< Previousthemeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2023 Arizona Expansive Options For Large-Scale Events By Maura Keller In Arizona, you can uncover the unex- pected. Its picturesque landscape makes for memorable visual moments. But, it is more than just a pretty view that brings a unique experience to the association and corporate destination market. Rooted in nature, Arizona’s resorts and other facilities offer the best indoor amenities, including stunning resort pools and spas, not to mention outdoor watering holes and amazing dining spots in unassum- ing places that come with a feast for your eyes as well. Those who have traveled to Arizona say it is in tune with the seasons. “There aren’t many locations where you can water ski and snow ski in the same day,” said Meagan Crain, event designer and owner of Crain + Co. Events in Tucson, AZ. “They have everything from horseback riding, off road adventures, playing golf at one of our many highly rated courses and hiking one of the natural wonders of the world, to luxury resort experiences and lounging by the pool in the warm sun- shine,” Crain said. “Plus, we have some amazing locations where we can set up all-inclusive glamping experiences which can include glamorous ‘teepee’ accommo- dations, helicopter rides, alfresco dining in the middle of the desert and more. We have everything from the vastness of the Grand Canyon and Havasu Falls, to the red mountains of Sedona, the natural desert of the Saguaro National Forest to even forests and lakes.” Crain + Co. works with corporate and non-profit groups to create incentive and employee appreciation trips, meetings and retreats that include off site excursions and dinners, team- building activities, fundraising galas and more. A couple years back, Crain and her team planned an event where attendees were greeted at arrival with margaritas and welcome packages of local goods and an upbeat Mariachi band. The three-day event included unique and fun team-build- ing activities, hiking and golf activities and an offsite dinner on a working ranch set up in between the glorious saguaros. “The closing night was my favorite where attendees chose their own custom hats and boots (to include iron branding), mechanical bull rides, chef action stations with Southwest- infused cocktails and food, live fire dancers, one of Arizona’s hottest bands and casino tables,” Crain said. “It was definitely a closing night to remember!” Arizona’s 5 Cs: Citrus. Climate. Copper. Cattle. Cotton. Arizona has a vast array of unique offerings — the land- scapes, venues, resorts, restaurants, entertainment and so much more. Rhonda Rush, event producer and founder of Impact Events, an event planning company in Scottsdale, AZ, likes to incorporate Arizona’s 5Cs into their events: Citrus, Climate, Copper, Cattle and Cotton. “Attendees have enjoyed our citrus-infused vodka bar, beer burro and Moscow Mules with personalized copper mugs,” said Rush, who’s celebrating her company’s 20th anniversary in the Arizona event industry. rizona has long been synonymous with iridescent blue skies, teal blue waters, fiery red cliffs, memorable red and orange sunsets and stunning vistas of purple wildflowers draping the rolling hillsides. A haven for artists and adventurers, this dreamscape is brought to life through the wonder of nature. And for those seeking respite from stark, white, winter landscapes, Arizona’s true colors — from Mexican gold poppies, lupine, purple and mustard yellow — have proven to be the idyllic backdrop and quintessential event designation for many associations in search of show-stopping experiences. A DESTINATION UPDATE 40Launched in 2003, Impact Events is a full-service event com- pany. They have a wide variety of clients and always strive to create unique experiences for them in Arizona. “We spend countless hours perfecting their events to ensure a successful outcome. Details matter to us and that’s what makes our events memorable,” she said. Recently, Impact Events orchestrated a multi-day event where they utilized many local destinations, including tour- ing Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, and went on a fun pink jeep tour in Sedona, capping it all off with a five-course din- ner under the stars at the historical El Chorro in the heart of Paradise Valley. Alyssa Belanger, owner of The Event Genies in Scottsdale, AZ, agrees that Arizona truly has it all — from small bou- tique hotels to massive resorts and spas. There are no short- ages of hotels, restaurants and the weather is just perfect for 75% of the year. “It is easy to access the airport and is the perfect meeting point for all businesses,” Belanger said. “There are tons of out- door events throughout the year. Arizona lends itself to day trips and one-of-a-kind experiences such as jeep tours in Sedona, hot air balloon rides, spring training games, wellness classes and much more. Arizona is truly versatile, on the same day, you