Thurs., Aug. 20, 2026
A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Networking hour and light breakfast: 9-10am • Program: 10-11am

 

Known as the “Smithsonian of the South,” our destination is home to four premier, key attractor museums—Marbles Kids Museum, the N.C. Museum of Art, N.C. Museum of History and N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences—that continue to position the destination as a smart, innovative and culturally vibrant place to visit. From the groundbreaking Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences to landmark acquisitions at the N.C. Museum of Art—including its first-ever Picasso piece just a few years ago and 14 notable works added last year—these museums are continually elevating the visitor experience.

They remain focused on the future, building upon their already distinguished national reputations. And there’s even more on the horizon. With significant current/upcoming developments at each museum over the next several years, we’re excited to give you a first-hand look.

At our 2026 Annual Meeting, leaders from all four museums will present lightning talks about these developments, how they’re redefining the future of museums and the future impacts they'll have on tourism in Wake County.

Museum speakers
 

Awards

This year's memorial and leadership awards will be presented to:

Networking hour and light breakfast

Catch up with your hospitality colleagues from around the county and enjoy a light breakfast in the theater lobby at 9am. Fruits, parfaits, pastries, bagels, muffins and breakfast burritos will be available (vegan and gluten-free options will be included). 

Tickets

$45 each
Registration closed on Aug. 13, 2026.

^{Note: No refunds will be granted after Aug. 13, 2026. See our event policy here}

Accessibility

If you need to request any special accommodation, please let us know at ablair@visitRaleigh.com.

Support for a cause

Again this year, GRCVB will provide support to a worthy Wake County nonprofit initiative. This year, $5 from each ticket will be designated to Arts Access North Carolina, enabling children and adults with disabilities to have full access to and participate in the arts and cultural life of our community.

^{Denise Young, Ed.D., photo, Rob Hammer for WALTER Magazine}