The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
Starting at USD 15
Tue, 08 Jul, 2025 at 02:00 pm - Thu, 10 Jul, 2025 at 02:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
110 Shenandoah Avenue Northeast, Roanoke, United States
Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit
Join fellow residents and regional leaders from the 29-county Blue Ridge Parkway corridor July 8-10 in Roanoke, Va., to discover new ideas, hear the latest updates and progress reports, learn about upcoming grant programs and other plans, and make new connections as we continue to work together to advance the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. Representing tourism, economic development, outdoor recreation, planning, nonprofits, and the general public, attendees will connect with people from all across the Blue Ridge Rising area to foster regional unity and growth. We look forward to seeing you there!
Event Sponsors and Supporters
We wish to recognize and thank our many event sponsors and other supporters for making the 2025 Summit possible: C.W. and Dorothy G. Love Foundation, Soloviev Foundation, Appalachian Regional Commission, First Citizens Bank, Mast General Store, Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Hotel Roanoke, and Red Orange Studio.
Keynote speaker Ta Enos (and book preorder below): Ta Enos is a writer, mom, and founder and CEO of a regional nonprofit that is helping to revitalize the rural Pennsylvania Wilds region through intentional place-based outdoor recreation development. A fourth-generation native of Warren County in the Pennsylvania Wilds, Ta has worked on the movement for close to two decades and loves what she does. Her memoir, PROUDLY MADE: A Story of Reinvention in the Big Woods and Small Towns of the Pennsylvania Wilds is being released in June for Great Outdoors Month under Sunbury Press’ Catamount imprint, which focuses on Northern Appalachia.
Prior to founding the nonprofit PA Wilds Center in 2013, Ta served as the PA Wilds Small Business Ombudsman for five years, helping entrepreneurs in rural PA connect to resources and leverage the region’s public lands and growing visitation. Before that, she helped her sister build an outfitting business in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Ta has been recognized nationally for being on the cutting edge of rural development. She and her team at the PA Wilds Center are building models for asset-based development that have been recognized nationally. Ta has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Communications from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Prior to moving home to Pennsylvania in 2006, she spent ten years as a news reporter and editor in Alaska, writing for the Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage Press, Dutch Harbor Fisherman, Bristol Bay Times and other publications, earning writing awards from the Alaska Press Club and the Society for Professional Journalists.
Ta and her husband are raising three boys on sixty-five acres in the PA Wilds.
Book preorder: Sunbury Press now has the book available for pre-order. Now through the end of July, folks can use code BRR2025 for 20% off all Sunbury titles, including PROUDLY MADE. https://www.sunburypress.com/collections/all-books/products/proudly-made?variant=43291051884637 If folks buy the book ahead of time, Ta will be happy to sign them at the summit. We will also be selling books on site, but at full price, not 20% off.
Host Hotels: The entire summit (other than the pre-summit field trips) will take place at Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Va.; please use this link to access our room block there. We have also arranged discounted room blocks available only through these links for Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Civic Center and Comfort Inn Roanoke Civic Center. All room blocks are available for the nights of July 8 and 9, and the special pricing is available through June 6, 2025, so don't delay!
Info: Climb aboard the Ride Source Coach for a scenic journey to Mill Mountain and Explore Park! We’ll kick off the adventure with a group photo at the iconic Mill Mountain Star, then make our way to Explore Park—owned and operated by Roanoke County—located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115. John Oney from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge will be your guide as we explore this beautiful park, known for its rolling hills, pristine woodlands, and miles of scenic trails. John will share exciting details about the upcoming USA Cycling MTB National Championship (July 14–20), the new trails built specifically for the event, and how Visit VBR is putting the region on the map in the cycling world—through trail development, high-profile events, and even a dedicated women’s cycling team. The tour also includes visits to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center and the historic Brugh Tavern, where light refreshments will be served. Inclement Weather Plan: Rain or Shine. $32/person.
Info: Meet Roanoke Mountain Adventures at Hotel Roanoke, where you will hop on an e-bike and enjoy a ride on the Lick Run Greenway with your tour guide. Lick Run Greenway is a paved trail with a 4.1 mile section from downtown to Valley View Mall. Enjoy the ride and the wonderful views of Mill Mountain Star and surrounding mountains from Washington Park and the greenway bridge across I-581. Pricing includes e-bike rental, helmet, other safety equipment and tour guide. Wear comfortable, weather-related clothing and closed toed shoes. Please email Cheryl Morales, Director of Community Relations for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Y21vcmFsZXMgfCB2aXNpdHZiciAhIGNvbQ==, your height and weight so the right sized bike can be arranged for you.
Inclement Weather Plan: Shine event only. $65/person.
