CONNECT: Exciting Events Planned in Asheville

Last Call for Tickets to The Biltmore Experience

One of the highlights of CONNECT 2026 will be
our group visit to the magnificent Biltmore
Estate, and tickets are still available for purchase exclusively to registered CONNECT attendees.
We already have over 100 tickets sold. Hoping
you don’t miss this unique opportunity.

This event will take place on Thursday afternoon, September 24, 2026. We will leave the hotel
around 3:15 pm to arrive at Biltmore at 4.
We should be back to the hotel at approximately 6:30 pm.

Tickets include:

• Round-trip motor coach transportation between the Grove Park Inn & Biltmore Estate
• Admission to the self-guided tour of Biltmore House and grounds
• A light reception at the Omni Grove Park Inn upon our return. Come grab a drink to toast the day before you head out on your own for dinner. This event is not open to all CBA attendees. It is only for those who purchased tickets to the Biltmore.

Ticket Pricing:

• Adults: $50 per person
• Children (under 17): $35 per person

For those attending, wristbands will be distributed as you board the motor coaches and will serve as your admission credential for the experience and the reception at the Grove Park Inn.

Please note that all ticket sales are final after August 20, 2026. No cancellations or refunds will be issued after that date.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of America's most iconic landmarks while networking with fellow community bankers and their families. Reserve your tickets early before they sell out!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TO BILTMORE!

On Friday evening, you are not going to want to miss The Advocacy Encore. We're ending Advocacy Day on a high note an evening of entertainment, friendly competition,
and support for CBA's Advocacy efforts.

Browse and bid on unique items during the Silent
Auction, with proceeds helping strengthen CBA's voice
on behalf of Georgia's community banks. Then get ready
for an unforgettable night as our Dueling Pianos take center stage. This high-energy, all request show puts
the audience in control, featuring everything from
classic rock and country favorites to today's biggest hits.

With audience participation, plenty of laughs, and nonstop music, it's a sing-along, dance-along celebration that
will have everyone talking long after the final note. Gather your friends, warm up your vocal cords, and join us for the perfect finale to Advocacy Day!

And we wrap things up on Saturday with the Bankers & Bulldogs
Tailgate Bash - Come join us as we cheer on the Bulldogs. Lots of fun activities planned for this afternoon.

Get ready to call the Dawgs and celebrate game day Asheville-style
at the Bankers & Bulldawgs Tailgate Bash!

While we're still waiting to learn the kickoff time for the highly
anticipated Georgia vs. Oklahoma matchup, one thing is certain—
we'll have the game on the big screens and plenty of ways to enjoy
the action, whether you're a die-hard football fan or simply looking
for a great afternoon of networking and fun.

This isn't your average tailgate. We've brought together some of Asheville's most unique local talent to create an experience that truly
has something for everyone.

For those looking to raise a glass and learn something new, Asheville beverage expert and certified cicerone Mark Janes will host an
interactive whiskey tasting experience. Guests will sample a curated selection of regional and American whiskeys while exploring the history of whiskey-making in Appalachia, the art and science of distillation, and the craftsmanship that creates the distinctive flavors in every pour.

Looking for a memorable keepsake from CONNECT 2026? Asheville artisan Rebecca Marlowe, founder of I Can Make That!, will be on-site creating personalized engraved glassware. Commemorate your trip to Asheville with one of Rebecca's custom designs will provide a lasting reminder of the convention.

And because no Asheville event would be complete without a little creativity, local favorite The Doodle Dude, Mitch Capps, will be joining us with his signature live artwork. Known throughout Asheville for his one-of-a-kind "Cappstract Art," Mitch will create personalized sketches for attendees, turning everyday moments into unforgettable souvenirs.

Add great food, refreshing beverages, spirited networking, and other fun surprises we have up our sleeves, let's not forget to mention the excitement of SEC football, and you've got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable afternoon and evening with your CBA family. Whether you're cheering on the Dawgs, sampling whiskey, collecting custom artwork, or simply enjoying time with friends and colleagues, the Bankers & Bulldawgs Tailgate Bash promises to be one of the highlights of CONNECT 2026.

Go Dawgs!