The Taste of the Town event is one of the conference's signature opening social gatherings. It features a networking-focused welcome reception that showcases local cuisine and culture while helping ASEE conference participants connect with one another at the start of the conference.

Meet Layne Riggs! Enter to Win a Signed Racing Jersey!

Layne Riggs is an American stock car racing driver from Bahama, North Carolina, and the son of former NASCAR driver Scott Riggs. He competes primarily in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and is considered one of NASCAR’s rising young talents.

His most notable accomplishments include:

Layne Riggs won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026, in one of the most emotional and chaotic events of the season. Driving the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford, Riggs took the lead in a race heavily affected by crashes, cautions, and rain before NASCAR called the event.

Winning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 after scoring two race victories and several top-five finishes with Front Row Motorsports.

Capturing his first Truck Series win at the historic Milwaukee Mile in 2024.

Winning the 2022 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national championship, becoming the youngest driver ever to earn that title at age 20.

Meet Sir Purr at ASEE Taste of the Town - And enter to win a Panther's Helmet!

Don't miss this special opportunity to meet Sir Purr, the beloved mascot of the Carolina Panthers, at the ASEE Annual Conference Taste of the Town event!

Stop by for photos, fun, and a chance to connect with fellow conference attendees while enjoying an unforgettable evening showcasing the local flavor and spirit of the host city.
Bring your Panther pride—or just your camera—and join us for this exciting guest appearance. Sir Purr is looking forward to meeting engineers, educators, students, and friends from across the ASEE community!