can be in flagstaff skiing, floating in the pool in Scottsdale and going for a horseback ride. Where else are you able to do this all?” The Event Genies specialize in creating beautiful and unique events. They plan sales meetings, fun and engaging team-building events, galas, fundraisers, trade shows and ribbon-cutting ceremonies. At one recent event, The Event Genies organized a four-day event and tried to incorporate little touches of Arizona throughout the entire meeting. They hosted a dinner at Taliesin West, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark nestled in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scotts- dale, Arizona. “This was an incredible venue with a lot of history and elevated what could have been a basic dinner party into a memorable and meaningful experience,” said Belanger, who also offered three sessions during their breaks so they could get a little taste of the area. Attendees were able to choose between a hike, golfing experience (which Arizona is known for) or a sound bowl session. In her view, this was the perfect combination of ‘all things Arizona.’ Scottsdale Arizona’s landscape is as diverse at the types of meetings being held there. Take Scottsdale, for example. Located in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is a 10-mile commute from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Diverse vegeta- tion, including the much beloved and protected saguaros, outdoor recreation experiences aplenty, and world-class resorts, makes Scottsdale a solid choice for association meet- ings in Arizona. According to Experience Scottsdale, the city’s CVB, there are some fun experiences that can make an association event and meeting truly memorable for attendees. For example, for wine aficionados in the group, Old Town Scottsdale offers the Scottsdale Wine Trail, which consists of six unique tasting rooms in which attendees can enjoy sipping various Arizona wine varieties. In addition, Scottsdale offers many recreational opportu- nities for those attendees who enjoy the great outdoors, like Scottdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which features more than 200 miles of scenic trails to explore. Scottsdale is also teeming with great resorts, hotels and other venues for meetings and events. One favorite resort for gathering is the iconic Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, which is located just outside Scott- sdale. In addition to a wealth of indoor and outdoor venue options, the resort offers a unique respite for meeting and event attendees, thanks in part to its secluded nature and envi- rons. Boulders Resort & Spa also features some very unique outdoor event spaces that celebrate the idyllic landscape that surrounds the resort. Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson features rooftop exec- utive lounges and a 15,000 sf event center. Attendees can sip and socialize while admiring the McDowell Mountains in the hotel’s beautiful bar. Another soon-to-come resort is the new Caesars Republic Scottsdale, Caesars Entertainment’s first non-gaming Caesars- branded hotel in the country. Opening early 2024, the resort will feature a 7,000 sf ballroom with towering sliding glass doors that provide access to expansive outdoor event spaces that allow attendees to get “up close and personal” with the region’s stunning landscape. Of course, you can’t go wrong when orchestrating an event at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. With the Camelback Mountain as a backdrop, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia features 102,000 sf of indoor meet- ing and event space plus an additional 76,793 sf of outdoor space, which is ideal for conventions, association executive meetings, retreats and annual meetings. To incorporate a bit of “fun” in traditional meeting experiences, Omni Scottsdale Resort offers a wealth of team-building events that can make any Scottsdale-based event truly shine. 41 NOVEMBER 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES PHOTO BY ULISES ESCOBAR / VISIT TUCSON Tucson is home to more than 16,000 hotel rooms, with 1,700 in its downtown core alone.Phoenix Phoenix is another great city teeming with resorts and hotels that can accommodate a variety of association gather- ings. Visit Phoenix boasts that from 2015 to 2020, hotel and resort investments in the Greater Phoenix area totaled at least $1.1 billion. In 2020 alone, Phoenix added 17 new hotel proper- ties with more than 1,900 rooms. In addition, the Phoenix Convention Center is a much- celebrated option for many association events thanks in part to its convenient location in the heart of downtown Phoenix. It offers one million sf of meeting and event space, including a 312,500 sf main exhibit hall and a 45,600 sf ballroom. The Global Ambassador is expected to make its debut in Phoenix soon, offering an 18,000 sf rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of Camelback