ISCAP Conference

ISCAP Conference 2026 Location

Asheville, North Carolina, Nov. 4-7

Why Visit Asheville?

Asheville, North Carolina, began as a late-18th-century frontier outpost. By the late 19th century, it had become a renowned health resort thanks to its stunning scenery and invigorating mountain air. In 1888, George Vanderbilt chose the area for its natural splendor, launching construction on the Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately owned home.

In addition to the Biltmore, Asheville's signature attractions include a vibrant River Arts District and world-class Blue Ridge hiking. Together, they showcase the city's unique blend of history, art, and nature.

Asheville continues to thrive as it recovers from Hurricane Helene's impacts in 2024. Downtown, major sites, and trails are expected to be fully reopened in time for the conference.

ExploreAsheville.com

Things to see and do

America's largest privately owned home, the Biltmore Estate, is just a 6-mile drive from our conference hotel in downtown Asheville. This iconic Gilded Age mansion, constructed by George Vanderbilt was completed in 1895. It showcases opulent French Renaissance–inspired architecture, extensive European art collections, beautifully landscaped gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It sits on an 8,000-acre estate that includes working farms and a winery.

Biltmore.com

The River Arts District, just 1 mile from our hotel, is Asheville's creative hub where historic industrial warehouses have been transformed into a thriving community of over 200 artist studios, galleries, and workshops. Visitors can explore street art and large-scale murals, watch live demonstrations of painting, sculpture, pottery, and glassblowing. Experience the district's ongoing evolution as a center for contemporary Appalachian art and urban revitalization.

RiverArtsDistrict.com

Hike the scenic trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, cascading waterfalls, and fall foliage along popular routes like the Craggy Gardens Trail or the Mountains-to-Sea Trail sections. The area's well-maintained paths and diverse elevations offer unforgettable outdoor experiences just a short drive from downtown.

Asheville hike finder

Tour the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the preserved childhood home of the renowned American author, located just 0.3 miles from our hotel in downtown Asheville. This historic Queen Anne-style boarding house includes original furnishings, family artifacts, and guided tours that reveal insights into early 20th-century Southern life and the literary creative process.

WolfeMemorial.com

Join a guided brewery tour led by local craft beer experts, to explore the city's renowned beer scene with behind-the-scenes access to top breweries. You'll learn about the brewing process, the use of regional ingredients like mountain water and local hops, and the cultural role of beer in the area's revival as "Beer City USA," while sampling award-winning and seasonal brews not found elsewhere.

Book your tour here