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EVENT DETAILS
On Wednesday or Thursday before you check into the hotel, stop by the dog park to let your dogs have a good run at the French Broad River Dog Park, 508 Riverview Drive, Asheville, North Carolina.
On Thursday evening have dinner on your own, but be sure to save room for a complimentary dessert courtesy of BRAT. After dinner, come outside to the Garden Terrace with your dogs for the reception and early dog registration. Pick up your BRAT welcome bags and name badges. Each family group is entitled to one free welcome bag, not one per person. Enjoy some socializing and have lots of fun! Meet everyone and their dogs and put faces to names you only know through Facebook and emails. Renew friendships with BRAT people you have met before.
Friday morning and afternoon will be filled with informative seminars, Basenji contests and activities. Afterwards there will be an informal buffet dinner at the hotel followed by a trip to the dog park (weather permitting). We will come back to the hotel for special fun night activities. The fun continues on Saturday with more great presentations. We will wrap up on Saturday evening with a banquet, awards, raffles, auctions, and more fun! Generally the festivities on Saturday night conclude about 11:00 p.m. Sunday hotel check-out is recommended to begin your journey home. Check out time is 11:00 a.m.
Throughout Friday's and Saturday’s lunches and dinners there will be door prize drawings for those who order their meals through the registration site.
OUR SCHEDULE
Thursday Evening, June 3
| 7:00–9:30 p.m. |
Early Dog Registration and Meet-and-Greet – Garden Terrace - Dogs and People Welcome
Complimentary Desserts |
Friday, June 4
| 8:00–8:30 a.m. |
Registration – Burghley Ballroom |
| 8:30–8:45 a.m. |
Welcome and Housekeeping
Michelle Barker |
| 8:45–10:00 a.m. |
Attendee Introductions |
| 10:00–10:15 a.m. |
BREAK |
| 10:15–11:45 a.m. |
Walking a Dog Through BRAT and New Volunteer Guidelines |
| 11:45 a.m.–Noon |
BREAK |
| Noon–1:15 p.m. |
LUNCH – Stuyvesant Room |
| 1:15–2:15 p.m. |
Pet Nutrition - Eliana Sved from Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming |
| 2:15–3:00 p.m. |
Fostering: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
Dean and Terrie Sigler |
| 3:00-3:15 p.m. |
BREAK |
| 3:15–4:15 p.m. |
Contests! Costume Contest, Best Baroo, Freckles, Tricks, etc. |
| 4:15–5:00 p.m. |
On your own! |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. |
BUFFET DINNER – Stuyvesant Room |
| 6:30–8:00 p.m. |
Dog Park (weather permitting) |
| 8:30–10:00 p.m. |
Sniffing Contests, Hang Out & Socialize – Burghley Ballroom |
Saturday, June 5
| 8:00–8:30 a.m. |
Registration – Burghley Ballroom |
| 8:30–9:15 a.m. |
Attendee Introductions |
| 9:15–9:45 a.m. |
BRAT: A look back at 20+ Years Rescuing Basenjis in Need - Linda Webb Hilliard & Debbi Johnson |
| 9:45–10:00 a.m. |
BREAK |
| 10:00–11:00 a.m. |
Bravo K911 - Search K9 |
| 11:00–11:45 a.m. |
Share Your Rescue Stories |
| 11:45 - 12:15 p.m. |
BREAK |
| 12:15–1:30 p.m. |
LUNCH – Stuyvesant Room |
| 1:30–2:15 p.m. |
BRAT Jeopardy! Compete to Win! |
| 2:15–2:30 p.m. |
Memorial Slideshow |
| 2:30–2:45 p.m. |
BREAK |
| 2:45–3:30 p.m. |
Rescue - A View from Inside Shelters |
| 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
On Your Own Visit the dog park, rest, visit ... whatever. |
| 5:30–6:15 p.m. |
Social Hour and Final Auction Choices – Burghley Ballroom |
| 6:30–7:30 p.m. |
BANQUET – Stuyvesant Room – Casual Dress |
| 7:30–11:00 p.m. |
AWARDS, RAFFLES, and AUCTIONS – Burghley Ballroom |
Dogs are welcome at all events. There is a terrace off the Burghley Ballroom to enjoy breaks. There is access to grassy areas throughout the Terrace, eliminating the need to go through the other public areas. In addition, there is a short trail through the woods nearby to enjoy.
