It’s almost time to meet again at the annual DIY Tourism Marketing Conference in Asheville, NC! In preparation for the two-day event, we’ve created a quick list of our top six tips for getting the most out of your workshop experience.
1. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Water stations will be available at the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Asheville, where this year’s event is being held. That means, don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle to save on waste and money. If you forget your reusable water bottle, you can find one at a local shop nearby, like Mtn Merch or Mast General Store.
2. Charge your phone, computer, and/or iPad.
While we will have a charging station available at this year’s event, power will not always be available. Our sessions are tactical and hands-on, so you’ll want access to your work throughout each day. That means charging up before you head out for the day.
3. Wear warm layers.
We all know that conference rooms can sometimes feel chilly no matter what season it is outside. That’s why we recommend wearing or bringing layers of clothing if the temperature is occasionally unagreeable. We want you to be as present and comfortable as possible!
4. Bring supplies.
Your preferred device or notebook, favorite pen, highlighters, gum, a protein bar or apple (if you get “hangry” between meals), fidget spinners—you name it. Whatever you need to get through our two-day workshop should be packed with you at the start of the day. Once we get started for the day, you’re not going to want to miss a thing.
5. Get prepared for a night or two on the town.
Luckily, you’ll be done with the workshop each day with enough time to make dinner reservations. There are a ton of spectacular local eateries, all within walking distance of the Renaissance Hotel. Looking for a vintage bar with craft cocktails and New American fare? Sovereign Remedies can’t be beaten. Need a more laid-back vibe with creative stone-baked pizzas? Mellow Mushroom is right up your alley. Want some of the most delicious vegetarian and vegan comfort food you’ve ever tasted? Don’t miss out on Rosetta’s Kitchen. You’re in a prime location to see what downtown Asheville has to offer.
6. Expect healthy breakfast and lunch options.
From past events, we know that all attendees love to be a part of the Asheville food scene—we love it, too! That’s why we’ve worked with the fantastic team at the Renaissance Hotel to prepare meals at our event, focusing on healthy local options. That way, you can spend the evening eating all the desserts at Old Europe Pastries, drinking that extra local beer at One World Brewing, and having the perfect cocktail at Citizen Vinyl.
7. Park your car at the Renaissance.
As a DIY attendee, you get a discount on parking at the hotel during the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference. If you’re staying overnight, park at the hotel and your room will note the reduced rate. If you’re a day pass holder, you can either park at the hotel and validate your parking for a discounted rate, or use metered parking on the street in front of the hotel. Parking can be validated at our registration table. Please leave ample time for parking if you are driving in for the day since downtown Asheville is busy this time of year!
We are incredibly excited to welcome everyone to our beautiful mountain town in only a few weeks. View our program schedule to plan your days accordingly, and grab a last-minute ticket for your coworkers so they don’t feel left out!