The Ania Terrace at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort provides a scenic outdoor 15,000 sf of space for meetings. Courtesy of Mo Calderon / Visit Tucson

Arizona is known for its natural wonder — amazing sights, sounds and wide-open spaces. Its gorgeous scenery like the vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful Grand Canyon — Arizona’s most distinguishable landmark you must see to believe.

With its tropical-like conditions, palm trees and pools everywhere you look, plus world-class golf courses, hiking and plenty of outside activities, adventure is just around the bend waiting to be explored. So, it’s no wonder that Arizona is a go-to destination for so many associations and convention planners, as it’s easy to entertain attendees in between conference sessions and offers plenty of fun.

Amazing Sights

When attendees are not running in between sessions, you can likely find them outside enjoying the warm weather. With multiple award-winning golf courses to choose from along with hiking in the mountains or on our various trails, sightseeing in Sedona or enjoying a few hours at the spa, there are plenty of options for attendees.

Beyond activities, Arizona is host to a thriving and spectacular food scene. From fusion restaurants that mix Japanese and Mexican cuisine to food trucks and award-winning restaurants that require reservations months in advance, Arizona is the place to be if you consider yourself a “foodie” and enjoy trying out and savoring new and innovative fare.

Vergi “Vee” Rodriguez, founder of Planet V Branding & Consulting LLC, has planned corporate meetings with brands such as AT&T, Bacardi and General Mills over the last decade.

“With a history of planning meetings and conventions in Arizona, I have navigated the diverse landscape of this southwestern state,” she said. “My expertise includes coordinating events in bustling urban centers like Phoenix, as well as in picturesque settings such as Sedona. Over the years, I have mastered the art of balancing outdoor and indoor venues to accommodate Arizona’s varied climate.”

To get the most out of being in Arizona and capturing the state’s cultural richness, Rodriguez incorporates elements of Native American traditions, Spanish influences and the modern southwestern vibe into her event themes. She has found holding corporate meetings in Arizona comes with several distinct advantages.

“The state has diverse landscapes that range from the Grand Canyon to the mountains in Sedona, which all provide breathtaking backdrops that can elevate an overall experience,” she said. “Arizona boasts a reliable and sunny climate which appeals to those seeking outdoor venues or team-building activities year-round.”

Arizona’s excellent transportation infrastructure, including well-connected airports, makes it a lot easier to access venues for attendees. “Arizona’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing trend of eco-friendly events,” Rodriguez said. “The state’s emphasis on environmental consciousness adds a layer of responsibility to corporate events, appealing to socially conscious organizations.”

Bennell LaPorte, global event planner for Phoenix-based LaPorte & Company, has been designing events for more than a decade. “Throughout my global travels planning events in a multitude of destinations, stateside, I have found that Arizona is one of the easiest cities to coordinate events in,” she said.

“From a myriad of ideal locations to choose from to vendors that fit every budget, the ease with which I’ve been able to produce events in Arizona has been one of the primary reasons why this remains at the top of my locations list and why I chose to base my company here.”

She noted that due to the diversity of the state itself, there are countless venue options throughout, so you’re always bound to find a venue or locale that meets your budget and event needs. From high end, resort-like venues to more casual and relaxed spaces, there is something for everyone.

“In addition to great spaces that provide indoor/outdoor experiences for your events, Arizona is also a cost-effective option if you’re looking for your budget to stretch a bit further,” LaPorte said. “Unlike other metropolitan areas where event costs tend to be much higher due to their location, here you can typically get a bigger bang for your buck when it comes to venue options, hotel rates, dining options and more.”

Audra Franks Johnson, CMP, vice president of events for the Health Management Academy, held its convention at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows last year, but has planned more than 10 conferences in the state over the years for as many as 300 people.

“We love that the weather is consistent and has easy accessibility; we consider it middle of the country and it has enough product in various categories — luxury, mid-level, etc., so for us it works,” she said. “We are able to infuse a lot of the culture of Arizona into our event.”

Splendid Seasons

Arizona’s in tune with the seasons. From sunny summers to splendid springs, gorgeous falls and magical winters, the sounds of nature abound.

Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, hosted two meetings in Arizona — one in Scottsdale and another one in Tucson to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the association.

“We were looking for a resort feel and a location that would feel celebratory,” Heckman said. “I knew Tucson was an amazing destination and that it would have a high attendance because it’s such a great area. About 350 people attended from around the U.S., and internationally from places such as China, Germany and France.”

Given the subject matter of the association, the APA looks for fireworks-friendly venues because it always plans two nights of fireworks, and the shows are like no other because everyone brings out their best. So, it found that the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa was an ideal host. “You can’t beat the background of the mountains and its majestic scenery,” Heckman said. “We gave our members a lot of free time because we know they would want to go out and explore on their own and everyone enjoyed visiting The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is nearby the resort.”

Wide-Open Spaces

Corporate meeting attendees in Arizona often relish the opportunity to explore the state’s diverse wide-open spaces during their free time. The Grand Canyon, which is the second-largest canyon in the world, at 277 miles long, and as much as 18 miles wide and a full mile deep, is a main attraction.

“A lot of our previous attendees have been drawn to the iconic Grand Canyon, where hiking, helicopter tours or scenic overlooks provide really beautiful scenic experiences,” Rodriguez said. “The Sonoran Desert boasts activities like hot air balloon rides, off-road adventures, or serene strolls through botanical gardens.”

Attendees may also explore art galleries, attend live performances, or indulge in upscale dining and shopping in the urban centers, while golf enthusiasts appreciate the numerous world-class golf courses scattered throughout the state, taking advantage of the nearly perfect weather.

