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.

Join us at our 2026 Annual Meeting, where 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. General registration is $45 per person, or sponsorships (with multiple registrations included) are also available.

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

Thad Eure Jr. Memorial Award: Kate Pearce, newly appointed president & CEO of Dix Park Conservancy, will receive the award for her lead role in developing Dix Park's Master Plan and in shepherding impactful features such as Gipson Play Plaza, the Thomas Dambo trolls and the five-acre sunflower field. The Conservancy's public art initiative continues to deliver unforgettable experiences, and an exciting transformation of the Flower Cottage into a gathering spot with coffee, wine and beer is well underway. Due to Kate’s leadership, Dix Park has received numerous national and international awards, including Gipson Play Plaza being ranked the number-three “Outstanding Public Playground That Inspires Creativity and Adventure” and ranked the fifth “Best City Park in the U.S.” by USA TODAY.

John B. Ross Jr. Leadership Award: Andia Xouris, co-founder and CEO of Andia's Ice Cream and a two-time Grand Master Ice Cream Maker, will receive the award for making a meaningful and lasting impact on our hospitality industry and the broader community. A James Beard Fellow, Andia has guided her brand to national acclaim, with recognition including features on Good Morning America and in Southern Living magazine, bringing significant positive attention to our destination. In 2025, Andia’s Ice Cream was honored as the number-four ice cream shop in the country by USA TODAY. As the only female Grand Master Ice Cream Chef in both the Southern and Southeastern U.S., Andia is a leader among an elite group of ice cream makers nationwide.

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.

We look forward to celebrating Wake County's "Museum Momentum" with all of you on Aug. 20!