Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Monday, December 28, 2020
Gardening in the Mountains presents: Winter Sowing
Dec 28 all-day
Online w/ Extension Master Gardeners of Buncombe County

 

Gardening in the Mountains Presents:
Winter Sowing

John Bowen, EMGV

John Bowen is a Buncombe County (NC) Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer. He has been growing his own seedlings for years and he’s learned some tricks to make that easier.  In this three part video presentation he will share techniques for sowing seeds outdoors in containers in mid-winter. This is an edited video of a class he taught for the Black Mountain Sowing Circle and the Buncombe County Black Mountain Library.

 

Do you try to grow good seedlings indoors with limited success? Are you out of lights and windowsills? Do you have perennial seeds that are hard to germinate? Do you have the winter blahs and just want to plant something?

In this three-part video on Winter Sowing, John Bowen talks about the materials and processes for planting your seeds outdoors in containers in mid-winter. It’s a low-fuss process that can produce good, strong, spring transplants, even from those difficult-to-germinate seeds requiring extended wet chilling. It uses materials you probably have on hand and it’s a great way to start your own spring vegetable and perennial transplants.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Gardening in the Mountains presents: Winter Sowing
Dec 29 all-day
Online w/ Extension Master Gardeners of Buncombe County

 

Gardening in the Mountains Presents:
Winter Sowing

John Bowen, EMGV

John Bowen is a Buncombe County (NC) Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer. He has been growing his own seedlings for years and he’s learned some tricks to make that easier.  In this three part video presentation he will share techniques for sowing seeds outdoors in containers in mid-winter. This is an edited video of a class he taught for the Black Mountain Sowing Circle and the Buncombe County Black Mountain Library.

 

Do you try to grow good seedlings indoors with limited success? Are you out of lights and windowsills? Do you have perennial seeds that are hard to germinate? Do you have the winter blahs and just want to plant something?

In this three-part video on Winter Sowing, John Bowen talks about the materials and processes for planting your seeds outdoors in containers in mid-winter. It’s a low-fuss process that can produce good, strong, spring transplants, even from those difficult-to-germinate seeds requiring extended wet chilling. It uses materials you probably have on hand and it’s a great way to start your own spring vegetable and perennial transplants.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Gardening in the Mountains presents: Winter Sowing
Dec 30 all-day
Online w/ Extension Master Gardeners of Buncombe County

 

Gardening in the Mountains Presents:
Winter Sowing

John Bowen, EMGV

John Bowen is a Buncombe County (NC) Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer. He has been growing his own seedlings for years and he’s learned some tricks to make that easier.  In this three part video presentation he will share techniques for sowing seeds outdoors in containers in mid-winter. This is an edited video of a class he taught for the Black Mountain Sowing Circle and the Buncombe County Black Mountain Library.

 

Do you try to grow good seedlings indoors with limited success? Are you out of lights and windowsills? Do you have perennial seeds that are hard to germinate? Do you have the winter blahs and just want to plant something?

In this three-part video on Winter Sowing, John Bowen talks about the materials and processes for planting your seeds outdoors in containers in mid-winter. It’s a low-fuss process that can produce good, strong, spring transplants, even from those difficult-to-germinate seeds requiring extended wet chilling. It uses materials you probably have on hand and it’s a great way to start your own spring vegetable and perennial transplants.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 6 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Thursday, January 7, 2021
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 7 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 7 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Friday, January 8, 2021
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 8 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 8 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Asheville Permaculture Meetup Revival
Jan 8 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Permaculture Meetup

Let’s start 2021 off right with a Revival Meeting! 2020 has been a great reminder of how we are in desperate need of permaculture principles and indigenous practices of working with Nature. People like you are needed right now more than ever!

This meeting will be an online roundtable meet & greet to discuss how we can grow as a community of like-minded permaculture folk, and stay in communication with each other as we move forward through this Great Reset.

I have set the time for 1 hour, but am open to see where the flow takes us …

Saturday, January 9, 2021
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 9 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 9 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Sunday, January 10, 2021
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 10 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 10 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 13 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Thursday, January 14, 2021
Cuba Agroecology Tour
Jan 14 all-day
Organic Growers School

Join OGS for a Tour of Cuba’s Sustainable Farms

Learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation.

Connect with farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers, and experts working to transform the global food system.

Acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in your own communities

Agroecology = Agriculture + Ecology

Agroecology is the study of ecological systems as they apply to agriculture. It is a science, a movement, and a practice. At OGS, we like to think of the farm as a system and observe nature as the ideal model of sustainable production.

