Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is a city bursting with Southern charm, a thriving arts scene, and a rich historical legacy. This picturesque city, renowned for its scenic views and cultural richness, is an increasingly popular choice for hosting corporate events.
Before making your decision, however, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. This article will take a closer look at the pros and cons of hosting your corporate event in Downtown Asheville.
PROS
- Unique Venues
Historic and Stylish Spaces: Downtown Asheville boasts a variety of venues suitable for corporate events of all sizes. From historic settings such as The Orange Peel, the iconic music venue, to modern spaces like The Venue, there’s a perfect location for every company’s unique needs. There’s also the U.S. Cellular Center, which has facilities that can cater to both large conferences and smaller gatherings.
- Rich Cultural Experiences
Arts and Music Scene: Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, which could provide an enriching backdrop to your corporate event. The city is full of galleries, studios, and music venues, offering great opportunities for event side activities or team-building experiences.
- Exquisite Local Cuisine
Farm-to-Table Dining: Asheville is renowned for its food scene, making it an excellent choice for events where catering is a must. The city offers a plethora of restaurants that specialize in locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine. Moreover, downtown Asheville is famous for its breweries, offering the best craft beer in the region.
- Convenient Transportation
Accessibility: Downtown Asheville is accessible, with easy-to-navigate streets and plenty of parking. The city is served by Asheville Regional Airport, offering numerous direct and connecting flights daily. Public transportation options, such as city buses and taxis, are also readily available.
CONS
- Limited Hotel Availability
Accommodation Constraints: While downtown Asheville has several high-quality hotels, the number of rooms available can be limited, especially during peak tourism season or big events like music festivals. It’s crucial to plan and book accommodations well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
In the heart of downtown Asheville, the DoubleTree by Hilton is a notable solution to the city’s accommodation constraints. This high-quality hotel provides extensive flexibility with its event spaces, perfect for a range of corporate event requirements. Offering an array of versatile rooms and suites, it can meet a diverse set of needs and capacities. Not only does it offer quality accommodation, but features some of downtown Asheville’s best conference spaces.
Furthermore, the DoubleTree by Hilton prides itself on its exceptional customer service, often managing to accommodate bookings or reschedules closer to event dates, a feature that sets it apart in the bustling hotel scene of Asheville. It’s always recommended to plan ahead, but the DoubleTree by Hilton offers a degree of flexibility that can be a valuable safety net for your corporate event planning.
- High Costs
Expensive Venues and Services: The uniqueness and popularity of Asheville can come with a higher price tag. Venue rentals, catering, and other event-related services can be costly, particularly in high-demand periods. Companies with a limited budget might find it challenging to host their event in Asheville.
- Traffic and Congestion
Busy Streets: While Asheville’s downtown is known for its accessibility, it can also get congested, particularly during peak hours and popular events. Guests traveling by car may face traffic issues and struggle to find parking spaces.
Your Next Corporate Event Destination
Asheville’s unique charm, vibrant culture, and superb dining options make it an enticing location for corporate events. However, the potential for higher costs, limited accommodation availability, and traffic congestion should be factored into your planning process.
In the end, the decision to host your corporate event in Downtown Asheville will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the experiences you want your attendees to have. The city undoubtedly offers an opportunity for a memorable event, rich in Southern hospitality and cultural vibrancy. With careful planning and foresight, the pros can certainly outweigh the cons.
