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Planners

Site Planners

RIDGECREST BY THE NUMBERS

20-2K

PERFECT FOR
ANY SIZE GROUP

1,600+

YOUTH BEDS

276

ADULT HOTEL
STYLE ROOMS

5 MILES

OF HIKING TRAILS

125K

SQFT

OF MEETING SPACE

SIX

AUDITORIUMS

WITH FREE AV!

20-20K

PERFECT FOR
ANY SIZE GROUP

1,600+

YOUTH BEDS

276

ADULT HOTEL
STYLE ROOMS

5 MILES

OF HIKING TRAILS

125K

SQFT

OF MEETING SPACE

FIVE

AUDITORIUMS

WITH FREE AV!

What makes Ridgecrest Conference Center a great place for faith-based meetings?

We are a ministry serving ministries like yours, offering first-class customer service within a loving, servant-minded, Christian environment. Before you even set foot on the property, our staff are praying for you, your event, and your guests. We understand the needs and unique challenges you may face when planning an event, and we will work tirelessly to help you and your guests experience all that Ridgecrest has to offer — on budget, with high impact, for God’s glory!

For more than 115 year’s Ridgecrest has been providing purposeful hospitality to our guests, allowing us to accomplish our mission of impacting lives for God’s glory. Ridgecrest Offers affordable accommodations, complimentary meeting space, and complimentary audiovisual in our auditoriums, we’ll take care of the details so you can focus on your purpose.

Campus & Meeting Spaces

Click the tab to see images and info about each auditorium/meeting space.

Click the image or the name of the auditorium below for more info about each meeting space.

ARC
Ivy

Spilman Auditorium

Auditorium: 2,000 capacity
Classrooms: 3 to 5 rooms based on desired partition usage

Spilman Auditorium is one of the iconic buildings on Ridgecrest’s grounds. From worship concerts to commissioning missionaries about to embark on a lifetime of service, this historic auditorium has hosted countless meetings with the Spirit of God at work.

One look at the sound booth conveys limitless sound, stage, lighting and special effect capabilities for this 2,000-seat facility, making it ideal for general sessions, concerts, worship services or large meetings. Spilman also contains meeting spaces large enough for any sized gathering—meetings, teaching sessions and conferences. Guests are sure to enjoy this comfortable environment to worship and connect with God and others.

Diagrams

Use of Spilman Auditorium requires an Audiovisual technician at $275.00 per day.

 

Technical Rider

Sound System

Mixers: Yamaha DM7EX

Input Devices:
(6) Shure ULX Wireless Handhelds
(4) Shure ULX Wireless Headset

Stage Monitors:
(8) Aviom A360 units with body packs
(8) Aviom A16 units
(8) Monitors upon request

Amplifiers:
(3) Powersoft X4 Dante: Main Line Arrays LCR
(1) Powersoft X4 Dante: Subwoofers
(1) Powersoft 4804 DSP+D: Rear Upper LCR Delays
(5) Powersoft Quattrocanali 2404 DSP+D: Upper/Under Balcony Delays, Stage Lip Fills, Choir Monitors & Stage Monitors
(1) Duecanali 804 DSP+D: Rear Under Balcony Delays LCR

Processing Gear:
Powersoft Built-in DSP via ArmoniaPlus

Speakers:
Main Cluster: LCR (18) EAW KF730
Under Balcony: (13) EAW MK8196
Upper Balcony: (8) EAW MK8196 and (3) EAW AX364
Stage Lip: (4) EAW UB52
Sub Woofers: (3) EAW BH622e custom order
Choir Monitors: (2) EAW MK2364

 

Lighting System

Console and Other Control Equipment:
ChamSys MagicQ MQ500M+
ETC Digital Address panels (booth, stage right, stage left, key-on panel in rear of the auditorium on east side)
ETC Distributed DMX Driver Unit (3 DMX OUT controllers and 1 DMX IN controller)

Moveable Heads:
(6) Chauvet Q-Spot 460 LED
(7) Chauvet Q-Wash 460
(2) Elektralite Pancake RGBW v2

Static Fixtures:
(6) ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals
(6) ETC Source Four Pars
(6) Chauvet COLORdash Par-Hex 7
(11) ETC Selador Paletta 42
(4) Elation Six+ Bar S
(3) Elation Six+ Bar L

Dimmers:
(192) ETC 2.4kw Sensor Dimmers (includes House and Stage dimmers) with ETC CEM 3 Power controllers

Connection Points:
Full console connections in control booths and in stage right closet on stage.

