Join Us to Find 

Your Story

Date & Time
October 2, 2023 from 8:30AM to 1PM EDT
Location
Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
31 Woodfin Street
Asheville, NC 28801

We look forward to welcoming you to Always Asheville. This day of insightful presentations and discussions will help you tell your unique story that shows what makes our city stand out—why it’s Always Asheville. Led by AFAR editors and industry experts, you’ll learn about empathy-led storytelling, best practices and tactics that resonate with today’s travelers, how to apply them across digital platforms, and more.

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Schedule

  • 8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

    Guest Registration, Breakfast, and Networking

  • 9:00 a.m.–9:10 a.m.

    Welcome Remarks

    Vic Isley, Explore Asheville president and CEO

  • 9:10 a.m.–9:50 a.m.

    Finding Your Story

    Jennifer Flowers, AFAR senior deputy editor

  • 9:50 a.m.–10:50 a.m.

    Building Traveler Engagement Through Content

    Tiana Attride, AFAR social media editor and Julie Huang, AFAR associate director of audience development

  • 10:50 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

    Working with Content Creators

    Ami Kealoha, AFAR branded content director

  • 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

    AFAR Panel Q&A

  • 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

    Lunch and Networking (to-go options available)

Featured Industry Experts

  • <p>Tiana Attride<br></p> <p>Social Media Editor, AFAR</p>

    Tiana Attride

    Social Media Editor, AFAR

    Attride is AFAR’s Social Media Editor. Previously, she’s worked on editorial, video, and audience development across several internationally recognized media brands, including Insider, Away, Thrillist, and Vogue Magazine, where she headed up audience development on Vogue Club, the magazine’s first-ever global fashion community. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

  • <p>Jennifer Flowers<br></p> <p>Senior Deputy Editor, AFAR</p>

    Jennifer Flowers

    Senior Deputy Editor, AFAR

    Flowers is an award-winning journalist and AFAR's dedicated hotel editor. She has nearly 20 years of experience in magazines, daily newspapers, and digital-first media companies. The North American Travel Journalists Association recognized her for essay writing. Flowers splits her time between New York City and Seattle when she’s not exploring the world.

  • <p>Ami Kealoha<br></p> <p>Director of Sponsored and Branded Content, AFAR</p>

    Ami Kealoha

    Director of Sponsored and Branded Content, AFAR

    An award-winning journalist and creative director, Kealoha specializes in branded content strategy and production for AFAR where she has helped lead successful content campaigns for DMOs, hotels, airlines, and other travel-adjacent brands. Her career includes over 20 years in media, spanning print, digital, events, and public relations.

  • <p></p> <p>Julie Huang</p> <p>AFAR Associate Director of Audience Development</p> <p></p>

    Julie Huang

    AFAR Associate Director of Audience Development

    Huang leads AFAR’s audience growth efforts, developing strategies across email, social, content, and partnerships to scale, reach, and build a loyal following. With more than 10 years of experience in audience development, Huang’s background includes top media brands such as Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and Popular Science. She currently lives in Connecticut.

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