Advisory from Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau:
WHO: Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau on behalf the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority
WHAT: Part 2 of the 2020 Buncombe County TDA Annual Meeting. Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic and its impact on the tourism industry, Explore Asheville’s Marketing and Sales teams are working as hard as ever to keep Asheville top of mind for visitors, meeting planners, social groups and sporting events. Innovation and flexibility are key with safety always part of the strategy and messaging. This event will include the following updates:
- Marketing + Advertising Plans from Deputy Director/VP of Marketing Marla Tambellini
- Group Sales Plans from VP of Sales Dianna Pierce
- Community Engagement Activities from Director of Community Engagement Pat Kappes
WHEN/WHERE: Tuesday, October 20, 10 to 11 a.m. via Zoom Webinar
HOW: Webinar is free but pre-registration is required in order to gain access: https://www.ashevillecvb.com/event/partner-webinar-the-road-ahead-marketing-sales-community-engagement-update/. Note: You can register and gain access even at the last minute, after the webinar has already started.
MORE INFO:
The BCTDA Annual Meeting is usually presented in person, at an event that lasts at least 2.5 hours. This year, it was split into two separate Zoom webinars. PART 1 was held Wednesday, Oct. 7, 3:30 – 5 p.m.:
- Highlights of Part 1 of the 2020 BCTDA Annual Meeting can be found here, to include the winner of the 2020 William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award, AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurant Association)
- A recording of the event can be found here, to include the State of Tourism in Buncombe County by Explore Asheville Interim Executive Chris Cavanaugh, and keynote speaker Earl B. Hunter, Jr., founder and president of Black Folks Camp Too.
- The BCTDA Annual Report for FY 2019-2020 can be found here, include pre-COVID statistics, Explore Asheville’s response to the pandemic, and more.
CONTACT FOR MEDIA QUESTIONS / FOLLOW UP: For background on topics covered during either meeting, or to set up interviews following the events, contact Kathi Petersen, Director of Public Information: kpetersen@ExploreAsheville.com or 828-712-1286.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS:
- October meeting of the Buncombe County TDA: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9 – 11 a.m.
- Partner Webinar: “People First – Website Usability Best Practices” – Thursday, Nov. 5, 9 – 10 a.m.
ABOUT BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY & EXPLORE ASHEVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU: Established by state law to administer the occupancy tax paid by overnight visitors according to the enabling legislation, the BCTDA is a public authority with a public purpose to enhance the economic vitality of Buncombe County. It is led by 11 appointed, local volunteers who provide professional expertise to ensure the effective use of the tax to benefit our community and the people who live here. Explore Asheville CVB carries out the strategic marketing and sales programs of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. From the start of the public health crisis, the organization has advocated strongly for measures to keep the community safe, including mask-wearing as mandated by the executive orders of Gov. Roy Cooper. Among Explore Asheville’s initiatives are the Asheville Cares Stay Safe Pledge, launched in May 2020; a partnership with Buncombe County to place signage in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, and Black Mountain to remind visitors and residents of the face-covering mandate; and safety messaging incorporated throughout the CVB’s marketing and communication channels.
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