2023 Annual Meeting

2023 Buncombe County Annual Meeting, Presented by Explore Asheville

Join us on September 19 for our 2023 Annual Meeting at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts from 3 to 6 pm.

Explore Asheville cordially invites our travel and hospitality partners to celebrate 40 years of investing in and building Asheville's deeply rooted and ever evolving history. Keynote speaker Richard Florida will shed light on the future of city and town centers, we’ll present the winner of the 24th William A.V. Cecil Award, and together we’ll gain valuable insights and foster meaningful connections. Stick around to immerse yourself in Asheville's creative spirit and hospitality after the program for a networking reception with entertainment, local bites, craft beverages, and more!

EVENT DETAILS

3:00 - 3:20 p.m. | Registration

3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Program

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Reception

....................................................................................

KEYNOTE: Richard Florida

State of Place: From Central Business District to Central Connectivity District

Richard Florida, a distinguished author and one of the most influential urbanists of all time, will lead a thought-provoking discussion on reimaging city and town centers, cultivating community relationships, and understanding the vital roles of residents, workers, and visitors in bringing cities to life.

“Richard Florida is the world’s leading urbanist and international best-selling author of Rise of the Creative Class. He is a pioneering researcher and University Professor at University of Toronto. He is co-founder of The Atlantic’s, and now Bloomberg’s CityLab, the leading publication devoted to cities and urbanism. He is founder of the Creative Class Group, advising companies such as BMW, Audi, Starwood Hotels, Facebook, Instagram, Converse, Microsoft, and several others. Florida serves as a board member with many of the leading real estate, urban innovation and venture capital firms across the globe.”

....................................................................................

William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award

For more than two decades, the William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award has honored those who've made a significant contribution to the tourism sector in Asheville and Buncombe County, providing exceptional leadership, creativity and commitment in making our community a special place to live, work, and visit. Join us in celebrating this year's recipient of this coveted award.

Meet the Local Talent:

Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Stewart/Owen Dance Company

Ninja Spirits

Giddy Chick Catering

J Chong Eats

Dare Vegan Cheese

Blunt Pretezels

Camilla Calnan Photography

DJ Lil Meow Meow