Agroecological practices strive to incorporate all elements of an agricultural ecosystem—water, nutrients, soil, plants, and animals—to maximize production and minimize impact. Agroecological methods include the following:

  • Silvopasture = animals in the woods
  • Agroforestry = forest farming
  • Permaculture = systems designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient

Of course, each of these methods has been practiced on every continent since humans have existed, though they are only recently being named and defined by the modern sustainable agriculture community.

During this trip, you will participate in and observe how the Cuban agricultural community has embraced agroecology in all of its forms and learn why Cuba is considered one of the leading global experts in agroecological methods.

The Union of Concerned Scientists provides a succinct and informative overview of Agroecology in “The ABCD’s of Agroecology: What Is It All About?”.

Join OGS for a Tour of Cuba’s Sustainable Farms
Jan 14 all-day
Organic Grower School

Learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize organic farming and hunger remediation.

Connect with farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers, and experts working to transform the global food system.

Acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in your own communities.

Agroecology = Agriculture + Ecology

Agroecology is the study of ecological systems as they apply to agriculture. It is a science, a movement, and a practice. At OGS, we like to think of the farm as a system and observe nature as the ideal model of sustainable production.

Agroecological practices strive to incorporate all elements of an agricultural ecosystem—water,

nutrients, soil, plants, and animals—to maximize production and minimize impact. Agroecological methods include the following:

  • Silvopasture = animals in the woods
  • Agroforestry = forest farming
  • Permaculture = systems designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient

Of course, each of these methods has been practiced on every continent since humans have existed, though they are only recently being named and defined by the modern sustainable agriculture community.

During this trip, you will participate in and observe how the Cuban agricultural community has embraced agroecology in all of its forms and learn why Cuba is considered one of the leading global experts in agroecological methods.

Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 14 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Friday, January 15, 2021
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 15 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 16 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 16 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Sunday, January 17, 2021
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 17 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 17 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 20 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Thursday, January 21, 2021
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 21 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Friday, January 22, 2021
28th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference Online REGISTRATION OPEN
Jan 22 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

March 13-21, 2021 – Online
Kick-off Live Event
March 13, 2021
  • Three Live Keynote Talks
  • Teaser Videos for our 11 Themed Tracks
  • Lunchtime Entertainment
  • A Live Q&A With our Keynote speakers
  • A video social with other attendees
  • Access to our Exhibit Hall
Track Workshops
March 14-19, 2021
View 3 pre-recorded hour long workshops in each of 11 Themed Tracks:
  • Cherokee Foods
  • Cooking
  • Farming
  • Food Systems
  • Gardening
  • Herbs
  • Livestock
  • Mushrooms
  • Permaculture
  • Soils
  • Sustainable Living

Live Panel Discussion Sessions

March 20-21, 2021

Join a live Panel Discussion with each speaker from the Track workshops. Interact directly with panelists during the live Q & A portion!
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 22 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Saturday, January 23, 2021
28th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference Online REGISTRATION OPEN
Jan 23 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

March 13-21, 2021 – Online
Kick-off Live Event
March 13, 2021
  • Three Live Keynote Talks
  • Teaser Videos for our 11 Themed Tracks
  • Lunchtime Entertainment
  • A Live Q&A With our Keynote speakers
  • A video social with other attendees
  • Access to our Exhibit Hall
Track Workshops
March 14-19, 2021
View 3 pre-recorded hour long workshops in each of 11 Themed Tracks:
  • Cherokee Foods
  • Cooking
  • Farming
  • Food Systems
  • Gardening
  • Herbs
  • Livestock
  • Mushrooms
  • Permaculture
  • Soils
  • Sustainable Living

Live Panel Discussion Sessions

March 20-21, 2021

Join a live Panel Discussion with each speaker from the Track workshops. Interact directly with panelists during the live Q & A portion!
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 23 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 23 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Sunday, January 24, 2021
28th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference Online REGISTRATION OPEN
Jan 24 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

March 13-21, 2021 – Online
Kick-off Live Event
March 13, 2021
  • Three Live Keynote Talks
  • Teaser Videos for our 11 Themed Tracks
  • Lunchtime Entertainment
  • A Live Q&A With our Keynote speakers
  • A video social with other attendees
  • Access to our Exhibit Hall
Track Workshops
March 14-19, 2021
View 3 pre-recorded hour long workshops in each of 11 Themed Tracks:
  • Cherokee Foods
  • Cooking
  • Farming
  • Food Systems
  • Gardening
  • Herbs
  • Livestock
  • Mushrooms
  • Permaculture
  • Soils
  • Sustainable Living

Live Panel Discussion Sessions

March 20-21, 2021

Join a live Panel Discussion with each speaker from the Track workshops. Interact directly with panelists during the live Q & A portion!