Rafting the French Broad River by Jared Kay

Outdoor Industry

Adventure fuels collaboration

Elevate Your Outdoor Industry Meetings in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Asheville shines as the ultimate destination for outdoor industry meetings, offering a captivating natural landscape and a thriving outdoor lifestyle. Positioned between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city boasts the highest mountain peaks east of the Mississippi River and the world's third oldest river, the French Broad.

This dynamic environment not only fosters innovation but also sustains livelihoods, giving rise to a flourishing outdoor economy. The city's legacy of self-sufficiency and a quality-driven culture is exemplified by renowned companies like Liquidlogic, Diamond Brand Gear, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Astral, and FOX Factory. In Asheville, the convergence of stunning landscapes and a thriving outdoor economy makes it the prime choice for those seeking a meeting destination that blends business and adventure.

Hosted in Asheville

Adventure Travel Trade Association
Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals
Southeast Environment and Recreation Research Conference
Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Foundation

Outdoor Adventure and Manufacturing in Western North Carolina

Nearby Pisgah National Forest, Bent Creek Experimental Forest, DuPont State Forest, and Nantahala National Forest attract outdoor day-trippers to ultra-athletes.

In 18 counties across WNC, a regional collaborative pinpointed 10,000 Outdoor Economy jobs, $773 million in GRP, and approximately $1.4 billion in sales in 2020.

The region also as headquarters to many makers and manufacturers. Approximately 700 jobs were estimated in outdoor manufacturing industries across 18 WNC counties in 2020.

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