There will be room available for your personal crates and x-pens inside the Burghley Ballroom and they can remain set up throughout the convention. Plastic will be provided to place under all crates. Dogs must be crated or otherwise contained away from eating areas in the room during meals. Dogs cannot stay in meeting rooms overnight.
AUCTION and RAFFLE
The fantastic raffle and silent and live auctions are always a highlight of convention weekend. We appreciate and need your donations! If you plan to bring a donated item, please let Michelle Barker know about it early, if possible. Email her with your item description (and a photo) ahead of time at mbarker042917@gmail.com. You may also mail donations in advance to:
Michelle Barker
366 Hickory Dr.
Waynesville, NC 28786
PROGRAM MEMORIAL PAGE AND SLIDESHOW
As always, we plan to have a special memorial page in our convention program and a memorial slideshow shown during the convention. If you are interested in including any of your beloved Basenjis who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, please contact Oren Will before May 20th. A donation of any amount is suggested, but not required. Go to https://www.basenjirescue.org/donations to donate. A photo is required to be in the Memorial Slide Show.
CLOTHING ADVICE
Asheville temperatures in early June average from a high of 81 to a low of 58 degrees. It's definitely on the milder side during June but it's a good idea to bring an extra layer just in case. Cool, comfortable clothing is recommended for all events including the banquet, which will be casual. Because hotel meeting rooms can be chilly, consider bringing a jacket or sweater — same for evenings in Asheville. It may be rainy during the month of June so be sure to bring along a waterproof jacket to stay dry.
HOST HOTEL
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Biltmore
115 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 274-1800
RESERVE A ROOM
The hotel is providing a discounted room rate to BRAT Convention attendees of $138 per night, plus tax. Rooms are one king or two doubles. In addition to the discounted room rate, the hotel is also providing special concessions that include a waived pet fee (normally $50 per room) and free parking. Check-in is 3:00 pm. Check-out is 11:00 am.
The hotel has set aside a block of rooms at this rate for Wednesday, June 2 through Saturday, June5, 2021.
ALERT! Very Important: To get the discount rate, reservations must be made by calling DoubleTree's reservations department directly at (828) 274-1800 and identifying yourselves with the Basenji Rescue and Transport Block (BRAT). Reservations may also be made toll free by calling the DoubleTree Reservations Desk: 1-800-222-8733. Identify yourselves with the Basenji Rescue and Transport Block (BRAT).
This link will only allow attendees to book the contracted days of June 2 through June 5. If you wish to book any of the 3 days prior and/or post, please contact Dianne Downing at the DoubleTree to make arrangements. Go ahead and book the other nights first.
Dianne Downing | Sales Office Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Biltmore
115 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
828.771.2287 – Direct Line
ddowning@biltmorefarmshotels.com
If you reserve through Expedia or other online hotel reservation services, you will NOT get the discounted rate and special concessions and BRAT will not get credit for the room for our guaranteed room nights.
ALERT! Very Important: These rooms will be available at this rate only until MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 at 4:00 pm, so don't wait, make your reservations today!
If you experience any problems with the reservation process, please contact Michelle Barker.
HOTEL FACILITIES
The host hotel has both king and two doubles guestrooms and suites and has newly renovated rooms.
Hotel Room Rates: Group rates are good for June 2 - June 5, 2021. The group rate will be honored for three days before and three days after (depending on availability) for those who want to stay longer.
- Group rate is $138 per night, plus taxes.
- Group rate includes a negotiated pet fee per stay waived in full. It is normally $50 per stay.
- Complimentary free parking.
- The hotel shuttle is available to and from airport for a small charge.
- Non-smoking hotel.