Mountain. The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley is also opening next fall. In addition, many Phoenix properties, as well as venues throughout the state, are trying to differentiate themselves from the competition and offer more amenities to lure meet- ing planners. That’s where green practices come in. From efficient lighting to paperless offices, to utilizing alternative fuel in the transportation of products, resorts and other meet- ing venues are trying to bet- ter accommodate to these earth-sensitive times. And in Arizona, “going green” is much more of a standard, as opposed to an exception. The major- ity of properties in the Southwest understand the value, responsibility and profitability of going green. According to Visit Phoenix, the Phoenix Convention Center is the perfect exam- ple of the region-wide sus- tainability efforts that are underway. The convention center has contributed over 41 tons of compost feed plants in Phoenix’ city parks and has recycled more than 460 tons of material each year. Tucson Tucson is home to El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort. Surrounded by mountain and desert vistas, El Con- quistador Tucson, offers an array of uniquely Southwestern meeting spaces and amenities to enhance attendees’ experi- ence, including a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities to keep attendees refreshed, relaxed and inspired. Located on 100 acres in the Sonoran Desert, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort offers plenty of outdoor event venues to take advantage of the paradise on which the resort resides — some- thing more planners and attendees are requesting. When not at scheduled meetings or events either inside or outside the resort, attendees can enjoy the resort’s two championship golf courses, full-service spa or go hiking on the nearby Ventana Canyon Trail. For association planners looking for expansive options for large-scale events, expos or tradeshows, the Tucson Expo Cen- ter is an ideal option. Strategically located near Tucson Inter- national Airport, the Tucson Expo Center features 155,000 sf of space ready for meetings, special events and conferences. Located on a 17-acre property, the Tucson Expo Center acts as a multi-purpose facility that can accommodate a variety of events or exhibits that can hold from 300 to 30,000 people. Tempe Tempe offers all of the convenience of big city amenities, but with a quieter, off-the-beaten path feel. Ideal for associa- tion events and gatherings of up to 500 people, Tempe has a variety of venue options from which to choose, including mountaintop resorts, urban hotels, a downtown convention center and smaller, more eclectic venues that are ideal for smaller crowds. Just five miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Tempe is exceedingly accessible for travelers from near and far. Making the Most of Arizona Arizona has long been celebrated as having the most beau- tiful desert landscapes, sunsets, resorts and overall weather. As such, meeting planners recommend association planners incorporate Arizona’s beautiful environs into their meeting and event agendas. “We want all of our cli- ents to experience all that Arizona has to offer — from awe-inspiring red rocks of Sedona to the rustic land- scape of Tucson and the number venues and resorts in the heart of Scottsdale,” Rush said. “Impact Events always strives to create fun experiences and countless memories for our client. We want to leave them feel- ing inspired … and return to the desert.” Arizona is not just the “Wild, Wild West.” And it shouldn’t be pigeon- holed as a Southwestern experience. “Don’t look toward us for just horses and cowboys,” Crain said. “Our state offers everything. Nine months of the year we have some of the best weather around the country. One of our cities is ranked as a top UNESCO City of Gastronomy. We have some of the most beautiful iconic nature experiences, art museums, pro sports teams, amazing resorts and cities with urban sophistication. Take advantage of everything Arizona has to offer and truly wow your attendees.” As an event planner with 20 years of experience, Belanger said that what makes Arizona-based events truly shine is cre- ating experiences that are unique and designed around the organization’s core values. “I always ask my clients what their top three non-negotia- bles are and that is where we spend the bulk of their money. Finding what motivates your attendees will help to set you apart from a more traditional meeting,” Belanger said. “I like to keep my clients engaged, entertained and excited about what each day will hold.” Arizona is a first-tier destination so booking hotels one year in advance is recommended. The earlier you book hotel room blocks, the more options you will have. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2023 The Tucson Convention Center includes 233,000 sf of new and refurbished meeting and event space. VISIT TUCSON 42TucsonOnUs.com See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2026 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account. FIND OUT MORE | TucsonOnUs.com WIDE OPEN SPACESDESTINATION UPDATE themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2023 Orlando Making Meetings Memorable By Maura Keller For the past five years, many planners have chosen this vibrant city as their number one U.S. destination. Aside from the theme parks, Orlando is surrounded by incredible natu- ral beauty, from stunning lakes to natural rivers, swamps and national parks that present a beautiful backdrop to maxi- mize an event and make it ‘Instagrammable,’ regardless of size or budget. Jamie O’Donnell, an award-winning event planner and owner of Jamie O’ + Co event company in Orlando, FL, has planned many multi-day conferences that have attendees trav- eling from around the country and internationally to attend. Meeting Spaces In O’Donnell’s experience, Orlando has an array of hotel and meeting space options ranging from budget friendly to luxury properties to fit the needs of any association or group. It is additionally a location that is easy to travel to with mul- tiple flights from most cities not only across the country but the world. Her clients consist of daily group meetings, breakout ses- sions, offsite team-building activities and evening events for a full experience of business and fun during their multi-day stay. “Orlando is also home to great event vendors that can be contracted to support your event and generally easy load-in COURTESY OF VISIT ORLANDO t’s no wonder why Orlando, Florida is such a magnet for meeting and events planners. Its pleasant, sunny weather, blue skies and abundance of amusement parks — including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando — offers endless adventures, dining options, nightlife, golf courses and entertainment, and enough beauty and fun to attract any attendee as they think of all the things they can do once the workday is done. I The Orange County Convention Center 44logistics to achieve the event goals,” O’Donnell said. “It is a destination that has a high desirability for travel for the event attendee and their families, if they are traveling with them, making it an easy choice for groups.” Recently, the team at Jamie O’ + Co planned a multi-day conference at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando with a morning meeting in the ballroom before moving to more specific break- out sessions in the conference center. “We hosed a unique lunch each day and then in the after- noon we broke the group into teams and sent them offsite on a fun team-building experience that would get them outside of the venue and outside of their conference mentality, like with an escape room experience for some fun,” O’Donnell said. “At night, we hosted a themed event with dinner and entertain- ment so they could mingle and enjoy the evening. When they arrived back to their rooms, there was a special themed gift placed in their room by bell ser- vices while they were out so they could look forward to a treat that wrapped up the day, giving them a hint of the next day to come. Daily event agendas and having all transportation planned also helped set the tone and make each day as effortless as possible for the attendees so they could focus on the information of the conference and then enjoy the evening activities each day.” For 40 years, the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) in Orlando has held its signature trade show, The Landscape Show, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). “We are proud to be recognized as one of the few events that has taken place at the convention center every year since it opened in 1983,” said Linda Adams, chief operations offi- cer at FNGLA. “In addition to The Landscape Show, FNGLA has hosted numerous smaller meetings in Orlando, including our annual business meeting, various education meetings and leadership meetings.” Location & Venues In Adams opinion, Orlando’s location in central Florida makes it very convenient for people from across the state to visit. Additionally, Orlando’s International Airport is first rate with thousands of daily flights coming and going from across the nation and internationally. In addition, Brightline’s high speed train can bring in attendees from as far away as Miami. “The leaders of Orlando and Orange County have made proactive efforts to enhance transportation options and effi- ciency in the area,” said Adams. In terms of meeting venues, Adams said Orlando has a wide range of options. The FNGLA appreciates the wide range of hotel brands, including independent brands and the large number of sleeping rooms available in the area. Pricing and services range from high luxury to basic options, which is important to FNGLA’s attendees. “In addition to the convention center, the area has numer- ous unique venues for meeting attendees, including world renowned