DMX output connections on the left and right of the stage and several locations in the catwalk.

(12) Dimmer power connections on stage level

Lighting System Technical Notes:
Our lighting fixtures are set up so that we may effectively serve all events we host. As such, we do not offer an option to move these fixtures.

 

Video System

Projector:
(3) Eiki 800u HD Video Projectors
(1920 x 1080 Resolution)

Screen:
(3) Da-Lite 10’x 17’
(mixed screens to the Left, Center, and right of stage)

Media Devices:
(1) BlackMagic Atem Production 4k switcher
(1) Blackmagic Design ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel

 

Special Equipment Brought in by Performers

It is possible to use your own complete sound system in Spilman Auditorium. We can provide two electrical hook-ups for you to use, which includes one single-phase 100 amp outlet and one three-phase 200 amp outlet.

 

Lighting System Technical Notes

In order to best serve the needs of all of our events, we have some guidelines concerning the use of the equipment in Spilman Auditorium.

Due to the location of power connections, there are a limited number of places where fixtures may be placed.

Our lighting fixtures are set up so that we may effectively serve all events we host. As such, we do not offer an option to move these fixtures.

Our system is versatile enough to handle many different kinds of moving fixtures and types of dimmers as long as they are DMX compatible.

Remember that programming time is normally at a minimum, so using extra fixtures may or may not be possible unless we have the equipment well ahead of time.

Our system is versatile enough that if an event wants to bring in their own console or computer with lighting software and hardware, we can adapt to allow the event’s lighting designer to patch into our system. However, that would render our system useless to be able to accommodate the outside equipment.

 

Video System Technical Notes

Other video configurations may be considered if time allows before AND after an event. When events are scheduled closely together, it is difficult to re-configure the video system, but we will work with the Event Planner to find the best solution possible.

Other computers may be brought in for PowerPoint or some other presentation program. You must bring your own HDMI adapter if needed.

 

Cue System

A “house intercom system” with several headsets is available. Intercom headsets can be positioned at or near any mic input in the auditorium. They can be used by Crew and Program personnel during programs to aid with program cues and directions. If the event should require these, the Ridgecrest technical staff must be made aware of this request at least two weeks prior to the event.

 

Curtains

The main curtain is maroon color and can be closed when the stage apron area is to be used. There is a white cyc curtain that can be used in front of the back wall of the stage. Several black “legs” hang in the backstage area to mask instruments and activity backstage.

 

Rigging

Five rigging trusses are located on stage. Three of our trusses are used for our current light positions and cannot be used to hang banners. All rigging points are motorized and easily controlled.

 

Banners

All banners should have grommets (eyelets sewn or attached at the edges) – one in each corner and all along the top with a maximum distance of 24 inches between grommets. Banners with only a sleeve sewn into the top will sag in the middle. Only banners less than 15 feet side to side can be hung in front of the main curtain. Larger banners up to a maximum length of 40 feet (side to side) must be hung from the third or fifth rigging truss. Larger banners can sometimes interfere with backstage lighting.

 

Instruments

The auditorium features a Yamaha AvantGrand N3X grand piano. This piano remains on stage at all times. Please submit a special request along with your stage plot and input list to use this piano with at least 2 weeks advance notice. No tuning fee is applicable or necessary as this is a digital hybrid grand piano.

A drum set, designed specifically for Spilman Auditorium, is available for rent.

 

Emergency Situations

In case of power failure, an emergency generator will power a few emergency auditorium lights, exit lights and stairwell lights. The generator does not supply electricity to the sound and stage lighting. North Carolina State law requires Event Planners to notify event attendees of the location of emergency exits in their meeting space.

