< PreviousOmni Tucson National Resort last spring for an annual sales meeting. Mayes says her company goes into the office when needed for meetings, etc., but emphasizes that her team does not hesitate to travel these days. She says Tucson is always a good fit for the company’s spring meeting thanks to the climate, and the Omni’s indoor and outdoor spaces meet her group’s needs. “The meeting space, the rooms, the outdoor space, the beauty of the space, the graciousness of the staff — all played a role in choos- ing this hotel,” she says. “The staff is the most gracious I’ve ever worked with.” Mayes says she’d definitely meet at the Omni again. To planners considering Tucson, she says, “Use this hotel. It’s in a great location, it has great rooms for meetings, excellent ser- vice and is absolutely lovely with helpful, gracious staffing.” Watch company Citizen held a national sales confer- ence for 180 in Tucson in late spring. Heidi Gerritt, senior vice president, sales operations, notes the com- pany is proceeding with its meetings in the same manner as pre-COVID-19, “except for scaling back attendees that we can have virtually attend meetings.” Gerritt says Citizen is at pre-pandemic levels as an organization, but notes, “We hold many hybrid meetings for those who work from home and those in the office.” About Tucson, Gerritt says, “The destination fits our needs for cost, weather and location,” and she calls the CVB “very knowledge- able in directing us for events and suggestions.” For the spring meeting, the group was based at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, and Gerritt calls the staff there “outstanding,” but says they chose another venue for their next event. “Our Tucson meet- ing [this year] will be at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. It’s clean and up-to-date with great pricing. The services, staff and cleanliness of the hotel made the decision for us to hold our next meeting there.” She advises planners to do their homework and arrange a site visit. “A site visit is critical to ensure that expec- tations are met.” Caterpillar Inc. met at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa in mid-fall with about 250 attendees. Angela Baer, CMP, CMM, says her meetings are back to normal, fully in person and exceeding pre-pandemic levels. “Hybrid can be very expensive depending on the type of show, so those are rare, and everyone is very sick of virtual. Everyone,” she adds, “wants to travel.” About the JW Marriott, Baer says, “This property is really good as their ballroom space cannot be beat in Tucson, and the resort offers ease of getting to and from the airport. On top of that, the food is excellent, and the staff is excellent, too.” Baer adds that the sales staff is willing to work with her when necessary, “and that’s a big deal in terms of my con- tracting somewhere. I always want to work with people … not properties.” Although she didn’t utilize Visit Tucson for this meeting, Baer says she has worked with the CVB in the past, and calls the staff “really responsive and knowledgeable.” She has high praise for the JW Marriott staff as well. “All the staff here — front desk, banquet, sales, CSMs, accounting, all the people in the restaurants and bars — are super great to work with and so very nice. They often remember us from event to event, sometimes years apart, and that’s a huge draw. Again, I like to work with people, not proper- ties if I can. Starr Pass is a great example of that. I work mostly with [their] director of group sales, and she’s amazing. We can be honest with each other, and we know what’s a firm yes or no and what has some wiggle room. These are things that come over time with a property and are priceless to planners. I have great relationships with some of the CSMs and even some in the front office doing reservations. They just understand more than most what we all go through and how best to help.” To create a successful meeting, Baer says it’s important to be honest with hotel staff, including those at JW Starr Pass Tucson. “Be honest — they will truly work with you to the best of their ability if they know what you really need or want. There’s no need to ‘pad’ anything here as they really understand what planners are looking for and how to present them in the best light. They want you to win as they win, too.” Omni Tucson National Resort is undergoing a multimil- lion-dollar renovation, with completion slated for early this year. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort completed a renova- tion of its F&B outlets, and Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort wrapped up a multiyear renovation and expansion that added 40 new guest rooms. Due to open early this year is The Leo Kent Hotel, Tuc- son, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel downtown, and The Eddy Hotel Tucson, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a boutique Courtesy Photo JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa checked all the boxes — F&B, the variety of meeting spaces and amenities — for Caterpillar Inc.’s recent event. 38 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.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.