theme parks, golf courses, water parks, museums, restaurants and clubs, botanical gardens and state-of-the-art cultural facilities,” Adams said. “Our people love the convenience of attending our trade show during the day, which makes it easy to walk to or grab a ride to nearby entertainment venues on I-Drive for special client events. Some of our most popular small meetings for staff and leadership have been at the enclosed golf or bowling facilities which offer food, drinks and a fun sport all in one convenient location.” For Heather Pilcher, CMP, CEO and executive producer of Blue Spark Event Design in Clermont, FL, Orlando is one of the top locations in the country to hold association meetings and events. The caliber of hotels, restaurants, special event vendors, entertainers, theme parks and more is extraordinary. “The plethora of options for a planner in Orlando can accommodate a variety of event meetings and goals,” Pilcher said. “It has so many spectacular options and experiences, that planners can come back multiple years and experience some- thing completely different each time.” Blue Spark Event Design has a variety of clients that travel the country exploring different markets for their annual con- ferences; however, when they hold their event in Orlando, the experience is almost always over the top. “Orlando is where event dreams can be maximized to the fullest. Clients will often say to me, ‘Remember when we held that private event at Universal Orlando? It was the most amaz- ing event,’” Pilcher said. 45 NOVEMBER 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES COURTESY PHOTO One favorite venue among meeting planners is the Orlando World Center Marriott with its 500,000 sf of event space. ORLANDOMEETING.COM All roads—and all routes—lead to Orlando. With direct flights from over 150 cities worldwide, Orlando International Airport is an incredibly accessible hub for air travel. And as the airport continues to expand and modernize in the coming years, it will be simpler than ever for meeting attendees to arrive with ease. WHERE DRAGONS, WIZARDS AND MAJOR AIRLINES ALL FLYMaking Orlando Events Shine To make the most of all that Orlando has to offer, O’Donnell recommends association planners take advantage of the wide array of everything that makes Orlando such an ideal place for events — from unique dining experiences, spa experiences and creative entertainment venues to incredible vendors, team- building and seasoned hospitality service to help plan a full experiential event for your attendees that highlights both busi- ness and enjoyment while they attend. Adams also recommends association meeting and event planners work with Orlando’s conventions and visitor’s bureau, Visit Orlando. Even though FNGLA’s headquarters are located in Orlando and it is Adams’ home town, the team at Visit Orlando keeps her informed on new venues in the area, con- nects her with helpful people and can help fast track pro- cesses when needed. “Also, take advantage of the outdoors while in Orlando, especially for any fall, winter and spring events,” Adams suggested. “Orlando’s nickname is ‘City Beautiful’ and it really is a spe- cial place on most days to enjoy blue skies and a unique landscape, which mixes the woodsy feel of big, leafy tree shade with the bright colors of tropical shrubs and flowers.” Professional planners wanting to hold an asso- ciation event in Orlando, should start their plan- ning process as early as possible. Orlando attracts large city-wide conferences, so the area is always bustling with group business, and if you wait too long, the space you want might already be booked. After book- ing the space, figure out the other details like event design, entertainment, transportation, etc. “Additionally, if you are unfamiliar with the Orlando mar- ket, organize a site visit. There are very distinct areas that are great for groups, including but not limited to International Drive, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Lake Nona and Downtown Orlando,” Pilcher said. “All of these areas have completely different feels and vibes. Go see with your own eyes what is best for your group.” What’s New in Orlando One of the biggest draws to Orlando for association meet- ing and events is the award-winning Orange County Conven- tion Center [OCCC]. Considered to be one of best convention centers in the nation thanks in part to its 2.l million sf of event and exhibition space, the OCCC offers associations and orga- nizations over 480,000 sf of flexible meeting spaces for gather- ings both small and large. Located only 11 miles from Orlando International Airport means that association event attendees can easily convene at the OCCC and enjoy everything the facil- ity has to offer. While the event, exhibit and meeting spaces are awe- inspiring, event attendees can also enjoy some unique ame- nities that make the OCCC truly shine. These include the convention center’s new wellness