< Previousart meeting space. That same month saw the debut of the Las Vegas Conven- tion Center Loop, which was created by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company and is the first transportation center of its kind for a convention center. Gattuso says the Vegas Loop “was a big hit” with SEMA show attendees. “The bi-directional underground tunnel allows up to 4,400 convention attendees per hour to be transported across the sprawling campus in all- electric Tesla vehicles in just under two minutes, free of charge,” says Brian Yost, chief operating officer for the LVCVA. Plans are underway to expand the convention center loop throughout the entire destination. “The express, underground transportation solu- tion will be known as the Vegas Loop, and will help ease traffic congestion and offer visitors convenient access to world-class resorts and entertain- ment,” Yost says. The Vegas Loop has 51 planned stations throughout the Las Vegas Strip and Clark County. “The system is also anticipated to connect to locations in the city of Las Vegas and eventually to the airport, moving visi- tors around our exciting destination in a quick and entertaining way.” Yost says that plans are also being made for the renovation of the LVCC campus, with work expected to begin in a few years. The LVCC also was the first facility in Nevada to be awarded the Global Bior- isk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard for clean facilities. Yost says that the health and safety of organizers, exhibitors and attendees remains the LVCC’s top prior- ity. “While regulatory restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID certainly impacted all facilities in this destination, today, Las Vegas is moving business for- ward while continuing to implement world-class health and safety standards at the LVCC facil- ity and throughout the entire destination,” he says. “We also continue to support additional health and safety protocols our trade-show organiz- ers choose to put in place for their shows.” More than 45 shows with 5,000 or more attendees already are booked at LVCC for the remainder of the year. “And our sales team continues to book new business for this year and beyond, showcasing confidence by trade-show organizers that meet- ings can be held safely and efficiently, and their commitment to doing busi- ness in Las Vegas.” MGM Resorts International MGM offers a whopping 13 resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, totaling 4 million sf of meeting space. “One of the most appealing elements of MGM Resorts in Las Vegas is the sheer amount of options available for meetings and events of all sizes,” Glanzer says. “While many plan- ners are aware of our robust convention spaces at Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and The Mirage, many may not know we offer a seamless luxury experience at Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara and Park MGM that provides a convenient way to build out dynamic, creative programming across multiple resorts.” She contin- ues, “This Luxury Meeting District is particularly attractive to our smaller and mid-size corporate groups, which make up a large part of our business. Additionally, we make it convenient for our meeting planners to take advantage of our entire portfolio by streamlining points of contact, contracting and bill- ing, so they spend more time focusing on creating their events and less time dealing with the paperwork.” MGM properties have hosted hun- dreds of meetings and events during The Las Vegas Convention Center Loop can move up to 4,400 convention attendees per hour. 48 April/May 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Las Vegas is moving business forward while continuing to implement world- class health and safety standards ... throughout the entire destination. BRIAN YOST Chief Operating Officer LVCVA ANYTHING BUT BUSINESS AS USUAL caesarsmeansbusiness.com | 855-633-8238ANYTHING BUT BUSINESS AS USUAL caesarsmeansbusiness.com | 855-633-8238the pandemic, ranging from small cor- porate gatherings to large trade shows with thousands of attendees. “As we continue to welcome groups back to Las Vegas, we want them to feel confi- dent that their health and safety is our top priority,” Glanzer says. “Through- out the last 20 months, we have cre- ated and continue to update our Con- vene with Confidence program, which allows groups a convenient way to cus- tomize their events with the health and safety components that make the most sense for their attendees. This could mean anything from on-site testing and vaccine-status checks, to creative solutions for room set-ups and dining arrangements. We’ve created a robust template that allows planners to easily customize their events and ensure that all attendees feel confident getting back to meeting in person.” During the pandemic, MGM also implemented a significant digital transformation that provides more convenient options for how guests and attendees experience its resorts. This includes