5 Events to Put on Your Calendar This Spring

Asheville Chamber of Commerce -- February 19, 2020: Spring is on its way (hopefully), and with spring comes a plethora of exciting programming here at the chamber.

Whether you’re looking to yourself as a community leader, want to get more networking practice in, or just connect with like-minded folks, there’s bound to be something you can’ t miss.
Here’s a roundup of just a few of the big things to mark your calendar and register in advance for.
March 12 | Mega-Networking
When: 8:30 a.m.-noon on Thursday, March 12

Where: Holiday Inn Biltmore Park West, 435 Smokey Park Highway

Looking to expand your professional network? Uneasy about networking? Mega Networking is for you!

Whether you are a seasoned networker or are overwhelmed by traditional networking minglers, you’ll find a place at Mega Networking. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, meet face-to-face with business prospects from a variety of industries and gain exposure for your company. Mega Networking takes a structured, “round robin” approach, allowing you to make close to 100 connections in the course of three hours.

Registration: $45 for Chamber members, $75 for non-members 

March 19 | WomanUP Spring Workshop: Living into Leadership
When: 8-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 19th

Where: Crowne Plaza Resort, 1 Resort Dr.

What better way to be inspired than to hear personal stories of other women in business who’ve been there too?  Join us to hear four unique women who live and work in our community share their stories of juggling business and personal life and being challenged to lead.

Panelists for this workshop: 

Cristina Hall Ackley – Founder/owner of Ginger’s Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room and WomanUP’s 2019 Rising Star
Leah Ashburn – President/CEO of Highland Brewing Company and WomanUP’s 2019 Woman Executive of the Year
Jennifer Pharr Davis – Founder of Blue Ridge Hiking Company and WomanUP’s 2019 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
Libby Kyles – CEO of YWCA of Asheville
In our popular panel discussion format, these four local leaders will share how they’ve worked to embrace their leadership roles while keeping life in balance.

Registration: $30 for Chamber members, $40 for non-members. Deadline to register is noon on March 16th.

March 24 | Policy on Tap – Tourism: Fact vs. Ficiton
When: 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24th

Where: The Funkatorium at Wicked Weed Brewing

Tourism…it’s one of the hot topics around town. Pretty much everyone has an opinion on it. Policy on Tap attempts to separate fact from fiction in a lively discussion: What’s the impact of tourism on our economy? What’s up with this hotel moratorium?

Join us for cold brews and policy news with insights from these tourism leaders:

Derek Allen of Allen Stahl + Kilbourne
Stephanie Brown of Explore Asheville CVB
Katie Button of Katie Button Restaurants
Jim Muth of the Asheville-Buncombe Hotel Association
Refreshments will be provided and each guest will receive a ticket for one free beer. Additional beers available for purchase.

Registration: this event is free. 

 
April 1 | WNC Career Expo
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 1

Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St.

Great companies start with great people. And you’ll find both at the WNC Career Expo! This is the region’s top recruiting event – if you’re a company looking to connect with great employees, or a job-seeker looking for a good gig, this is a can’t-miss event.

Registration: none required for job seekers. Employers may register for a booth here. 

 
May 15 | Chamber Challenge
When: 4-6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15th

Where: Asheville Chamber of Commerce and Montford

The team-based Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Gather your co-workers, family and friends to compete as a team. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge!

Registration: $45 for an individual; special rates for teams