upcoming events

AI Conference
Jul
18

AI Conference

AI in Production is a one-day, single-track conference designed for product teams and software developers tasked with building AI products, offering guidance on best practices and starting points.

This community event brings together professionals to exchange ideas, learn about the latest AI practices and tools, and discuss their applications and limitations with industry leaders and peers in AI and software development.

Join us to learn, network, gain inspiration, and shape the future of AI in business and applications.

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A1A Asheville Aspire Conference
Sep
14
to Sep 16

A1A Asheville Aspire Conference

Experience Asheville like never before! The Aspire conference redefines traditional conferences.

Welcome to Aspire, the premier regional design conference hosted by the AIA state chapters of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Aspire made its debut in 2019, reimagined from a traditional conference into an immersive, city-wide experience in Asheville, North Carolina.

Returning on September 14-16, 2025, Aspire will use venues across downtown to engage attendees in the city’s vibrant history and culture.

Aspire provides intimate and collaborative programming, including Aspire Talks and Chats, panel discussions, tours, events, and workshops. Topics include housing, sustainability, artificial intelligence, architecture business, professional development, and more.

Our signature Aspire Talks are educational sessions that host approximately 100 people, followed by Aspire Chats, inviting attendees into smaller discussion groups to discuss the topics in greater depth.

Join us at Aspire for an unforgettable conference experience that will inspire, educate, and empower you to design the future.

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NCEI - Drought Monitor Forum
Apr
22
to Apr 23

NCEI - Drought Monitor Forum

The 14th Biennial United States Drought Monitor (USDM) Forum will be held in Asheville, NC on April 22-23, 2025 at The Collider. Authors and users from across the nation will gather to discuss key topics such as: the USDM process, datasets and data inputs, drought impacts, new drought tools and products, learn about regional drought issues, and there will be time allocated to provide feedback to the authoring team. This year's event is hosted by NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information. The forum is being held as a hybrid event with remote options and limited in-person availability.

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Ferleaf Team Retreat
Jan
22
to Jan 23

Ferleaf Team Retreat

Where: The Collider, 1 Haywood Street, 4th Floor

When: Wednesday, January 22 to Friday, January 24, 2025. This is a private event. 

Fernleaf returns for their annual team retreat.

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Fernleaf is a climate resilience planning firm in Asheville, North Carolina. They work with communities, industries, and governments to help them prepare for and adapt to climate threats. 

What Fernleaf does 

  • Vulnerability assessments: Identify risks and threats to communities

  • Resilience planning: Create long-term plans to help communities adapt to climate change

  • Data analysis: Use data to inform decision making

  • Software training: Provide training on in-house developed software

  • Workshops: Host workshops to help communities learn about climate change

  • Build relationships: Connect with key stakeholders and decision makers

Fernleaf's services

  • Industry standards: Set standards and best practices for industries 

  • Social equity: Improve social equity and address climate threats equitably 

  • Decision support: Help communities prepare for and adapt to natural hazards 

Fernleaf's history 

  • Fernleaf was founded in 2014 in Asheville, North Carolina

  • Matt Hutchins is the CEO of Fernleaf

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Our Changing Climate in a Post-Helene World
Dec
4

Our Changing Climate in a Post-Helene World

Where: The Collider, 1 Haywood Street, Suite 401* 

When: Wednesday, December 4. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Program: 7 - 9p pm. Dr. Hausfather will speak at 7 PM, Q & A and panel of climate science experts to follow Admission is free 

Dr. Zeke Hausfather is a world-class, oft-quoted, climate scientist. He recently reported that 2024 will be the first year above the 1.5°C climate threshold. Dr. Hausfather is visiting Asheville and will explain current climate trends and forecasts for the future. Following his presentation a panel of WNC based experts will discuss what each of us can do to respond to climate change. 

Introduction by Deke Arndt, Director, National Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA 

Panelists: 

Andrew Jones, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Climate Interactive

Kathleen Lawlor, Associate Professor of Economics, UNCA

Dr. David Easterling, Chief, Climate Assessments Section, NOAA/NCEI

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NOAA NCEI Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Community Conference
Nov
19
to Nov 21

NOAA NCEI Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Community Conference

The NOAA Science Council is hosting a community conference to discuss how NOAA’s research and development (R&D) activities are being strategically managed to advance its science mission. This vital work supports NOAA’s service and stewardship goals, ensuring alignment with the agency’s vision and priorities. 🌊

Join us as we explore the future of NOAA’s R&D efforts and their impact on environmental stewardship and public service!

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AI in Production Conference
Jul
18
to Jul 19

AI in Production Conference

AI in Production Conference - a two-day, single-track conference designed for product teams and software developers tasked with building AI products, offering guidance on best practices and starting points.

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Climate Cafe
Jun
27

Climate Cafe

The Climate Cafe will provide an informal, inclusive space for people to get together to talk and act on climate change. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation, share ideas, learn what others are doing and get involved.

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Blue Ridge Ruby Conference
May
30
to May 31

Blue Ridge Ruby Conference

Blue Ridge Ruby (a registered 501c3) is a two-day, single-track conference featuring ten speakers, plus lightning talks. The conference is hosted by Mark Locklear and Joe Peck.

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Matthew Abrams, Certified eos Implementer® Presentation
May
14

Matthew Abrams, Certified eos Implementer® Presentation

Matthew will deliver a powerful, inspirational presentation that will introduce you to the Six Key ComponentsTM of a successful business.

At the conclusion of this complimentary workshop, you will walk away with a set of simple, practical tools that you and your leadership team will use immediately to focus on priorities, get clear on issues, and gain traction together, as a healthier leadership team.

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PercCollider – Less Talk, More Walk:                         George Masa’s Enduring Impact on Conservation          and Climate Resiliency
Apr
25

PercCollider – Less Talk, More Walk: George Masa’s Enduring Impact on Conservation and Climate Resiliency

David Huff explores the remarkable life and legacy of George Masa, a pioneering Japanese- American photographer and conservationist, whose profound connection with the Appalachian region's natural beauty played a pivotal role in the early 20th-century conservation movement. He delves into how Masa's groundbreaking photographic work and tireless advocacy for the preservation of the Appalachian landscapes.

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