After what has been one of the most challenging years on record,
we will gather safely to recognize Asheville &
Buncombe County’s heart, hospitality, fortitude & resilience,
charting a path for our future together.

Wednesday, September 15 | Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Program 3 p.m. | Hospitality & Networking 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Join us to honor a top tourism leader in our community

For more than two decades, the William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award has honored those who have made a significant contribution to the tourism sector in Asheville and Buncombe County.

Created as a tribute to the late William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil, owner of Biltmore Estate and a champion of its preservation and success, the award honors the leadership, creativity and commitment of the people who have made it their mission to help guide the tourism sector in Buncombe County.

Who'll be named to our list of esteemed award-winners this year? Join us to recognize and congratulate this year's winner, an individual who exemplifies the heart of hospitality and exceptional tourism leadership in making the community a special place to live and visit.

Join us for inspiration from keynote speaker Kevin Brown:
'Expand Your Vision, Grow Your Results'

Kevin Brown’s unconventional path to business and personal success has taught him that winning in business and in life requires anything but conventional thinking.

As a motivational speaker and author, Kevin is on a mission to help people and organizations embrace a simple philosophy that separates world-class organizations and high-performance people from everybody else.

Kevin is passionate about helping people expand their vision, develop their potential and grow their results. Join us as he entertains, inspires and challenges us to show up every day and make a positive difference at work and in life!

Join us for networking & hospitality as we gather safely

After the program, enjoy entertainment, local foods and craft beverages, and connecting with fellow members of the tourism community. To keep everyone safe, Buncombe County has ordered that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask inside public spaces in the county except while actively eating and drinking.

Our venue partner at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville has additional protocols in place that include proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID status. Attendees must also present a government-issued ID matching the name on the vaccination or test document. These measures will allow us to gather safely and we thank you for kind compliance.

We've missed seeing all of you in person
& look forward to celebrating together

This event is designed for travel and hospitality businesses
and those interested in learning more about our vibrant tourism community.