August 8, 2022  

Travel and hospitality businesses and those interested in learning more about our vibrant tourism community are cordially invited for an afternoon of inspiration, storytelling, celebrating, and connections at this much-anticipated annual event. 

KEYNOTE: Wendy K. Smith, 'Both/And' Leadership

Life is full of paradoxes. How can we each express our individuality while also being a team player? How do we balance work and life? How can we improve diversity while promoting opportunities for all? How can we manage the core business while innovating for the future?

Author and Harvard educated, award-winning academic at University of Delaware, Wendy K. Smith, will share how our community can use "both/and" thinking to make more creative, flexible, and impactful decisions in a world of competing demands.

ASHEVILLE STORYTELLING UPDATE: Stewart Colovin, MMGY

Explore Asheville is on a journey to further define Asheville’s storytelling foundation for sustainable growth in the future. Listening tours to ensure local voices across our community and industry are included and heard were conducted by President & CEO Vic Isley and by Stewart Colovin, Executive VP of MMGY Global Brand Strategy. At Explore Asheville's Tourism Summit in May, Stew shared a read-out of insights and themes drawn from those efforts. He'll share our progress in efforts to chart the course for the future of storytelling in travel for our community.

PRESENTATION: 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 to find out – and celebrate! – this year's recipient of this coveted award.

AND MORE: Networking Reception

It wouldn't be an Explore Asheville event without the opportunity to make personal connections with fellow members of our vibrant community. Enjoy Asheville's creative spirit and hospitality after the program for a networking reception with entertainment, local foods, craft beverages, and more.

Save The Date & Save Your Seat!

2022 BUNCOMBE COUNTY TDA ANNUAL MEETING
Presented by Explore Asheville

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | DOUBLETREE HOTEL BILTMORE
Registration 3 p.m. | Program 3:30 p.m. | Reception 5 - 6 p.m.