Annual Summer Conference
Renaissance Asheville
31 Woodfin StreetAsheville, NC 28801-3020
United States
* Registration open until 7/16/26 at 5:00 PM (EDT)
Join ACEC/NC this summer in Asheville for a few days of networking, industry conversations, and fun in the mountains. Hosted at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel, this year’s Summer Conference will combine engaging sessions and social events with easy access to all the energy of downtown Asheville!
Attendees can expect discussions on workforce trends, economic growth in Western North Carolina, emerging technologies being used in disaster response and recovery, federal and state policy issues, and the latest developments affecting engineering firms. The program will also feature an inspiring keynote speaker, updates from industry leaders, opportunities to connect with peers from across the state, and plenty of time to enjoy Asheville with colleagues and friends.
See the Full Conference Agenda
Thursday, July 30
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Junior Board Meeting
1:00 PM Junior Board and Board of Directors Lunch
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Craft and Connect Welcome Reception at New Belgium Brewing Co. - Sponsored by Morrissey Goodale
Kick off the conference by reconnecting with colleagues and making new connections in one of Asheville's most iconic gathering spots. Enjoy local craft beverages, food trucks, and mountain views while networking with fellow engineering professionals before a full conference agenda begins.
Friday, July 31
7:30 AM Registration, Breakfast
8:15 AM - 12:00 PM Featured Sessions
- Making It Without Losing It, Jess Ekstrom, Author, Entrepreneur
- The Effects of a Changing Workforce, Bethany Greene, Regional Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
- Asheville Economics, Clark Duncan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Scared Straight with NCBELS, David Evans, Assistant Executive Director, NCBELS
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Future Leaders Session (current Future Leaders class only)
12:00 PM Lunch Buffet with Guest Speaker
- State of the Consulting Industry, Katharine Van Leer, Senior Consultant, Morrissey Goodale
1:00 PM Free Time
*2pm – 5pm Optional Excursion - Asheville Adventure Scavenger Hunt
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Asheville Ascent Reception at White Labs Brewing Company - Sponsored by LaBella Associates
After an afternoon of adventure in downtown Asheville, gather with fellow attendees at White Labs Brewing Company for networking, refreshments, and conversation. Sponsored by LaBella Associates, this reception offers a relaxed opportunity to connect with colleagues, share experiences from the day, and enjoy Asheville's vibrant atmosphere. The evening will also feature the announcement of our scavenger hunt winners. For added convenience, White Labs offers a dedicated parking lot for attendees who choose to drive.
Saturday, August 1
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM Featured Sessions
- When Every Minute Matters: Geospatial Technology on the Front Lines of Recovery
Ryan Lyttle, Vice President Infrastructure Operations
NV5 & Cole Martz, Unmanned Regional Sales Manager, Frontier Precision
Chris Godwin, PLS, Remote Sensing Technical Lead, WithersRavenel
Captain John Miller, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Ranger Division Special Operations Group
- Federal Issues, FEMA & North Carolina Elections Update
Steve Hall, Executive Vice President, ACEC
NC Congressman Chuck Edwards, District 11
Chris Peoples, P.E., Vice President, Senior Group Director / Raleigh Location Leader, HNTB
Christopher Cooper, PhD., Professor, Political Science and Public Affairs, Western Carolina University
12:00 PM Free Time
Optional Excursion: To be announced
5:30 PM – 6:45 PM Reception and ACEC/PAC Silent Auction
6:45 PM Dinner and Program
Hotel Room Block:
Booking link will be provided after registration. One room per member attending the conference. You must be registered for the Summer Conference by July 9th or your hotel room will be removed from our ACEC/NC block and charged the hotel's general occupancy rate.
Sponsors:
ACEC Trust Sponsor
Craft and Connect Welcome Reception Sponsor
Asheville Ascent Reception Sponsor
Opening Keynote Sponsor
Pisgah Peak Trailblazer Sponsor
Appalachian Innovator Sponsor