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.property in the foothills. Wine-centric The Citizen Hotel Tucson opened last year and features a 5,000-sf tasting room. Scottsdale Rachel Sacco, president & CEO of Experience Scottsdale, says meetings are back, but there are also challenges. “In many ways, Scottsdale’s meetings landscape has returned to form, with our hotels and resorts playing host to groups of all varieties and sizes. However,” she cautions, “the entire industry is likely to see challenges with availability and pric- ing in 2023 due to strong leisure demand and inflation, but Experience Scottsdale is prepared to help planners navigate any challenges ahead.” Jeff Welger, director, meetings and events, with a New Jer- sey-based organization, set a small meeting at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch last fall. Since the pandemic, Welger says, some aspects of choosing destina- tions and venues have changed. “We consider locations that allow for direct flights or no more than one air transfer. Addi- tionally, we look for properties that have a larger space and more space options so the group can spread out more than average. We also seek venues that have outdoor/open-air space(s) to hold events if desired and weather permitting.” The group currently meets fully in person, though Wel- ger says they’ve had a few virtual meetings for events that were shorter in duration with less interactive content. He doesn’t think hybrid meetings provide the same experience for virtual and in-person participants, so those are not part of the repertoire; however, in-person meetings are sometimes recorded for on-demand viewing. And though he saw some hesitancy to travel in late 2021 and early 2022, he’s not seeing much hesitation to attend in-person events now. As for Scottsdale’s attributes, Welger says it’s a good loca- tion for groups looking for a blend of business, networking and social activities. “Airlift is good, the destination is well- liked and well-received by attendees and the choice of venue options is plentiful. Also, hotel options align with the varied requests for resort, traditional, mid-century modern and even newer/contemporary. Equally, the location allows for varied group activities and experiences from the more tra- ditional golf and spa to alternative options like wine tasting, hiking, off-roading, etc.” In the initial selection and planning process, Welger worked with Experience Scottsdale, which he calls “an invaluable asset with the wealth of knowledge of the area, options and partnerships. Experience Scottsdale is my go-to team whenever doing an event or program in Scottsdale.” The recent meeting wasn’t the first at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, which Welger attributes to a combination of fac- tors, including past positive experiences and the resort’s variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. “We were able to hold two evening events outdoors in different locations on prop- erty, and when planning the meetings, we had over six out- door options to choose from.” Welger’s group was also offered a larger space than would be typical for a group of that size. “They understood our request for a larger space and were willing to accommodate us; they listened to our needs,” Welger says. Additionally, “The property was an acceptable distance from the airport and had a variety of activities and amenities for attendees to take advantage of — golf, spa, multiple pools and relax- ation spaces — as well as varied on-property out- lets for F&B. We will definitely consider the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort for future events.” Welger says one Hyatt staffer who stood out was the senior event planning manager. “She was my contact for planning and on-site for the program. She’s excellent at listening to and assessing the needs of the group, and often provided proactive suggestions on ways to best manage the program,” he says. “An example of her engagement and dedication was exemplified in the welcome amenity she selected for me. During my planning visit, we had the opportunity to get to know one another over lunch. We discussed a special connection I have to the Olympics and Paralympics and how we had a combined unique connection to the Broadway show, “Wicked.” He continues, “For my welcome amenity, she asked the chef to prepare two large JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa offers two competitive, championship golf courses. Courtesy Photo 40 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com We’re proud to be a diverse people with so much to offer, and that permeates the moment business travelers step off the plane. DANNY T. Principal Creative Imagine Events DMCcookies with the Olympic rings on them and paired that with a ‘private label’ beverage for which she crafted the label to reference the drink based on “Wicked.” Not only was the effort so very appreciated, it demonstrated how dedicated she is to knowing her clients and making sure they have a unique, special and memorable experience.” Welger calls Scottsdale an excellent option for meetings regardless of size, industry, focus and/or attendee profile. “It truly has options for everyone that will be well-received and enjoyed. There are many choices, and I encourage everyone to include the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale in that process.” The 119 new luxury suites of Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a boutique hotel within a hotel, will have a grand opening early this year. Hilton North Scotts- dale at Cavasson recently opened with 237 guest rooms and a 15,000-sf event center, while The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie is slated to open in the fall with 215 guest accommodations. A first for Ritz-Carlton, this resort will feature ionized air throughout, part of a health and safety system designed to eliminate over 95% of airborne viruses and bacteria within 60 minutes. The resort is within the $2 billion Palmeraie community. In early 2024, Caesars will open its first non-gaming property in the U.S., Caesars Republic Scottsdale, with 256 rooms. Additionally, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa Montelucia and The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch will undergo extensive reno- vations and upgrades to be completed in this year. Mesa Like everywhere else, things in Mesa changed during the pandemic, but are now shifting back. “The first market segments to recover after the pandemic were sports and lei- sure, core groups for Mesa visitation, meaning the normal pre-pandemic stay patterns shifted from strong weekday occupancy to Thursday to Sunday,” says Dávid Kolozár, director, national sales for Visit Mesa. “We’re now seeing the pattern normalizing back to Monday to Friday driven by the return of group meetings and