- The DoubleTree Breakfast Cafe has a continental breakfast and also a full breakfast from 7:30 am to 10:00 am Monday through Friday and from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday and Sunday.
- Marketplace Cafe — Start your day off right at the Lobby Coffee Bar. Enjoy freshly brewed Starbucks coffee and a variety of teas, hot breakfast sandwiches and snacks. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- The on-site TGI Fridays restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with American cuisine. The bar is open late to indulge in a cocktail or two.
- Room service is available for breakfast, lunch or dinner from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Elegant garden courtyard with serene water fountain and outdoor terrace with fireplace and lounge seating
- There is an indoor pool with a whirlpool and a retractable ceiling.
- Keep up your fitness regime in the State of the Art Fitness Center.
- There is complimentary standard wireless internet in all guestrooms and public areas.
- 24-hour e-Lounge business service center.
- Short trails on property for dog walking.
- Outdoor jogging trail through scenic Biltmore Forest
HOTEL PET POLICY
The hotel is pet friendly. Find details on their policies below.
- We have negotiated with the hotel to waive the regular pet fee of $50 per stay. This is a big savings for our attendees!
- Dogs must be crated when alone in individual hotel rooms.
- Plastic will be provided in welcome bags. Please place it under all crates in your hotel room.
- Plastic will also need to be placed under x-pens.
- Additional plastic is available in the meeting room.
- Doggie bags will be provided by BRAT at the registration table.
- Please clean up after dogs in all areas of hotel, inside and out.
- Leashes required in all public areas.
- Dogs are allowed in the meeting rooms at all times.
- Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant, gym or pool area.
- There are disposal cans available around the outside areas.
- Please be sensitive to the fact that not all hotel guests are with BRAT and some may not like dogs. (Yes, it is true, there are people who don't like dogs. Maybe they haven't met a Basenji!)
We hope everyone who attends the convention will be able to stay at the hotel. It is a great opportunity to hang out and socialize with fellow Basenji lovers and their dogs in between the convention events. In addition, it helps BRAT put on the convention. The hotel provides the meeting space at a reduced fee and discounts the room rate in exchange for our agreement guaranteeing that we meet our room block. If we do not have as many rooms rented at the hotel as we guaranteed, we have to pay even more for the meeting rooms as a penalty. The same is true for the meals for the event — we are committed to a guaranteed minimum amount of meals. If we don't meet the minimums for food and beverages, we still have to pay the guaranteed amount. As a result, we negotiated the room block, rate, and food as shrewdly as we could for the benefit of our attendees and BRAT.
RV PARKS AND CAMPING
For those coming in travel trailers or recreational vehicles, there are a number of places to stay. RV parks fill up quickly, so reservations should be made as soon as possible. Some of the closest are:
Asheville East KOA Holiday
Address: 2708 Highway 70 E, Swannanoa, NC 28778
Phone: (828) 686-3121
Main sites: 225 RV · 2 Tent · 85 Full Hookup ·
136 Electric and Water ·
4 Electric Only · 2 No Hookup · 30 Amps · 19 50 Amps
Rates: $45 - $75
Open: All year
Facilities; Dump station, Hot showers, Laundry, Wi-Fi, Propane, Grocery
10.9 mi (12 minute drive time)
Dean's Comment: Nicest park around.
Asheville West KOA
Address: 309 Wiggins Road, Candler, NC 28715
Phone: (828) 665-7015
Main sites: 64 RV · 3 Tent
44 Full Hookup · 20 Electric and Water ·
3 No Hookup · 30 Amps · 9 50 Amps · 24 Pull Thru
Rates: $45 - $75
Open: All year
Facilities: dump station, Hot showers, Laundry, Wi-Fi, Propane
14.1 mi (15-20 minute drive time)
Dean's Comment: Nice park.