 

Spilman Auditorium Statistics

Interior Dimensions — 163’ x 95’
(rear wall to back stage wall x side wall to side wall) — 163’ x 95’
Foyer — 18’ x 95’
Front Porch — 21’ x 95’
Ceiling Height (from main floor – average) — 30’
Main floor to Ceiling under Balconies — 11’ 6”
Distance between Side Balcony — 56’
Length of Side Balconies (from stage end to rear balcony) — 102’

 

Stage Area

Height of Stage from Main Floor — 3’ 6”
Stage to front row — 10’ 10”
Apron Depth (edge of stage to main curtain) — 15’ 6”
Full Apron Width (at main curtain) — 55’
Full Stage Depth (edge of the stage to back of stage wall) — 33’ 6”
Position of First Rigging point (front edge of stage) — 15’ 3”
Position of Second Rigging Point (from front edge of stage) — 22’ 6”
Proscenium Arch (main curtain fully opened-width x height) — 46’ 19’
Backstage Width — 60’ 4”
Stage Ceiling Height
(Average stage floor to lighting bars, catwalk, etc.) — 21”
Video Projection Screen Size (3) — 10’ H x 17’ W
Stage to Front Lighting Bar — 21’
(Front edge of stage to a point perpendicular to lighting instruments)

Technical Form

This completed form must be returned to your Event Coordinator at least two weeks prior to your event in order for our team to fulfill the needs of your event.

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Stage Needs (Please fill in all that apply):

64 stage inputs and 8 monitor mixes available

Band: Instruments for your event can be rented through your Event Coordinator. If renting equipment please let us know 16 days in advance.

Please send in any Input List, Stage Plot, and Tech Rider the band may have.

Below, please indicate which instruments you will be bringing with you for this event.

The use of all audio visual equipment in Spilman Auditorium is $275 per day and includes all necessary audio visual technicians. Any technician required to stay after quiet hours will be charged at $60 per person, per hour. Please contact A/V Conference Services to discuss your audio visual needs.

Audiovisual

Ridgecrest Conference Center’s auditoriums are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual and sound equipment perfect for general sessions, concerts, worship events and conferences. For breakouts and teaching sessions, many of our meeting spaces come with audiovisual and sound equipment to make presenting easier.

Our group coordinators will work with you to ensure you have just what you need. Whether your group has 20 or 2,000, you will get the support of our on-site audiovisual team needed to be truly successful.

AV Technicians are currently unavailable outside of Spilman Auditorium.

Presentation Equipment & Supplies

Whiteboard with markers – $5
Flipchart with easel and markers – $20

(prices per event, includes delivery and set-up)

Audiovisual Equipment
  • Wired mic with stand and cable – $20
  • Built-in video projector with screen – $50 (only available in select rooms)
  • Screen – $20
  • Piano keyboard – $95
  • 65-inch LCD television – $50

(prices per event, includes delivery and set-up)

Exhibit and Display Tables

$35.00 per table with cloth and 1 chair, electrical outlet provided.

Delivery Fees

$5.00/box or $75.00/pallet. An additional 20% service charge will apply to shipments that arrive at Ridgecrest outside of normal business hours. (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Spilman Auditorium Only

Use of Spilman Auditorium requires an Audiovisual technician (light and sound) at $250.00 per day. If you are running media, you will need to provide your own computer. You may request a Ridgecrest Audiovisual technician to run your media at an additional rate of $50 per hour.

Digital piano – Yamaha Avantgrand N3X (This piano remains on stage at all times.)

Drum Kit – $550 per event

Anchor Drums (Galleon Series, [Mahogany & Poplar])
14″ x 6.5″ Snare Drum
13″ x 9″ Tom
16″ x 16″ Floor Tom
18″ x 16″ Floor Tom
20″ x 18″ Kick Drum

Zildjian A Custom Cymbals
14″ HiHats
16″ Crash
18″ Crash
20″ Medium Ride

DW, Pearl, Gibraltar, Hardware
DW 3000 Series Single Kick Drum Pedal
DW 3000 Series Snare Stand
DW 3000 Series HiHat Stand
DW 3700 Series Cymbal Stands
Pearl 900 Series Tom Stand
Gibraltar Floor Tom Legs

A/V and Conference Services & Policies

For each function, each room includes a free initial set-up. Additional room changes are subject to a fee of $100 per change during normal business hours (plus our standard 20% service charge). Room changes requested to be made after 8:00 pm or before 8:00 am are subject to a fee of $500 per change (plus our standard 20% service charge).

Meeting room changes require a minimum of 1 hour to change set-up for meetings and a minimum of 2 hours for catering.

Audiovisual equipment is available for rent from Ridgecrest on a first come, first-served basis. Pricing is per item per event.

Ridgecrest does not provide A/V technicians to run media. If you are running media, you will need to provide your own computer.

