2023 BCTDA ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting is Four Days Away!
Join Us for a Memorable Afternoon with Keynote Richard Florida

You won't want to miss this annual meeting's festivities as we 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. For those who are unable to attend, we hope you'll join us via the live-stream once the program starts.

PARTNER RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
There's Still Time to Shine in the 2024 Asheville Visitor Guide
You Have Until Sept. 25 to Inquire About Ad Space

According to an Explore Asheville survey, 97% of readers’ expectations were met or exceeded after using the Visitor Guide to plan their trip. Distributed throughout western North Carolina, the guide can be accessed on the go through our digital flipbook or ordered in print on ExploreAsheville.com. Our targeted distribution and engaging content make the Official Asheville Visitor Guide the most effective way to get your business in front of the millions of travelers that visit this area each year.

Learn how your business can be featured by by calling 828.776.8886 or emailing account executive Terri Well.
Expand Your Skills at the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference
Hone Digital Skills, Learn New Strategies, and Meet Tourism Experts

Are you looking to tell a more impactful story about your local business or attraction online? Then we hope you’ll join us at the 7th annual DIY Tourism Marketing Conference from November 13–14 in Asheville, NC! This tourism-focused conference will provide you with the latest digital strategies, resources, and tools. You’ll learn how to reach more potential visitors and motivate them to visit, as well as how to engage your local community.

We’re excited to offer our partners $100 off their registration by using our special promo code EXPLOREAVL

Register for the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference
Announcing This Year's Fall Color Hunters
Discover the Brightest Hues in Our Weekly Fall Leaf Forecast

To make the most of this season, we’ve teamed up with a group of talented local photographers who have a passion for capturing the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each week, the Fall Color Hunters will share updates on when and where to catch the best and brightest fall color in the region, plus local insights on what to expect when visiting Asheville during the fall.

Interested weekly updates on the brightest hues for your guests? Subscribe to our Fall Color Report and Forecast for the latest information on where to behold the best of the fall season.

Asheville Fall Color Report & Forecast
    Warm Welcome to Our Newest Partners
     We are Delighted to Shine a Light on Your Creativity
City of Asheville Disparity Study Public Hearing 

As part of evaluating and improving the City of Asheville's Business Inclusion program, the City is holding a Disparity Study public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center. Business owners and stakeholders are invited to give their opinions on the local marketplace, City contracts, and more. The study is scheduled for completion in October 2023, and the results will be made public at the end of the process.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Local Festivals and Cultural Events to Kick Off Autumn 
This Month's Recipients of Explore Asheville's Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program is designed to provide financial support for events that serve both the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area. We will begin accepting applications for the 2024 Grant Program on Monday, Sept. 25. Upcoming events include:

Downtown After 5 | Sept. 15 | Enjoy the last free concert on Lexington Avenue this season; catch The Sensational Barnes Brothers and the Alex Krug Combo this month.

ASAP Farm Tour | Sept. 23–24 | The Farm Tour showcases the diversity of working farms in Western North Carolina, including vegetables, livestock, vineyards, orchards, flowers, fiber, and more!  

Asheville Quilt Show | Sept. 28–30 | The 39th annual Quilt Show will host an exhibition of over 300 quilts from across the country, demonstrations by expert quilters, quilts vendors, a kids sewing station, and bingo at the WNC Ag Center.

Blue Ridge Pride Festival | Sept. 30 | Celebrate inclusion at Western North Carolina’s largest pride event taking place at Pack Square Park.

Sow and Grow Fest | Sept. 30 | Join the Organic Growers School on September 30th as it celebrates their 30-year anniversary at Smoky Park Supper Club.  

Beer City Comic Con | Sept. 29–Oct. 1 | This debuting festival serves to unite comic book, sci-fi, cosplay, pop culture and science fans, psychology, philosophy, and social justice in one weekend convention. Use EXPLORE23 for 10% off ticket prices online.

Krafthaus 2023: Forest of the New Trees | Sept. 28–Oct 13 | Over three weekends, guests are invited to descend the basement of the Center for Craft to enter an immersive world imagined by artists where craft is the only way to survive and thrive.

Does your organization have an event coming up this fall or winter? Keep us in the loop at news@exploreasheville.com and submit your events to the Explore Asheville Calendar.

The regular monthly meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) will take place in the Board Room at the offices of Explore Asheville at 9 am, Wednesday, September 27.  All board meetings are open to the public, and the agenda will be posted 48 hours in advance. Following the meeting, all materials will be posted here. 

IN THE NEWS

EXPLORE ASHEVILLE'S STRATEGIC PILLARS
Delivering Balanced Recovery & Sustainable Growth | Encouraging Safe & Responsible Travel |
Engaging & Inviting More Diverse Audiences | Promoting & Supporting Asheville's Creative Spirit

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