Asheville's Bear Creek RV Park & Campground
Address: 81 S Bear Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: (828) 253-0798
Main site: 118 RV · 102 Full Hookup · 16 Electric and Water · 30 Amps · 55 50 Amps · 32 Pull Thru · 2 Extended Stay
Rates: $40.00 - $60.00
Open: All year
Facilities: Dump station, Hot showers, Laundry, Wi-Fi, Propane
4.9 miles (10-15 minute drive time)
Dean's Comment: Their Two Dogs Max is strictly enforced.
Wilson's Riverfront RV Park
Address: 225 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: (828) 254-4676
Main site: 25 RV · 25 Full Hookup · 30 Amps · 4 Extended Stay
Rates: $20.00 - $36.00
Open: All year
Facilities: Hot showers, Propane, Grocery
3.3 mi (10-15 minute drive time)
Dean's Comment: Very small park so not much chance of getting a spot.
If you have any questions, please contact Dean Sigler.
DOG PARK INFORMATION
The French Broad River Dog Park, 508 Riverview Drive, Asheville, NC is is only a 7-8 minute drive, 2.3 miles from the hotel. The hours are 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.; in winter, dawn until dusk.
This park is part of one of Asheville's most beautiful parks. The French Broad River Park meanders alongside the tranquil French Broad River and features a vast area of open green space with old trees, a wildflower garden, a paved trail, a gazebo, picnic tables and grills, an observation deck, and a small playground.
The Dog Park features a large fenced-in area made for exercising and socializing your pooch on a one-acre lot with wood chips, fresh water, and dog waste bags. No separate areas for small and large dogs. There is a great trail system, picnic facilities, and wonderful access to the river for doggy swimming as well. Bathrooms are a short walk away from the fenced-in area. There is a dedicated parking lot for the Park.
For the sake of all dogs and people, dogs must be up to date on vaccinations including rabies and free of worms and fleas. Dogs (and children) must be accompanied by adults at all times.
Before you leave home, be sure to bring your dogs’ appropriate tags, licenses, and paperwork — not just for the dog park — but in case you have to produce them for any reason!
NOTE! A map to the dog park will be emailed to all who register.
VETERINARY SERVICES
Asheville Veterinary Associates, PA
1275 Sweeten Creek Rd, Ashville, NC 28803
(828) 274-0646
3 miles, 6 minutes from the hotel
Mon, Wed, Fri: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tues, Thurs: 7:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sat: 8:00 a.m.–Noon
Redwood Animal Hospital
1 Crockett Avenue, Ashville, NC 28805
(828) 298-1846
3 miles, 6-10 minutes from the hotel
Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Emergency Vet (24/7)
REACH Veterinary Specialists
677 Brevard Rd Ashville, NC 28806
(828) 665-4399
DINING
We look forward to some great meals together! Due to many factors beyond our control and the higher cost of living in the area, meal prices are slightly more this year. The DoubleTree Biltmore is in a resort area, so costs are higher. BRAT always tries to keep prices as reasonable as possible. The DoubleTree adds on a 22% service charge fee and 7% tax for an additional charge of 29% to all meal prices; the price shown for all meals includes these tips, taxes and fees. Yes, we know you can go to McDonald's or other fast food places for less. But outside food is not allowed in the meeting rooms, so think of the great company you will miss if you leave us to eat! 100% of meal prices collected go directly to hotel. BRAT makes no profit on meal charges.
You will order your meals through this registration site. Meals may be ordered now through May 23, 2021.
We encourage you to attend all the meals to meet others, develop networking contacts and discuss all the information you'll be receiving. It is a time of sharing and fellowship — with a fresh, plated, individually served meal or buffet.
There are four additional incentives to join us for both lunches and dinners as each will feature a door prize drawing for those who purchased meals and are in attendance.
ALERT! Very Important: It is very important that you eat the specific lunch or dinner that you ordered. Meals must be ordered in advance through this registration site. Please place your meal card on the table for each pre-ordered lunch or dinner to facilitate meal service. Pre-ordered/pre-paid lunch, dinner buffet, and banquet tickets will be in your ID badge pocket. Please be sure to bring your tickets with you to all meals.
Remember, you can use the $50 savings from the regular pet fee to use towards the meals.