Wi-fi is available in most areas of the conference center with the exception of our youth dorms.

Audiovisual equipment rates quoted do not include 20% service charge.

Recreation

RECREATION AREA

Many of Ridgecrest’s recreational activities are available to our guests at no additional charge. Equipment is available complimentary for guests to check out at either the main Rec Shack (near the recreation fields) or at the registration desk in Pritchell. Guests will only be charged if the equipment is damaged or not returned, replacement value only. Hours of operation for the Rec Shack vary by season and campus occupancy.

Complimentary recreational options include:

  • Softball
  • Basketball (gymnasium)
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball (gymnasium or outdoor sand)
  • Fishing (bring own gear)
  • Disc Golf

For a modest fee, we offer:

  • Miniature Golf ($4 per guest)
  • Wii Rental ($75 per day)
  • Fire Ring ($75 per use, reserved through Event Coordination)

ADVENTURE RECREATION

High Adventure & Teambuilding at Ridgecrest (summer only)

Adventure recreation includes a climbing tower, a high ropes course and laser tag among the thick foliage and trees.

(Pricing:

High Ropes Course- $35/person
Climbing Tower/Zipline- $20/person
Laser Tag- $18/person

Minimum # of people: 10
Maximum # of people in group: 25)

Each outdoor experience is facilitated by trained leaders of Ridgecrest’s Adventure Recreation Staff. This is a perfect opportunity for youth and adult groups to build memorable and rewarding times into their camp program. It’s also a great way to have some fun and fellowship!

Advanced reservations are required a minimum of two weeks prior to your event. All recreation activities are first-requested, first-served.

Call our Rec Staff to learn the details of these exciting opportunities at (828) 669.4844 or submit a recreation form request below.

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Submissions must be received no later than 2 weeks prior to your request.

Submission of a recreation request does not guarantee the availability of recreation requested.

Acceptance

 

Release Form Requirements

You must be at least 10 years old to participate. Youth 17 years and younger require a form signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to participating in Adventure Recreation activities.

Please print and fill out the Ridgecrest Waiver Form below in order to participate.

DOWNLOAD WAIVER FORM

 

Scott Darnell
Recreation Coordinator
(828) 669.4844
Scott.Darnell@ridgecrestnc.com

HIKING

Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains right outside your door. Choose from five different hikes among white oaks and red maples, with mountain laurel that grows so thick in places, it creates a lush umbrella over the entire pathway. Trails range from easy to moderately difficult, but each affords spectacular views from scenic vantage points.

The Ridgecrest Trail System is located on private property. All guests must register at the Main Entrance and agree to all rules and regulations when hiking on Ridgecrest Conference Center’s property.

RECREATION AREA

Many of Ridgecrest’s recreational activities are available to our guests at no additional charge. Equipment is available complimentary for guests to check out at either the main Rec Shack (near the recreation fields) or at the registration desk in Pritchell. Guests will only be charged if the equipment is damaged or not returned, replacement value only. Hours of operation for the Rec Shack vary by season and campus occupancy.

Complimentary recreational options include:

  • Softball
  • Basketball (gymnasium)
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball (gymnasium or outdoor sand)
  • Fishing (bring own gear)
  • Disc Golf

For a modest fee, we offer:

  • Miniature Golf ($4 per guest)
  • Wii Rental ($75 per day)
  • Fire Ring ($75 per use, reserved through Event Coordination)

ADVENTURE RECREATION

High Adventure & Teambuilding at Ridgecrest

Adventure recreation includes team-building exercises, a climbing tower, a high ropes course and laser tag among the thick foliage and trees.

Each outdoor experience is facilitated by trained leaders of Ridgecrest’s Adventure Recreation Staff. This is a perfect opportunity for youth and adult groups to build memorable and rewarding times into their camp program. It’s also a great way to have some fun and fellowship!

Advanced reservations are required a minimum of two weeks prior to your event. All recreation activities are first-requested, first-served.

Call our Rec Staff to learn the details of these exciting opportunities at (828) 669.4844 or submit a recreation form request below.

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Submissions must be received no later than 2 weeks prior to your request.

Submission of a recreation request does not guarantee the availability of recreation requested.

Acceptance

 

Release Form Requirements

You must be at least 10 years old to participate. Youth 17 years and younger require a notarized release form signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to participating in Adventure Recreation activities.

