Big changes are coming to how you submit events to the Explore Asheville Event Calendar. Starting September 16, you'll use a new platform for event submissions.

Great news! More than 50 partners updated their listings last month. If you haven't yet, now is your final opportunity before the new Explore Asheville website goes live next week. Here are the top five ways to improve your listing:

⭐ Upload high quality photos—it's the #1 way to stand out.

⭐ Update your amenities—like search filters, amenities help visitors find your business.

⭐ Update your listing description—make sure you're speaking directly to your audience. 

⭐ Add diversity designations—help visitors support diverse businesses in our community.

⭐ Ensure your hours are up to date—make sure you've updated your seasonal hours.

Don't miss out! Take a few minutes today to leverage our new site's enhanced features and ensure your business stands out. Need assistance or Partner Portal access? Contact Shelby Pearsall, our Partnership Coordinator. 

The application portal for the Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund is set to open September 23. Designed to support the cultural identity of Buncombe County and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events, this program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for events that engage both residents and visitors.

The PR Team is gathering forward-looking news and trends to share with travel media leading into 2025. If you have any new offerings or updates you’d like to get some eyes and ears on, please send your scoops to news@exploreasheville.com.

Time's almost up to register for the Explore Asheville Annual Meeting, taking place next Monday, September 16, 3–6 p.m., at the Crest Center and Pavilion. You'll get to hear keynote speaker Rohit Bhargava's insights on non-obvious marketing, see the 25th William A.V. Cecil Award presentation, and preview our 2025 Annual Report. We'll cap off the evening networking with colleagues over drinks and appetizers, all with stunning views from the Crest Pavilion. Don't miss this industry celebration—RSVP today. Registration closes tomorrow at 5 p.m.