Friday Lunch $21
Choice of one:
- Black Forest Ham, Swiss, Caramelized Onion & Honey Mustard on a Whole Wheat Roll
- Seared Portobello, Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula, Sun Dried Tomato & Pesto Spread on Ciabatta
- Chicken Caesar Wrap with Shaved Parmesan
Lunches include water, potato chips, and house-baked cookie; tax and tip are included in the price.
Friday Evening Tuscan Style Buffet $30
No need to choose; all selections will be on the buffet table. Yum!
- Harvest Green Salad with Toppings
- Basil Marinated Chicken with Fresh Tomato Bruschetta
- Tuscan Orzo Rice Pilaf with Artichokes, Olives, and Sun-dried Tomatoes
- Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Crusted Broccoli
- House Rolls
- Iced tea (unsweetened) & water
- Tiramisu
Tax and tip are included in the price.
Saturday Lunch $21
Choice of one:
- Black Forest Ham, Swiss, Caramelized Onion & Honey Mustard on a Whole Wheat Roll
- Seared Portobello, Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula, Sun Dried Tomato & Pesto Spread on Ciabatta
- Chicken Caesar Wrap with Shaved Parmesan
Lunches include water, potato chips, and house-baked cookie; tax and tip are included in the price.
Saturday Evening Banquet $42
Choice of one:
- Herb Marinated Pork Porterhouse in Root Beer Maple Compound Butter, Baked Sweet Potato & Seasonal Vegetable Succotash
- Crab Souffle Crusted Local Trout, Edamame Succotash, Basil Red Skin Potato, Saffron Beurre Blanc
- Chef's Choice Vegetarian Entree
- All plated dinners include Starbucks coffee (regular and decaffeinated), a selection of herbal teas, iced tea and water
- Bread and butter
- Spring Greens Red Wine Poached Pear, Pecans, Parmesan Crisp & Maple Vinaigrette
- Cheesecake with Seasonal Berries
Tax and tip are included in the price.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Important dates you need to put on your calendar!
ALERT! Very Important: Do not wait to register for the hotel rooms! We have only one block of rooms reserved and rooms fill up very quickly.
May 3, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. – DoubleTree BRAT room rate reservations deadline
May 23, 2021 – Additional Tote bag ordering deadline
May 20, 2021 - Submissions for Memorial Slideshow deadline
May 23, 2021 – Meal ordering deadline
STAYING LONGER?
Below is a list of local activities you are sure to enjoy.
- Beautiful Biltmore Estate, a National Historic Landmark with its 250 room French Renaissance chateau and 8,000 acres of renowned gardens and grounds and an award-winning winery. The grounds are perfect for walking your pets, but please keep them securely leashed at all times. Animals (except service animals) are not allowed in any building. Animals are allowed on the outdoor patios of Bistro and Cedric’s Tavern, but patio seating should be requested from the host or hostess inside first. All animals must be leashed on estate grounds for their own safety as well as the comfort of our other guests. Please be courteous of others and pick up after your animal.
NOTE: The Biltmore Estate is offering special ticket rates to the attendees of our convention who wish to visit the property from June 1st to June 7th. There is a $10 discounted ticket voucher for Basenji Rescue & Transport over June 1 - 7, 2021. Guests can use the below link to purchase a ticket. After clicking, guests will select their date and time of interest , add tickets, then enter the unique promo code "basenji" (all lowercase) inot the Biltmore Partner Required field. From there, the checkout payment process can be completed. The normal adult gate price on weekends is $69.00 plus tax and we are invited to visit for $59.00 plus tax. Weekday regular rates are $59.00 (Mondays through Thursdays). Gate admission gains you access to the Biltmore House & Gardens and Antler Hill Village & Winery. Please be sure to purchase tickets and make reservations well in advance.
REMINDER: If you’re bringing the canines, don't forget your clean up bags!
QUESTIONS?
Any and all questions will be happily answered by our convention organizer, Michelle Barker.
All rights reserved © 2021 Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.
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