagues in a community-wide cleanup, contributing to the stewardship and recovery of our natural spaces. A post-cleanup social provides a chance to connect and unwind.
Heroes of Hospitality Awards Luncheon - May
Join us during National Travel and Tourism Week as we celebrate the unsung heroes of Asheville's hospitality industry. The Heroes of Hospitality Awards Luncheon recognizes individuals who consistently provide exceptional service to visitors and residents. The Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship is presented to students enrolled in a hospitality program at an NC-based university. 100% of ticket and sponsorship proceeds benefit the Explore Asheville Workforce Development program, which inspires, trains, and educates local students for careers in hospitality. Learn More
Ribbon Cuttings - various dates
Celebrate the tangible impact of our collective efforts by attending ribbon-cutting ceremonies for projects funded through our TPDF and LIFT funds. These events showcase the investments being made in our community's tourism products and provide excellent networking opportunities with stakeholders and community leaders.
Summer Social - July/August
Unwind and connect at our Summer Social! The Summer Social brings together community members and business partners for an evening of connection and engagement. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore, network, and discover what’s new in our vibrant destination.
BCTDA Annual Meeting - September
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Annual Meeting is a cornerstone event for our industry. The BCTDA Annual Meeting provides a snapshot of Explore Asheville’s marketing, investment, business development, and community engagement initiatives throughout the past fiscal year. Keynote speakers and panels deliver engaging content on top marketing practices, community investment strategies, and more. The William A.V. Cecil Award is presented to an industry leader helping to shape and lead our local travel and hospitality community. Ticket sales benefit the Explore Asheville Workforce Program.
BCTDA Board Meetings - Monthly
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority meets the last Wednesday of each month at the Explore Asheville office at 9 a.m., unless otherwise posted. Meetings are open to the public, and agendas are posted 48 hours in advance. Additional meeting materials including minutes, staff recaps, and performance indexes, will be posted here after each meeting. Learn More
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