Info: Meeting place: Hotel Roanoke Lobby
Description: This afternoon, embark on a walking tour through Roanoke’s historic downtown with a fun and passionate local tour guide. Discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including the 1910 Building - once the early headquarters for the development of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wander through charming back alleys, uncover fascinating stories from the city’s colorful history, and enjoy a few special sweet treats along the way. This relaxed, 2 to 2.5-hour walking tour takes place on hard surfaces and is perfect for discovering the heart of Roanoke at a relaxed pace. Inclement Weather Plan: Rain or Shine. $35/person
Info: Meeting place: Hotel Roanoke Lobby
Description: Presentation "The Taubman and Tourism" - a general overview of the Museum with a lean into our workshops, Late Nights, and signature events, and how they connect with the community and tourists from across the globe.
2:45 pm Gallery Highlight Tour of Permanent Collection and In Awe of the Iron Horse, Memories and Inspiration, and Opposites Abstract.
3:25 Depart the Taubman for Center in the Square
Inclement Weather Plan: Rain or Shine.
$15/person.
Info: Enjoy a prohibition-era cocktail while learning more about Hotel Roanoke's rich history with General Manager Brian Wells. Discover the hidden gem below Hotel Roanoke’s Pine Room & 1882 Lobby Bar! AKA is a speakeasy-inspired escape that brings the rich history of The Hotel Roanoke to life in the most stylish way. With its cozy, vintage vibe and modern twist, AKA is the perfect blend of timeless charm and contemporary coo–a one-of-a-kind spot where history meets style. Enjoy a prohibition-era cocktail, while General Manager Brian Wells shares some of the most interesting moments from this historic hotel. $24/person.
Info: Meeting place: Blue Ridge Rising Registration Area
Description: Stop by the registration area to browse brochures and guidebooks, or take a short stroll across the street from the hotel to Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge visitor center. Their friendly Visitor Services Specialists are ready to help you create a personalized and memorable experience. Prefer some relaxation? Treat yourself to a spa day right at Hotel Roanoke. The Spa at Hotel Roanoke offers a range of services—from facials and skincare treatments to soothing foot soaks and rejuvenating massages. Whether you're in the mood for adventure or indulgence, the choice is yours.
Info: Pick up your name tag and Summit swag at Hotel Roanoke, our primary venue for the Summit.
Info: After words of welcome from Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation CEO Carolyn Ward, Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb, and others, enjoy a captivating keynote address from Ta Enos of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. Lunch and afternoon sessions will provide opportunities to learn about local success stories, explore specific issues, and meet other regional leaders. We will also highlight recent efforts to act on the six themes and specific strategies in the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan, including marketing, visitor experience, unified regional voice, resource protection, and capacity building. One of the featured sessions will include both Rita McClenny, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Wit Tuttle, Executive Director of Visit North Carolina. (Please note that the exact times for particular sessions are still being finalized. Please check back for updates.)
Info: Enjoy some less formal time to meet and talk with other regional leaders.
Info: Enjoy a delicious meal, great conversation, and a thought-provoking presentation as we wrap up Day 1.
Info: Pick up your name tag and Summit swag at Hotel Roanoke, our primary venue for the Summit.
Info: Enjoy breakfast with other attendees, followed by a keynote address from a special guest. The morning's sessions will include a panel with Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout and other regional land managers discussing how their efforts can support local communities' goals, as outlined in the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. Other confirmed speakers include Laura Belleville, Senior Director of Conservation Programs for the National Forest Foundation. We will also share highlights of what's included and what's to come from the recent $5.13 million Appalachian Regional Commission ARISE grant, including approximately $3 million in subaward opportunities for local communities and organizations. We will wrap up with another delicious meal, followed by a final speaker and discussions highlighting how we can all help implement the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. (Please note that the exact times for particular sessions are still being finalized. Please check back for updates.)
Also check out other Business events in Roanoke, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Roanoke, Sports events in Roanoke.
Tickets for Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit II (July 8-10, 2025) can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Early-Bird Registration Fee | 150 USD |
| Regular Registration Fee | 200 USD |
| Roanoke’s Explore Park, 2-5pm | 32 USD |
| E-bike Greenway Tour, 2-4pm | 65 USD |
| Roanoke Walking History Tour, 2-5pm | 32 USD |
| Roanoke's Cultural Attractions, 2-5pm | 15 USD |
| Hotel Roanoke History & Speakeasy, 3-5pm | 24 USD |
We have gathered all the information for you in one convenient spot, but please keep in mind that these are subject to change. We do our best to keep everything updated, but something might be out of sync. For the latest updates, always check the official event details by clicking the "Find Tickets" button.