“For a touch of relaxation, spa experiences in renowned resorts, often set against picturesque landscapes, are popular,” Rodriguez said. “Additionally, Arizona’s commitment to wellness activities, such as yoga retreats and wellness spas, provide a holistic approach for those seeking rejuvenation.”

Popular Phoenix

Phoenix, as the state’s capital, is a major hub with a diverse range of modern conference facilities, like the Phoenix Convention Center, and a variety of hotels suited for corporate meetings, as well as large-scale events.

“The city’s atmosphere, combined with a vibrant cultural scene, appeals to corporate gatherings seeking a varied backdrop,” Rodriguez said.

With Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offering service to more than 120 domestic plus international destinations, getting to the city is convenient. Phoenix has a walkable urban downtown where attendees can experience local culinarians and exotic artisans hone their craft. Plus, for those looking to learn more about culture and history, attendees can discover Taliesin West where they will uncover Frank Lloyd Wright’s mark on the destination. The Heard Museum, The Phoenix Art Museum, The Musical Instruments Museum and the Desert Botanical Gardens are all great immersive experiences that honor Phoenix’s rich and diverse community and history.

One of LaPorte’s top attended events was for a nationally recognized educational non-profit that was held in the city.

“The ability to host the event in Arizona at the beginning of March, when most other states are still plunged in frigid temperatures, allowed for greater flexibility,” she said.

Super Scottsdale

Scottsdale, known for its luxurious resorts and upscale amenities, is a top choice for those looking to combine business with leisure. The city offers high-end meeting spaces, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sonoran Desert.

“Scottsdale is one of my favorite cities because they also have some great restaurants outside of most resorts with top rated chefs that serve some amazing food options,” Rodriguez said.

Talking Stick Resort offers more than 100,000 sf of meeting space in Scottsdale, including a 25,000-sf ballroom. It also offers meeting options on its 13th and 14th floors, which allow for unparalleled views of the valley.

Planners’ vision is brought to life with functional spaces for more intimate occasions as well, such as board meetings, breakouts and more all with modern amenities and excellent services you would expect from a world-class resort.

“Scottsdale offers unbelievable weather, desert surroundings, and world class meeting facilities,” said Michael Maggart, sales director for the resort. “We are located 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, with excellent lift options from across the country.”

Then there’s the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which offers two stand-alone conference centers, each featuring a 22,500-sf grand ballroom that can be divided into multiple meeting areas, and 316,000 sf of total event space.

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is a haven of Southwestern hospitality and charm for hosting a meeting or convention, with its hacienda-style entry and lobby, spectacular restaurants, grand courtyard and the new 15,000-sf Paradise Ballroom and the 20,000 sf Arizona Ballroom.

Julie Garber, director of sales and marketing at Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, noted thanks to 1,300 acres, mid- to smaller-size groups can be self-contained and they feel like the “big fish” vs. the larger convention-style resorts.

“Our 33,000-sf spa facility allows us to customize wellness programs and our two world-class golf courses allow us to customize golf programs that take place on verdant fairways with jaw-dropping backgrounds,” she said.

Some of the resort’s most popular venues are “Promise Rock,” an elevated area at 2,288 ft. above sea level with extraordinary vistas for smaller groups and the “Duck Pond” overlooking the verdant fairways and the surrounding desert landscape, as well as the ancient granite boulder formations.

“The untamed beauty of the desert — with its wide-open spaces, diverse vegetation, and unparalleled sunsets, provides a stunning backdrop for events held throughout the city,” said Kelli Blubaum, vice president of sales and services for Experience Scottsdale. “Not to mention, the desert has myriad opportunities for groups to stay engaged, from hiking and horseback riding to hot air balloon flights and kayaking.”

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, untamed, protected desert land spanning 35,500 acres, makes up a third of the city’s land mass. There, attendees can find 225 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking of every level of difficulty.

“Additionally, there’s many ways to get out on the water in the desert,” Blubaum said. “For example, a guided kayak excursion with REI Co-Op Experiences or Riverbound Sports takes folks to an unexpected oasis found on the Lower Salt River, with the chance to see bald eagles, river otters, turtles and wild horses. The wide range of outdoor options, from rugged treks through the desert via mountain bike or ATV, to a serene hot air balloon tour or horseback ride, make the city an optimal choice for groups who want to experience nature.”

As a Smithsonian affiliate with award-winning architecture and landscape design, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West provides an exceptionally unique environment that showcases the beauty and history of the American West.

“It’s a wonderful spot for evening events, with its backdrop of outstanding art and sculptures, and rare Old West artifacts, or as part of a day in Downtown Scottsdale, coupled with wineries and exceptional food,” Blubaum said.

Tucson is Tops

Tucson offers a unique blend of cultural richness and scenic beauty. The city provides distinctive meeting venues and a more intimate atmosphere, making it a popular choice for smaller corporate gatherings and conventions.

Mo Calderon, communications manager for Visit Tucson, noted the city’ downtown area has seen a boom of growth in the past couple years with the opening of more than 600 new hotel rooms and the Tucson Convention Center’s (TCC) $65 million renovation and expansion in 2022.

“In addition to a variety of venues for large meetings and conventions, Tucson is a premier destination for outdoor spaces,” Calderon said. “In addition to having the largest ballroom in Southern Arizona, The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort has 9,615 sf of outdoor meeting space with sweeping views. Or head north of downtown Tucson to the Omni Tucson National Resort for flexible meeting spaces with indoor and outdoor options and beautiful views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.”

As home to America’s Best Mexican Food and as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S., the food in Tucson is a major draw for attendees.

“Visitors can visit one of the many UNESCO City of Gastronomy certified restaurants in town or jump on a Taste of Tucson Downtown tour,” Calderon said. “Since most venues, hotels and event spaces in Arizona have implemented disciplined health and safety measures, prioritizing the well-being of attendees is a priority,” concluded Rodriguez. | AC&F |