August 2, 2021

JOIN US TOMORROW, AUGUST 3:
TWO PARTNER EVENTS

Webinar: 'Responsible Travel & Sustainability in Tourism'
Plus: Summer Social & Sustainability Resource Fair

One of Explore Asheville's four strategic imperatives is Encourage Safe & Responsible Travel. As part of this commitment, we're hosting two events for partners TOMORROW, AUGUST 3 on how you can take part in these efforts.

"Responsible Travel & Sustainability in Tourism" Webinar
Via Zoom, from 10 – 11:15 a.m.
RSVP here

Summer Social & Sustainability Resource Fair
Highland Brewing Rooftop Bar,* from 4 – 6 p.m.
RSVP here

*See note on COVID safety protocols below

Morning webinar features keynote from Tourism Cares, with local tourism partners weighing in

Top, from left: Keynote speaker Jessica Flores; Panelists Leah Ashburn, Jessie Dean.
Bottom: Panelists Peter Pollay, J Smilanic, Shelton Steele

Our jam-packed "Responsible Travel & Sustainability in Tourism" webinar will kick off with keynote speaker Jessica Flores, Chief Experience Officer for Tourism Cares, a nonprofit organization known for bringing together all sectors within the travel industry to create positive change.

We'll end the webinar with inspiration from local tourism partners who are embracing sustainability measures in their businesses:

• Leah Ashburn, President & CEO of Highland Brewing Company (and also a board member of Buncombe County TDA)
• Jessie Dean, Founder & CEO of Asheville Tea Company
  
• Peter Pollay, Co-Owner & Executive Chef for Mandara Hospitality Group (Posana, Bargello, and District 42) 
  
• J Smilanic, Owner & Photographer, WNC Photo Tours 
  
• Shelton Steele, Co-Owner of Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins
  

In between, the Explore Asheville Marketing and Sales teams will provide an update on related initiatives and how you can can take part in these efforts. Join us!

Meet us at Highland Brewing for our Summer Social & Sustainability Resource Fair (*See note on safety protocols below*)

Summer Social & Sustainability Resource Fair

August 3 | 4 to 6 p.m.

Highland Brewing | Rooftop Bar*

*Please note! This event will take place on the outdoor Rooftop Bar, weather permitting. If weather forces a move to the indoor event space, it is recommended that all attendees wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, consistent with revised CDC public health guidelines for public indoor events. Attendees who are not fully vaccinated should please wear a mask and practice social distancing at this event, both indoors or outdoors.

Here's a fun fact: Highland Brewing has the 6th largest solar array of all independent, craft breweries in the USA and the 22nd largest brewery solar array in the world! That makes it a perfect location for our in-person Summer Social on the afternoon of August 3, 4 - 6 p.m. Bring your inspiration, thoughts, and ideas following the morning's webinar to share with fellow tourism partners.

Plus, several local organizations focused on sustainability and the environment will be on hand as part of our Sustainability Resource Fair, offering suggestions on ways your business can become involved, including:

• Asheville GreenWorks
• Blue Horizons Project
• Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
• Conserving Carolina
• Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Pisgah Area SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association)

Sign up today! (Note: Registration for the Summer Social is separate from registration for the webinar, so be sure to register for both!)