rooms, offering relaxing areas in which attendees can immerse themselves outside of the hustle and bustle of the activities at the OCCC. In addi- tion, the center’s aeroponic gardens are a true delight and celebrate the center-to-table culinary concept whereby the center’s sustainably grown vegetables and herbs are used within the convention center’s catering services. And in response to the increased option for hybrid meetings and events, the OCCC also introduced its Executive Studio — a state- of-the-art digital broadcast center for hybrid conventions and tradeshows. In addition to the expansive OCCC, Orlando also offers thousands of hotel rooms at a variety of price points, so association meeting planners are bound to find the ideal locale that meets their budgets. One favorite venue among meeting planners is the Orlando World Center Marriott thanks to its 500,000 sf of event space. Centrally located and close to Orlando’s many attractions, the resort is ideal for both smaller and large- scale conferences and events. The Cypress Ballroom can seat 10,000 attendees, while other areas of the resort — both inside and outside — can be relegated for any size group. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2023 Above: The new Conrad Orlando is scheduled to open at the end of the year. Right: JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes completed a multimillion-dollar renovation last year. COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO 48They introduced a Magnolia Event Space with more than 30,000 sf of event space, including outdoor lawn spaces where attendees can delight in Orlando’s stunning tropical environment, both day and night. Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld is another ideal spot to host association meetings and events. It boasts 215,000 sf of event space, which can be customized to fit each orga- nization’s needs. One favorite spot to gather is Renaissance Orlando’s 50,000 sf sunlit atrium, which captures the future of this central Florida locale and brings the outside ‘in.’ Plan- ners can create an event beneath the stars or a tropical oasis feel to their event in the resort’s 20,000 sf of outdoor space. Many association event planners are eager to explore the upcoming Conrad Orlando, which is set to open at the end of the year. Situated on the Evermore Orlando Resort complex, the hotel is also adjacent to an exceptional nature preserve. Expected to be the “go to” resort for all-things meetings and events, Conrad Orlando will feature over 65,000 sf of flex- ible event space. Looking for a fun, private beach for smaller soirees? Or perhaps a lush lawn for afternoon gatherings? Perhaps indoor contemporary venues for large scale events is more in line with what the association is seeking? Whatever the need, Conrad Orlando is going to be outfitted with a beautiful backdrop to catapult today’s meetings and events to the next level. When all the work is completed, Conrad Orlando will offer dedicated motor coach trans- portation between the resort and any of the Orlando theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. If the attendees prefer to relax onsite, Conrad Orlando will be offer- ing beachside watersports, golf courses, and a serene water garden for attendees to enjoy. For another secluded “retreat” option, the well-estab- lished Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate offers a pris- tine escape. Nearly 250,000 sf of meeting and event space is available for association gatherings. The resort also boasts championship golf opportunities, as well as 15 acres of pools, spa and recreation — essentially the best of both worlds of work and leisure. Last year, JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes completed a multimillion-dollar renovation to its property’s offerings. In addition to more than 144,000 sf of meeting and event space, the resort boasts a world class waterpark, renovated guest rooms, new executive family suites and a redesigned lounge in the resort’s lobby area. Orlando is without a doubt a beautiful destination that offers a wide range of creative resources to help planners transform their meetings and events. With stunning and unique backdrops not easily found anywhere else in the U.S., planners can offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that their attendees will be talking about for years to come. | AC&F | NOVEMBER 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Caribe Royale Orlando recently completed a $140-million transformation. Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate offers a pristine escape with nearly 250,000 sf of meeting and event space available for association gatherings. Heather Pilcher, CMP, CEO, executive producer Blue Spark Event Design If you are unfamiliar with the Orlando market, organize a site visit. There are very distinct areas that are great for groups. COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO 49Next >