Please print and fill out the Ridgecrest Waiver Form below in order to participate.

DOWNLOAD WAIVER FORM

 

Scott Darnell
Recreation Coordinator
(828) 669.4844
Scott.Darnell@ridgecrestnc.com

HIKING

Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains right outside your door. Choose from five different hikes among white oaks and red maples, with mountain laurel that grows so thick in places, it creates a lush umbrella over the entire pathway. Trails range from easy to moderately difficult, but each affords spectacular views from scenic vantage points.

The Ridgecrest Trail System is located on private property. All guests must register at the Main Entrance and agree to all rules and regulations when hiking on Ridgecrest Conference Center’s property.

Dining

Ridgecrest’s Dining Room offers three nutritious buffet-style meals daily. Our chefs select carefully planned menus prepared with high quality brands. The Dining Room was designed with efficiency in mind, and includes eight serving lines to accommodate large groups quickly. With seating capacity for over 1,000 people, 5’ round tables and 8’ rectangular tables provide guests with a comfortable setting for fellowship and conversation. The Dining Room is centrally located within Rhododendron, ensuring guests a short walk from virtually every lodging venue.

Dining Room Policies

Meal plans are fixed two weeks before the start of your event. Guests who haven’t selected a meal plan at the time of booking will have the option to purchase meals at our a-la-carte rates, based on availability, when they arrive. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for missed meals.

Catering

Ridgecrest can help you design your custom banquet for a more intimate atmosphere with a wonderful variety of delicious menu selections. Our group coordinators will work with you to customize each banquet, reception, fellowship or break to meet your group’s specific needs.

All special catered events, including snack orders, fire rings, and recreation events, are scheduled through our Coordination Department. Simply contact your assigned Group Coordinator.

Menus and Pricing
Catering Policies and Guidelines
  • All catered events require a minimum of 20 guests and should be scheduled no later than 16 days prior to event.
  • Guaranteed numbers for all catered events are due to your Group Coordinator one week prior to event.
  • Events requiring labor after 10:00 p.m. will incur additional labor charges of $20/hour per staff person working the event.
  • Banquets in excess of 2 hours will incur additional labor charges of $20/hour per staff person working the event.
  • Catering rates do not include 20% service charge.
    A $250.00 fee applies to all catered events requested in any outdoor venues.
  • Food or beverages not catered by or purchased from Ridgecrest Conference Center are not permissible.
  • If a group would like to provide pre-packaged snacks for their attendees, the pre-packaged snacks need to be on the approved snack list and a $1/person fee will be charged for each person attending the conference/retreat. Please consult your Group Coordinator for approved snacks. If snacks or beverages are not approved and are brought into the conference space, the group will be charged a $250 fee per conference room where food is served, in addition to the $1 per person charge. Thank you for your cooperation.

Plan Your Event

Getting Here

Location

Ridgecrest is located 15 miles east of Asheville, North Carolina, on Interstate 40 at Exit 66. We are approximately 30 miles from the Asheville Regional Airport.

Physical Address

1 Ridgecrest Drive
Black Mountain, NC 28711 

Distance From

  • Atlanta, GA - 3.5 hours
  • Birmingham, AL - 6 hours
  • Charlotte, NC - 2 hours
  • Cincinnati, OH - 6 hours
  • Columbia, SC - 2.5 hours
  • Jacksonville, FL - 7 hours
  • Knoxville, TN - 2 hours
  • Louisville, KY - 5.5 hours
  • Memphis, TN - 8 hours
  • New York, NY - 10.5 hours
  • Orlando, FL - 10 hours
  • Washington, DC - 7.5 hours

Airline Travel

Ridgecrest Campus Map

Sales Team & Group Coordinators

Our expert Sales Team is committed to working with your ministry to make your upcoming event the best it can be for you and your attendees. Ridgecrest Group Coordinators can assist you in all areas of planning your event from audiovisual requests, catering and pricing to conference room and auditorium set-up requirements and more. Your assigned Group Coordinator will be your primary contact once your agreement is assigned with the Conference Center and is the go-to person for all details concerning your meeting or event.

Melissa Inman

Director of Marketing, Sales, Events and Coordination

(828) 669.3596
melissa.inman@ridgecrestNC.com

Annette Frisby

Lindsay Toole

Caroline Myer

Gabe Presnell

Charity Walters