Welcome to the Roanoke Valley
Set in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Salem and the surrounding Roanoke Valley offer a slower pace, mountain views and a more connected conference experience.
Root & Rise is designed to bring people together through shared spaces, evening gatherings and an immersive few days in high summer.
Where to Stay
Root & Rise attendees can choose from a range of accommodations throughout Salem and the surrounding Roanoke Valley, including traditional and boutique hotels as well as convenient on-campus housing at Roanoke College.
Local Hotels
College Housing
IMPORTANT NOTE: Dorm Rooms must be booked by July 13, 2026 through our online registration system to allow time to prepare your room for your stay.
The beautiful Roanoke College campus offers comfortable dorm accommodations. Stay at the heart of Root & Rise to simplify your experience, skip the commute and enjoy a true summer-on-campus atmosphere surrounded by the energy of the symposium.
On-campus housing costs $75 per night for single occupancy with shared bath. Your stay includes access to the state-of-the-art student fitness center.
Traveling to Roanoke
Getting to Root & Rise is easy, whether you’re flying, driving or arriving by train. Salem and the surrounding Roanoke Valley are centrally located in Southwest Virginia with convenient access to airports, Amtrak rail service and Interstate 81.
Symposium Venue
Cregger Center at Roanoke College
287 High Street
Salem, VA 24153
CLOSEST AIRPORT
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)
Approximately 15 minutes from Roanoke College.
Served by:
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American Airlines
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Delta
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United
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Allegiant
Transportation options include:
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Uber & Lyft
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Rental cars
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Taxi and private car service
ADDITIONAL AIRPORT OPTIONS
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)
Approximately 2 hours away
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Approximately 2 hours away
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Approximately 3 hours away
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Approximately 3 hours away
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Approximately 3.5 hours away
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Approximately 4 hours away
TRAVELING BY TRAIN
Roanoke Station (Amtrak)
Approximately 15 minutes from Roanoke College.
Direct rail connections are available from:
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Washington, D.C.
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Alexandria
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Charlottesville
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Philadelphia
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New York City
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Boston
Uber, Lyft and taxi services are readily available from the station.
Parking & Transportation
Getting around the Roanoke Valley is easy with lodging, programming and activities centered around Salem and nearby Roanoke.
Complimentary parking will be available throughout designated symposium areas on the Roanoke College campus.
Limited shuttle service will also operate during peak symposium hours between:
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Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport
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Official hotels
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Roanoke College
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Root & Rise activities
Additional parking maps, shuttle schedules and exhibitor load-in instructions will be released closer to the symposium.
Ground Transportation Options
Uber and Lyft are both widely available throughout the Roanoke Valley, including airport pickups, hotel transportation and travel between Salem and downtown Roanoke.
Rental Cars
Explore the Region
While Root & Rise is designed as an all-inclusive symposium experience with meals, hospitality and entertainment built in, attendees are encouraged to explore everything the Roanoke Valley and Virginia’s Blue Ridge have to offer before and after the event.
Blue Ridge Parkway
One of America’s most scenic drives, featuring mountain overlooks, hiking trails and panoramic views throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Floyd Fest | July 22-26
Virginia’s iconic outdoor music and arts festival returns to the Blue Ridge Mountains the same week as Root & Rise, making it easy to extend your stay and experience one of the region’s signature summer events.
Downtown Salem
A walkable college town filled with local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, live music and small-town charm just minutes from Roanoke College.
Downtown Roanoke
Explore rooftop dining, nightlife, breweries, galleries and the historic City Market district in the heart of downtown Roanoke.
Hiking & Outdoor Recreation
Trails, rivers, mountain biking and outdoor adventure throughout the surrounding Blue Ridge region.
Our Partners
Get in Touch
Kelly Riddle, Founder
Executive Producer
Eric Welch, Founder
Head of Partnerships & Sales
DB Poli, Strategic Partner
Professor of Biology and Cannabis Studies at Roanoke College