fully mobile check-in, digital queues at restaurants and pools to avoid lines, and mobile ordering at the pool. “All of these allow guests to customize their experience with how much or how little interaction they want to have with our employees and other guests,” Glanzer says. “These are all permanent improvements and additions that will remain and evolve well into the future.” Within the past 20 months, MGM has also refreshed all 2,568 guest rooms in the Bellagio’s main tower, with new designs inspired by the movement of water, beauty of nature and vibrant reflections of light seen at sunrise and sunset. The rooms feature a luxurious, oversized shower, dual sinks, a built- in closet and an activity table. MGM has also renovated Luxor’s 1,715 stan- dard rooms. Inspired by Moroccan and North African cultures, these new Pyr- amid King and Pyramid Queen guest rooms feature bold splashes of orange and blue, with brilliant gold accents. MGM also has added enticing res- taurants. From Taipei to Los Angeles, Din Tai Fung has established itself as a go-to dining destination for steamed dumplings and noodles. Renowned especially for its Xiao Long Bao, including the famed Shanghai-style soup dump- lings filled with Kurobuta pork, it now has opened a restaurant at ARIA Resort & Casino. The new May- fair Supper Club at Bel- lagio is a modern take on a classic American restaurant highlighting design, dining and entertainment. It’s open every day, and on Friday and Saturday nights, it con- verts to an up-tempo lounge with ele- vated food and cocktail presentations, combined with the world-famous Bel- lagio fountains as a backdrop. “We are always adding new ame- nities and venues into our mix, and encourage our partners to take full advantage of the entire portfolio and offer attendees events and experiences they can’t get anywhere else,” Glanzer says. She says that groups are becoming increasingly more creative about how they utilize MGM’s venues and events spaces, and maximize the resorts’ prox- imity to one another. Costumed entertainers greet attendees at Chipotle’s Adobo Awards corporate event held at the MGM Grand earlier this year. Courtesy of Stephanie Glanzer 50 April/May 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com BUSINESS 3.0 WHILE RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS IS NEW, OUR APPROACH TO MEETINGS BOASTS DECADES OF EXPERIENCE. A high-tech suite of spaces and tools designed with a new perspective on meetings. Exclusively developed by Resorts World Las Vegas, this truly innovative paradigm sets the stage for seamless work sessions and unprecedented productivity. To learn more about Business 3.0, and how it can help your company to succeed, please contact a member of our Group Sales team today. Please call (702) 802-6460 or visit us online at rwlasvegas.com to Book Your Next Meeting at RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS AT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS LAS VEGAS’ NEWEST HOTEL & CASINO DON’T JUST MEET. EXCEED. NEXT GEN MEETS Each time attendees return ... even if their events are annual, their experience is completely different each time. STEPHANIE GLANZER, CMP Senior V.P. & Chief of Sales MGM Resorts InternationalBUSINESS 3.0 WHILE RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS IS NEW, OUR APPROACH TO MEETINGS BOASTS DECADES OF EXPERIENCE. A high-tech suite of spaces and tools designed with a new perspective on meetings. Exclusively developed by Resorts World Las Vegas, this truly innovative paradigm sets the stage for seamless work sessions and unprecedented productivity. To learn more about Business 3.0, and how it can help your company to succeed, please contact a member of our Group Sales team today. Please call (702) 802-6460 or visit us online at rwlasvegas.com to Book Your Next Meeting at RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS AT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS LAS VEGAS’ NEWEST HOTEL & CASINO DON’T JUST MEET. EXCEED. NEXT GEN MEETSLooking to the remainder of 2022 and into 2023, Glanzer is optimistic about the demand for group busi- ness. “Bookings are back on pace with pre-pandemic levels, and we’re seeing groups more excited than ever to get back to doing business in person,” she says. Caesars Entertainment Boasting nine Las Vegas resorts and hotels, as well as a celebrated new con- ference center, Caesars Entertainment has more than 1 million sf of meeting space, 20,000 guest rooms and more than 100 restaurants, cafes and lounges in the city. Its best known property is Caesars Palace, which was founded in 1966 by Jay Sarno and Stanley Mal- lin, who wanted to create an opulent facility that gave guests a sense of life during the Roman Empire. It contains many statues, columns and iconog- raphy typical of Hollywood Roman period productions, including a 20-foot-tall statue of Augustus Caesar near the entrance. “Caesars Entertainment has some- thing for everyone, including the luxu- rious and iconic Caesars Palace, with more than 300,000 sf of conference space and 3,960 guest rooms, and a new lobby and porte-cochere,” Herschdor- fer says. “It’s famous for being the set- ting of several award-winning movies, including ‘Rain Man,’ ‘The Hangover’ and ‘The Big Short.’ For dining, there’s no better place, with its celebrity chefs — Bobby Flay’s Amalfi, Michael Chow’s Mr. Chow, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and Brioche by Guy Savoy. Caesars Palace is also known for its personalized VIP service, with many long-term conferences, includ- ing the Trauma and Critical Care & Acute Care Surgery Conference, which recently celebrated more than 50 years at Caesars Palace.” Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace, a luxury boutique hotel within the property, has unveiled its 182 redesigned guest rooms and suites, part of the multimillion-dollar refresh. The rooms now feature a more modern, residential feel, inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold epoxy. Also, the redesigned guest corridors feature a custom carpet with rippling forms, suggesting a pond of koi fish that cluster at each guest room door, as well as patterns inspired by suminagashi, the Japanese art of paper marbling. Two culinary offerings are also scheduled to open at Caesars Palace. Dominique Ansel Las Vegas, a bakery from the James Beard Award-winning pastry chef, is planned for this summer. It will feature one of his unique creations, the cronut, often described as a croissant- doughnut hybrid. Peter Luger Steak House, offering the same menu and ambiance that made it arguably New York City’s finest steak house, is slated to open at the end of the year. Caesars Entertainment expanded its offerings in a big way in October 2020 by opening CAESARS FORUM conference center, with more than 300,000 sf of meeting space, including the two largest pillar-less ballrooms in the world. CAESARS FORUM is con- nected to more than 8,500 guest rooms at three Caesars properties — Harrah’s Las Vegas and The Linq and Flamingo hotels. “We are especially excited about the outdoor Forum Plaza, with more than 100,000 sf located at the foot of the High Roller and east of Linq Prom- enade. It’s an entertainment, restaurant and shopping experience,” Herschdor- fer says. “CAESARS FORUM has been well-received by planners and attend- ees. It’s biophilic design is especially appreciated, with its residential feel and environment conducive to stronger networking and learning.” Paris Las Vegas, another Caesars Entertainment property, has also been attracting attention with three new res- taurants. Restaurateur, philanthropist and television star Lisa Vanderpump recently opened Vanderpump à Paris at the property. Like her very success- ful Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace, this new offering fea- tures delectable dishes, whimsical and unique cocktails, and a lush, elaborate atmosphere with eclectic, Parisian- inspired design. Opening soon, Nobu at Paris Las Vegas will offer a Japanese- inspired menu featuring Asian and Jap- anese fish, imported seafood and exotic delicacies. Vegan, vegetarian and glu- ten-free options will also be available. Also opening at the property soon, Bedford by Martha Stewart will feature a concept designed to bring Stewart’s famed country farmhouse in Bedford, New York, to life. It’s her first venture into the restaurant business, and will offer the same kinds of foods that she offers her friends and family. Signature menu items will be created by sourcing seasonal, high-quality ingredients from local purveyors and some of Stewart’s favorites, including Las Vegas Farmers Market, Dartagnan Inc., Urbani Truf- fles, Roe Caviar, Jaspar Hill Farm, Frog Hollow Farm and Vermont Creamery. Top, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is set to debut late next year. Circa Resort & Casino offers a pool area with a giant video screen. 52 April/May 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comHerschdorfer says that business is on the upswing at Caesars Entertain- ment’s Las Vegas properties. “2022 will be a strong year for Caesars Entertain- ment, especially in Las Vegas,” she says. “2023 is looking strong, as well. There is pent-up demand, and Las Vegas is on the way back to 2019 levels.” Circa Resort & Casino This property, which opened in December 2020, features an adults- only atmosphere and an old-school Las Vegas ambiance, complete with the iconic Vegas Vickie neon sign. Featur- ing 35 floors and 1.2 million sf, it’s the first hotel/casino since 1980 to be built from the ground up in the downtown area. It provides 777 guest rooms, 21,654 sf of meetings space, five restaurants, a two-story casino, a three-story sports book and a 24-hour fitness center. It also includes a six-tiered swim- ming pool area, Stadium Swim, which has six pools, swim-up bars, cabanas, chaise lounges and daybeds spread across three cascading levels, enabling more than 4,000 people to view a 40-foot-by-143-foot high-definition screen that broadcasts a wide vari- ety of entertainment. The five dining options include chef Dan Coughlin’s innovative take on Pan-Asian cuisine at 8 East, as well as Barry’s, a classic steakhouse blending old-school style with a modern twist. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, finally realized his wish to own a Las Vegas casino when Virgin Hotels and a group of investment com- panies purchased the Hard Rock Hotel for $500 million in March 2018. The Hard Rock closed on February 2020, to allow for a $200 million renovation, and emerged as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas early last spring. The hotel includes 1,504 rooms and Mohegan Sun Casino, which is operated by Mohegan Gam- ing and Entertainment, an affiliate of the Mohegan Tribe. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has 1,504 “chambers,” divided into three separate towers — Canyon, Ruby and Opal, and 60,000 sf of meeting space, including a 29,374-sf theater, the 15,720-sf Prim- rose Hall and 4,550-sf Twenty-Four Oxford. Dining options include Casa Calavera, offering traditional Mexican cuisine; Kassi Beach House, serving authentic coastal Italian dishes; and The Kitchen at Commons Club, with contemporary American cuisine along with a nod to British roots. Wynn Las Vegas A luxury resort, casino and hotel, Wynn Las Vegas offers 2,716 guest rooms and is connected to Encore Las Vegas, with 2,034 guest rooms and suites. In February 2020, the two properties announced the completion of their meeting and convention space expan- sion, which added 300,000 sf. Wynn and Encore now offer group event cli- ents 560,000 sf of flexible space. New features added by the project included a 20,000-sf outdoor pavilion with an adjacent 20,000-sf lawn, a luxury 2,500-sf hospitality lounge fea- turing a state-of-the-art 72-foot-by-9- foot LED video wall and an 83,000- sf pillar-less ballroom, the largest at the resort and one of the largest in Las Vegas. The expansion project also provided sweeping views of the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course and included Wynn’s signa- ture indoor-outdoor design approach, innovative sustainability programs, lush landscaping and gourmet cater- ing. Dining options at the properties include Casa Playa, executive chef Sarah Thompson’s distinctive spin on authentic Mexican coastal cuisine, and Cipriani, featuring signature Ital- ian dishes such as the original carpac- cio alla Cipriani, vanilla meringue and the iconic Bellini. Fontainebleau Las Vegas Looking to “revolutionize the meeting and convention experience” in Las Vegas, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is set to debut late next year. Officials are touting its location close to the LVCC’s West Hall expansion, saying in a news release that it “provides unprecedented access and synergis- tic opportunity for meeting and con- vention planners.” The 67-story, vertically integrated luxury destination conceived by Fon- tainebleau Development will offer more than 550,000 sf of customizable indoor and outdoor meeting and con- vention space, with countless con- figurations throughout five levels of the resort, allowing experiences to be tailored to every preference, accord- ing to the release. Highlights include a 105,000-sf, pillar-less ballroom – one of the largest in Las Vegas; a three-level, more than 90,000-sf theater with gen- erous pre-function space capable of hosting everything from business func- tions to entertainment; nearly 62,000 sf of additional space that can be used to create up to 57 breakout rooms and three executive boardrooms over- looking a nearly 26,000-sf outdoor hospitality garden. The venue will also offer state-of- the-art technology, including the most advanced digital amenities throughout its conference spaces, with multiple interior and exterior branding oppor- tunities, touchscreen technologies, and next-level audio and visual tools supported by dedicated and experi- enced in-house experts. The resort’s vertical design will allow attendees to reach conference levels without navi- gating the casino. Resort elevators and escalators will also provide a smooth transition from business to pleasure, connecting attendees to Fontaineb- leau’s dining, retail, pool and entertain- ment venues. C&IT TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | April/May 2022 53ARIZONA Looking Forward to a Strong Recovery BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS DESTINATION // T ourism officials in Arizona are optimistic about the future of meetings, and with good reason. Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tour- ism, points to one reason why: “We continue to see investment in new hotel properties around Ari- zona and additional air service into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, so we’re perfectly positioned to welcome back business travelers from around the world.” No one can predict when things will fully return to nor- mal, but there’s no question that meetings and business travel are central to the process. “Resuming meetings and other business travel safely is a critical step in tourism’s eco- nomic recovery,” Johnson says, adding, “Meetings provide an economic boost far beyond just the host facility. In 2019, Phoenix Convention Center meetings had an impact of more than $335 million, and Tucson meetings had an impact of $61.6 million in Southern Arizona. These figures show the importance of the meetings industry to Arizona.” Not surprisingly, Arizona is well-suited to experience early recovery given its near perfect weather the majority of the year, and abundance of outdoor venues to which groups are drawn, COVID-19 or not. Add history, adventure, the romance of the Old West and the contemporary vibrancy of many of the state’s popular cities, and you have the perfect mix to bring business back. As Johnson puts it, “Arizona is an ideal location to host meetings of all sizes. Our focus on health and safety, beautiful venues with ample outdoor spaces, nearly perfect weather and remarkable experiences for guests make it easy for event planners to continue choos- ing the Grand Canyon State.” She isn’t alone in her optimism. SCOTTSDALE “Scottsdale saw the beginnings of our recovery [last] spring, with domestic leisure travelers returning to the city to enjoy our warm weather and special events. Our hotels, resorts and hospitality businesses were thrilled to welcome visitors back to our community,” says Rachel Sacco, presi- dent & CEO, Experience Scottsdale. “Though the pandemic has thrown many curveballs at this industry over the past two years, Experience Scottsdale is optimistic about [the rest of] 2022 as we anticipate welcoming back international travelers and hosting larger-scale meetings,” Sacco says. “Our leads for future group business have returned to pre- pandemic levels. Though many of the meetings hosted at our hotels, resorts and venues have been smaller gatherings, Scottsdale is prepared to welcome groups of all sizes and accommodate any health protocols. We feel confident that corporate groups will feel secure in hosting their meetings in Scottsdale as soon as they’re ready.” Like Johnson, much of Sacco’s optimism comes down to 54 April/May 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comArizona and Scottsdale’s ideal attributes. “Scottsdale offers corporate groups advantages that few other destinations can match: Fresh air, sunny skies and the luxury of space. From campus-style resorts to lush outdoor meeting spaces, Scottsdale is the ideal choice for groups ready to reunite in the months ahead.” Planners agree. Jamie Pepper, senior vice president of meetings and coordination at Opal Group, says Scottsdale is and has been a great fit for her meetings. “The great weather, quality of resort product, easy airlift and off-site entertain- ment make Scottsdale a draw for our attendees in January.” The group’s meeting early this year, with 400 attending, was based at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. The group has also used the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale in past years. “The meeting space and flow of events is always the leading factor in my decision-making,” Pepper says. “Omni Montelucia has ample indoor and outdoor meeting space, including large foyers for exhibits. The outdoor space for meals just off the function space is ideal for this event, not to mention that the resort is less than 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.” There’s a lot to recommend at the Omni Montelucia, according to Pepper. “What’s most unique about this resort is the Spanish feel of the hotel, coupled with the picturesque views of Camelback Mountain as a backdrop for the event. This is our third year in Scottsdale, as the destination’s resorts always do a nice job with our events.” Many of the past year’s COVID protocols were in place at this meeting as well, though Pepper says much of what’s done in terms of health and safety has to do with the demo- graphics of the attendees. “For this particular event, we were asking for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result, and [we used] more roll-ups at meals, disposable cutlery, staff-attended buffets and colored bracelets indi- cating attendees’ individual comfort level with peers, plus hand sanitizer readily available everywhere.” Because of the structure of this particular meeting, Pepper says there wasn’t a lot of time for attendees to experience all that Scott- sdale offers. “That said,” she adds, “when we host programs in Scottsdale, we always find time to golf, which is a fun and naturally socially distanced outdoor activity.” Scottsdale, Pepper notes, remains in high demand. “It’s wise for planners to take advantage of cost savings in the shoulder season and summer rebate programs, as well as things like the Site See & Fly Free program offered by Experience Scottsdale,” In Paradise Valley, the new The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley, left, will open later this