We selected Ridgecrest Conference Center (Asheville, NC) as the site for the 2024 and 2025 GACX annual Forums for the following reasons:

Mission

• Ridgecrest Conference Center (RCC) is a Christian conference center with values that dovetail with GACX. Their facilities are excellent for connecting with God and others. 

• A high priority for Forum attendees is networking. The RCC campus provides a wide variety of indoor and outdoor seating areas conducive to informal conversations.

• RCC is an all-inclusive conference center. Attendees can stay on campus the entire time, connecting with other attendees over meals, sessions, outdoor activities, walks, and evening events. 

• The natural beauty and campus setting of RCC encourages slowing down, reconnecting with God, and focusing on spiritual renewal. RCC has a retreat ethos, not a corporate ethos. The retreat atmosphere complements our desire for GACX members to work together as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Location

• The Blue Ridge Mountains are a beautiful and refreshing location in autumn with vibrant fall colors, crisp air, and miles of hiking trails.

• Ridgecrest Conference Center (RCC) is located on 1300 wooded acres.

• Black Mountain (the nearest town five minutes from RCC) is a vibrant tourist town rich in arts, crafts, and music. It is currently home to over 200 businesses, including restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and specialty shops. 

Asheville (the nearest city 20 minutes from RCC) is well known for its excellent restaurants and the world-famous Biltmore House and Estate.

YES, Save money and use free transportation provided by GACX to and from the local airports servicing Ridgecrest Conference Center. The Forum starts on Monday at 6 pm and ends on Thursday at 12 pm. We strongly recommend Forum participants fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) due to its close proximity to Ridgecrest.

For transportation to and from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), book your flights to arrive no later than 5:00 pm (17:00) on September 30. On Monday, shuttles depart from (AVL) every hour between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (10:00 and 16:00). On Thursday, shuttles depart at 12 pm and 1 pm (12:00 and 13:00). 

If you arrive after 4 pm (16:00) you will need to take an Uber, Lyft, or Taxi to Ridgecrest Conference Center.

For transportation to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), book your  flights, arrive no later than 3:00 pm (15:00) on September 30. On Monday, shuttles depart from (CLT) at 10 am, 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm (10:00, 13:00 and 16:00). On Thursday, shuttles depart at 12 pm and 1 pm (12:00 and 13:00).

YES, you can bring your spouse to the Forum. GACX is offering a discounted rate for your spouse, so make sure you include your spouse during your Conference Registration process. Also, make a note about your spouse sharing your room in the Comment section when you register for your lodging on the Ridgecrest Conference Center website.

Cancellation & Refund
Room deposit is refundable if cancelling 60 or more days prior to arrival, one-half refundable if cancelling 30-59 days prior to arrival. Room deposit is non-refundable if cancelling less than 30 days prior to arrival. 

Conference fees are non-refundable after September 1, but may be transferred to another person without penalty. In the event that the conference must be canceled for circumstances beyond our control (e.g. natural disaster, government travel restrictions, etc.) registrations are non-refundable. Much like when traveling on vacation or overseas, we recommend consideration of travel insurance to safeguard against loss.

Networking and collaboration are key goals of the GACX Forum. Participation in the whole event is strongly encouraged for the benefit of all participants. While a few participants may need to arrive late or depart early, GACX cannot provide any discounts or other adjustments to the registration cost.

GACX is unable to provide registration discounts, scholarships, or other financial assistance to students or international participants.

GACX does not provide letters of invitation to participants attending GACX events. If a participant needs a letter of invitation, we encourage them to request a letter from their sponsoring organization.