Raleigh offers Opportunities for Networking, Research & Fun for AIS 2019 Attendees

Raleigh offers Opportunities for Networking, Research & Fun for AIS 2019 Attendees

Parks, greenways, top universities, research hubs, award winning farmers markets, great music, even better restaurants, and a bustling downtown scene. These are just some of the things that make North Carolina’s capital city what it is. And, on top of Raleigh being Cherokee Media Groups’ home, these factors all contributed to us picking the location for the 2019 Automotive Intelligence Summit, which is open for Early Bird registration.

We think Raleigh is pretty great — and we’re pretty sure you will to! If you need convincing, read on …

First, the ‘work stuff’

If you are attending the Automotive Intelligence, innovation is likely key to your business.  The automotive industry is moving at a fast pace, with new technology changing the game what seems like every two weeks. A lot of this innovation is tied to AI and machine learning tech, as well as the connectivity technology that ‘drives’ smart cars, smart cities and the larger Internet of Things. And what drives all of this new tech? Research, of course. Raleigh is home to the Research Triangle Park — the largest research park in the U.S. Tech giants like Cisco, IBM, Dell EMC, Lenovo all tout a presence at the park. Spark your interest? Networking opportunities, perhaps?

Did you say you liked college basketball?

So, you can’t talk about Raleigh, or the triangle for that matter, without talking about higher education and well, college sports. Yep, Raleigh is home to NC State, and of course NCAA basketball powerhouses Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill aren’t far away. On top of being athlete producers, the three universities also tout beautiful campuses to tour and explore. (And Duke Gardens is definitely worth a visit).

Cooling Off

And we know, the Southern summers can be strong for those not used to the sultry North Carolina heat — but don’t worry, there are plenty of options to cool off. An afternoon on the lake your sound like your speed? You’ll find Lake Johnson on the southwest corner of Raleigh, featuring rental kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and stand-up-paddle boards. Or visit one of the most popular lakes in the city, Lake Wheeler, especially in the summer months, with its boat rentals, water skiing and tubing. Raleigh also boasts a variety of spray grounds and public pool options, too, if a quick cool off is what you are in the market for.

Save $400 while you still can with AIS 2019 Early Bird Registration!

Eating Out

Raleigh and the surrounding areas — Durham and Chapel Hill included — are known for good food and impressive chefs — from up-and-coming stars, to established names in the food business. Take for example newcomer to the downtown Raleigh scene, Brewery Bhavana, which blends flowers, books, beer and dim sum, and scored the No. 10 spot on the 2017 Bon Appetit Best New Restaurants in America list. (Tip from the locals: If you can’t find a spot at Brewery Bhavana, the restaurant next door (also owned by the same folks) Bida Manda serves up Laotian food, and features some dishes that — according to our team — are “musts.” Those include the Crispy Pork Belly Soup and the Pumpkin Curry (you’re welcome in advance).

And we can’t forget Ashley Christensen’s series of restaurants in downtown Raleigh. The James Beard award winning chef runs Beasley’s Chicken & Honey (fancy some Chicken N’ Waffles?) , Chuck’s, Death & Taxes, Fox Liquor Bar and the well-known Poole’s Diner. Speaking of Fox Liquor Bar, if you are in the mood for an after-dinner drink, it’s right around the corner from Beasley’s Chicken & Honey, and features inventive cocktails like the Jane Taylor: Reposado Tequila, Creme de Violette, Coconut Cream, Cucumber, Lime.

If you need any more suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team in the comments section below. As you can see, we kind of like to talk about our home-base!

See how the AIS agenda is building out, for a taste of our confirmed speakers. More to come in the coming weeks as our Call for Speakers closes, and sessions are finalized! 

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