Welcoming The World Of Bluegrass

A few weeks ago, I went on a field trip with several colleagues to the Raleigh Convention Center. We went downtown to participate in a meeting of the local organizing committee for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass, which is coming to Raleigh in September. 

[caption id="attachment_396" align="alignright" width="300"] Recently, RDU staff were on hand at Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater for the announcement of artists for IBMA’s World of Bluegrass in September.[/caption]

As the gateway to the Research Triangle Region, we are proud to play an active role in welcoming groups here. RDU is the first impression and last memory visitors form when visiting our area. We take this role seriously by providing the best experience possible for those flying in for these events.

Each year, we proudly welcome thousands for events such as the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and the High Point Furniture Market, not to mention other groups nearly every week. More than 16,000 are expected to attend the World of Bluegrass and the wide variety of associated events this September, including many visiting our region for the first time.

As part of our commitment to customer service, our Guest Services staff attends these local organizing meetings so that we can truly understand the events. We want to be ready for questions about ground transportation, venues, concerts and other logistical questions sure to arise as visitors land at RDU.

We also want to take an active role in major events such as this. Just like during the NHL All-Star Game in 2011 you’re likely to see banners and special signage in our terminals as the event grows closer. We’ll also have extra volunteers on hand during peak periods to get everyone where they need to go.

But this year, we’re taking it a step further. Before and during the festival, we’re proud to host live bluegrass music in our terminals as an extension of our popular First Friday Music Series. Bluegrass has deep roots in North Carolina, and we’re looking for local and regional artists to share their craft with the world.

Do you play? We have a number of two-hour spots available during the week that the IBMA comes to town.  Contact Carmen Watson, our volunteer coordinator, at carmen.watson@rdu.com if you’re interested.