GRCVB ensures year-round that Raleigh and Wake County hotels and venues are filled with arriving groups. From our convention sales team selling the destination for meetings and conventions to the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA) working with the NCAA, NCHSAA and hundreds of other tournament rights-holders, our work is always ongoing. And when these groups come to town, we hope partners will join us in welcoming them with open arms.

This summer we'll welcome a convention group that's the perfect fit for our smart and innovative city, when the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) hosts ACCESSE 2026 at the Raleigh Convention Center, July 13-15. The three-day conference is designed exclusively for STEM society professionals, including seasoned executive leaders as well as mid to early career professionals. ACCESSE typically draws 200-300 executive-level professionals from across the country, and the theme for this year's conference is "Rooted in Purpose," focused on aligning with your "why" in three levels:

  • Individual: Know your why and let it guide you;
  • Organizational: Operate with clarity and conviction;
  • Global: Inspire purpose-driven impact at scale.

ACCESSE registration is open now, and we're looking forward to the opportunity to showcase Raleigh, N.C., as the creative, intellectual and innovation hub of N.C. that we all know it to be.

Raleigh and Wake County offer an ideal setting for a conference focused on innovation, leadership and collaboration. Of course, our area's economy is anchored by four key industry clusters: Technology, Life Sciences, Cleantech/Smart Grid and Advanced Manufacturing, each supported by a strong pipeline of local talent and homegrown research advancements.

Meanwhile, global technology leaders like IBM, Lenovo and Red Hat maintain a strong presence in the area, as well as collaborations among local universities, government agencies and private industry continue to fuel innovation across all four sectors. North Carolina State University Centennial Campus and our corner of Research Triangle Park epitomize this smart side of Wake County as well.

Our culture of partnership makes Raleigh and Wake County a powerful hub for growth and a natural fit for STEM-focused gatherings like ACCESSE, which is why GRCVB began courting CESSE many years back.

Beyond strictly business, Raleigh delivers an experience attendees will remember. Often called the “Smithsonian of the South,” the area blends its world-class, free museums with a dynamic food scene, 10,000+ acres of parkland and easy access to outdoor activities. For our local partners, ACCESSE represents not only a major professional event that will draw local scientists and others working here in STEM but also an opportunity to put our best foot forward.

We hope you’ll roll out the red carpet for them as we plan to!