The closest airport to Kanuga is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). Kanuga is a 30 minute drive up the mountain. AIA will not be offering transportation services. Ubers are available for approximately $35-$40 each way depending on time. Coordination between participants is encouraged and private ride sharing can be accomplished by joining our FB Group which you will have access to after your registration. For those driving, please visit the Kanuga website for directions.

Certain airlines and car rental companies have been kind enough to offer discounts for our event.

Yes. The Inn has its own parking lot and cottages and guest houses have their own driveways.

Visa requirements vary depending on your country of residence and the event’s location. Please check with your local embassy or consulate to determine if you need a visa to attend.

Visa processing timelines vary by country and individual circumstances. We recommend that you begin the process as early as possible to ensure you receive your visa in time for travel.

Yes. If you require an official invitation or support letter from AIA for your visa application, please let us know. Requests for visa letters can be submitted starting now.

Please email your request to tresa.staeven@alliance-aromatherapists.org with your full name as it appears on your passport, country of residence, and confirmation of your event registration. Letters will be provided electronically.

This is one of the many changes we have made to our conference. When you sign up for lodging with Kanuga, your price includes three meals a day while on site. These meals are scheduled as follows:

• Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:00 am
• Lunch: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
• Dinner: 5:30 – 7:00 pm

These times will apply for all conference days, with the exception of the Gala. Dinner will still be available for those who are not attending the Gala.

If you are staying off-site, there will be an additional charge of $75 per person per day, even if you are not eating on site. This is a requirement of our contract with Kanuga and will be strictly adhered to.

When you register for your Kanuga lodging, you will be able to let them know your food restrictions.

Participants may bring any of their own food for their personal consumption. However, this does not exclude paying for the food in your lodging. This is an all encompassing price whether you eat at Kanuga or not.

AIA will be providing small snacks throughout the day. Kanuga also has a gift store in its main building where you can buy snacks, beverages, gifts, clothes and the like.

ADA rooms are ONLY available in the Inn at Kanuga.

There are three types of lodging at Kanuga. Each offers a different layout and price structure, with meals included in all lodging packages.

• The Inn (Traditional Hotel Style): Single-occupancy rooms cost $200 per person per day. Double-occupancy rooms (rooming with a partner or roommate) cost $180 per person per day. Meals are included.

  Example: Mary wants her own room at the Inn → she pays $200/day including meals. Mary and Sue want to room together at the Inn → they each pay $180/day.

• Cottages (2–3 Bedroom Houses): Each cottage has outdoor seating, shared indoor living space, kitchenettes, and shared bathrooms. A single-occupancy room in a cottage costs $160 per person per day. A shared-occupancy room costs $150 per person per day. Meals are included.

  Example: Mary and Sue share a 2-bedroom cottage but each want their own room → they each pay $160/day. Mary and Sue share the same bedroom (roommates), and Julie takes the second bedroom → Mary and Sue each pay $150/day, Julie pays $160/day.

• Guest Houses (Full Home / Airbnb Style): These feature full kitchens, private bedrooms, and separate baths. Pricing matches the cottages: $160/day for single rooms, $150/day for shared rooms. Meals are included.

Bed Types: Guest Houses and The Inn offer full, queen, and king beds. Cottages have twin beds, which can be arranged together upon request prior to arrival to create a full-size bed.

For those with ADA restrictions we will have a golf cart that will be able to drive you around campus. Please let us know your restrictions by emailing office@alliance-aromatherapists.org.

Dress for hiking in the woods, whatever that looks like to you. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Gala is business/dress to impress attire.

The very large exhibitor hall is a one minute walk from the main auditorium. We have planned times for visiting, as always the Hall is open all day for those to visit.

Yes. We do not have the capacity to break that out. These materials were chosen by the instructors for that class. There will be no discounts on their materials.

The conference is in-person only, however sessions will be recorded. Online Recorded Access Tuition includes unlimited access to the conference session recordings in the AIA Classroom, which will be made available post-conference.

Kanuga has wifi available for no charge throughout the center.

The Conference Committee and our Volunteers will always be around to answer your questions. Throughout the event, our volunteers will be dressed in a coordinated uniform so they can be easily identified if you need assistance. Whether you’re looking for directions, session details, or general support, please don’t hesitate to approach a volunteer—they are here to help make your conference experience smooth and enjoyable

We have a conference FB group that is Administered by our Committee. You will be granted access after you register and access all things conference.

• Before April 15, 2026: Full refund of all fees paid.
• After April 15, but before July 16: 50% refund of all fees paid.
• After July 16: No refunds.

Your full meal plan (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner) is included with your lodging fees. Anyone choosing to stay somewhere other than at Kanuga will be required to pay $75/day per person for meals whether or not they choose to eat them.

• Payment plans are available for any registrant with a balance of over $500 for their conference experience.
• The first payment of 50% is due at the time of registration, with the remaining balance due within 90 days.
• For anyone registering after June 1, the full remaining balance will be due by September 1, 2026.

Please reach out to the AIA office to request a payment plan.

• Natural Environment: Kanuga is a rustic, outdoor setting with natural terrain, wildlife, insects, and varying weather conditions. Attendees are responsible for exercising caution while walking trails, participating in outdoor activities, and engaging with the natural environment.
• Personal Safety: Attendees are responsible for their own safety and should wear appropriate footwear, clothing, and protective gear as needed. Please remain aware of your surroundings and follow any posted signs or staff instructions.
• Health & Participation: Participation in activities such as hikes, plant walks, or sound baths is voluntary. Attendees should assess their own health and ability before engaging. If you have medical conditions, please consult your healthcare provider prior to participation.
• Liability Waiver: By attending, participants release the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), Kanuga Conference Center, and their representatives from any liability for injury, illness, allergic reaction, or other incidents that may occur during the event.