year. Below, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. ZONA TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | April/May 2022 55she says. “Additionally, with Scottsdale’s myriad high-end hotel and resort product, flexibility is key for planners with a limited budget. At the same time, with more than 70 resorts and hotels in the destination, there’s a lot of inventory with a price point for everyone.” Pepper also has an insider’s tip for those meeting in Scottsdale. “For a fun way to let loose, try Hash Kitchen’s Bloody Mary Bar — it’s amazing. I’m planning my return to Scottsdale just for that.” Many Scottsdale hotels have been busy upgrading and adding in recent months. Last July, the Fairmont Scott- sdale Princess debuted its Sisley-Paris Spa — a spa within a spa comprised of a private six-room treatment facility that may be of particular interest to incen- tive groups. Four Seasons Resort Scott- sdale at Troon North completed a floor- to-ceiling renovation of its meeting space, and Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa debuted Desert Garden, a serene outdoor venue within a grove of mesquite trees, featuring a 1,600-sf lawn and 3,700-sf patio. In Paradise Valley, the new The Ritz-Carlton, Par- adise Valley, set on 20 acres overlook- ing Camelback Mountain, will feature a 400-foot pool and 20,000 sf of func- tion space when it opens later this year. Looking ahead, Scottsdale will also be the location of the first non-gaming hotel from Caesars Entertainment Inc. when lifestyle-brand Caesars Republic Scottsdale opens next year. PHOENIX The greater Phoenix area is well positioned to move forward as meetings rebound. In addition to its dramatic surrounding landscape, weather and other assets that have long been a draw for planners and groups, Phoenix also has a savvy and resilient business community, says Ron Price, president & CEO of Visit Phoenix, that has been an important component in moving forward. “The future of meetings in Greater Phoenix is bright. Our hotel and resort community, along with the Phoenix Convention Center and surrounding downtown Phoenix businesses, rose to the occasion when it came to adapting to meetings in a pandemic world,” Price says. “That’s what being a good meetings destination is all about — meeting the needs of planners and ensuring they always receive our Southwest hospitality, even during the unknown.” Price thinks meeting planners are currently in the process of develop- ing a “new normal,” and he says the Visit Phoenix team is working along- side them to continue to create posi- tive experiences for attendees when they travel to Phoenix. “That’s why I’m incredibly optimistic about the future,” he says. “We’ve seen the resilience from the industry after being faced with challenges we never imagined. I know that we’ll continue to emerge stronger and even improve the meeting and con- vention experience for attendees fol- lowing our pandemic experience.” If planners haven’t been to Phoe- nix recently, there’s much new to see. Boutique AC Hotel Phoenix Down- town opened last year, while the Hyatt Regency Phoenix renovated all 693 guest rooms and added a new restau- rant and market. Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass has undergone a $70 million upgrade, as has the Arizona Bilt- more, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, which was closed for more than a year and reopened in spring last year. Renova- tions include the addition of a new res- taurant and bar, and 200,000 sf of newly renovated meeting space. Expected next year is the 141-room, internation- ally inspired The Global Ambassador hotel, which will feature the largest rooftop restaurant in the state. The wait for the final piece of the 1,003-room Sheraton Phoenix Down- town to fully reopen as the prototype for Marriott’s portfolio-wide rebranding of Sheraton came recently with the open- ing of Carcara, the hotel’s newest restau- rant. In the non-hotel realm, the newly named Footprint Center, home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoe- nix Mercury, underwent a renovation of more than $230 million, which includes nearly 70,000 sf of new amenity space. MESA Marc Garcia, president & CEO of Visit Mesa, thinks full recovery is yet to come, but he’s optimistic, with caveats. “At Visit Mesa, we’re cautiously opti- mistic about a full recovery by 2023 — so long as no further disruptions take place and we’re able to lessen the impacts on the supply-chain issues that have been Courtesy of Debbie Johnson Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, says resuming meetings and events is critical to the state’s recovery. 56 April/May 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com FIND OUT MORETucsonOnUs.com See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2025 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account.FIND OUT MORETucsonOnUs.com See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2025 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account.Next >