individual business travel.” Overall, he adds, “year-over-year occupancy is up 3.5% and average daily rate is up 7.5%.” The newest addition to Mesa is expansive Bell Bank Park, a 320-acre complex geared for youth and amateur sports, com- munity activities, events, concerts, tournaments and more. The facility, which opened a year ago, is a terrific spot for team- building programs or other group activities across the 2.7-acre Great Lawn. It also has a multipurpose arena, and many spaces within the complex are available for group events. Phoenix Ron Price, CDME, president & CEO of Visit Phoenix, points to phenomenal growth in the Greater Phoenix area as an indicator of market strength. “Since March 2020, the Greater Phoenix area welcomed more than 30 new hotel properties with over 3,000 rooms. In the next three years, more than 14,000 hotel rooms will enter the market, with brands including The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie; The Global Ambassador hotel; Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU and VAI Resort, all bringing elevated stays and ameni- ties for group business.” Renovations are completed or underway at several prop- erties. Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass just doubled the hotel’s capacity and added amenities, including a massive pool area and revamped guest rooms. JW Marri- ott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa completed phase 1 of a renovation that focused on enhancements to guest rooms, suites and the lobby, as well as a new restaurant. The next phase wraps this year. Footprint Center, home of the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns and Women’s National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Mercury, completed a $230 million renovation with nearly 70,000 sf of new space available for groups. Recently opened venues include Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field, a 10,000-sf, multilevel venue that includes a VIP Sports Lounge reservable by groups. Warehouse 215, a venue in the city’s Warehouse District, held a huge launch party in early fall to unveil its updates and renovations. Also, multiple new food and beverage outlets have recently opened in Phoenix. Late this year, the aforementioned VAI Resort will open as the largest resort in Arizona, with 1,050 guest rooms, a Mattel Adventure Park, 20 dining venues, a massive artificial island surrounded by “Caribbean-style waters” and a 20,000- sf spa, among other amenities. Wherever you meet in Arizona, the weather is bound to be sunny and the options many, from upscale restaurants and compelling venues, to one-of-a-kind attractions and hotels with spectacular outdoor spaces. That makes setting a meet- ing in Arizona an easy decision. C&IT Photo by Casey Olson / Visit Mesa Arizona’s natural beauty runs the gamut from the Grand Canyon to wild horses taking a dip in the Salt River. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2023 41Northern Lights When the self-contained universe of Resorts World Las Vegas first sprang to life in late 2021, it reinvigorated the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, bringing back some of the excitement that must have been felt when the El Rancho Vegas, the first resort on the Strip, opened 80 years earlier. As the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Author- ity’s Las Vegas News Bureau celebrated its 75th anniver- sary in 2022, it encouraged visitors to look back to those first heady days. The property the El Rancho was sited on changed hands frequently over the years — Howard Hughes owned it at one point, as did MGM Resorts — and today the Las Vegas Festival Grounds sits on-site. Like the original El Rancho, Resorts World is not a reimagining of a previous failed hotel, but a new build. The 88 acres include three different hotels — the 1,774- room Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World; the 1,496- room Conrad Las Vegas and the 236-room Crockfords Las Vegas — as well as 250,000 sf of meeting and event space. The resort is closest to the Las Vegas Convention Las Vegas & RENO Las Vegas Looks Back at Its Storied History to Forge Ahead BY SARA CHURCHVILLE L as Vegas leans in to the luxe and the luck with a slew of glam, posh and extravagant options for corporate groups, even as its history continues to inspire. Courtesy Photo 42 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com DESTINATION REPORT Center’s West Hall, and a ride on the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop gives attendees an option for reaching the oth- erwise somewhat remote North and South halls. Crockfords’ top-tier suite’s 7,000 sf include a grand foyer, dining room, movie theater, billiards room and four bed- rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The terrace includes a pool, and the outdoor space has a spa, gardens and an outdoor kitchen and dining area. And of course, floor-to-ceiling win- dows look out over the Strip. The resort’s Famous Foods Street Eats features 17 options, including the Texas-based Blood Bros. BBQ. Intriguingly, it’s also home to a speakeasy, the Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den. The only clue to the speakeasy’s existence is a golden lucky cat sitting atop what otherwise appears to be shelving. Miami on the Strip Having secured a $2.2 billion construction loan just before the holidays, the new 67-story, 3,700-room Fontaine- bleau Las Vegas now confidently expects to be ready to wel- come attendees late this year on the 25 acres that once held the El Rancho. Four miles from the airport and a block from the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Fontainebleau fol- lows in the Las Vegas tradition of bringing Art Deco/Miami Beach to the Strip. The Fontainebleau will add yet another whopping 550,000 sf meeting space, of which 105,000 sf is a pillar-less ballroom. Outdoors, only the palm trees dotting the 25,900- sf Meridien Garden with water wall will suggest Miami Beach; otherwise, the building is shimmering glass and steel. A 90,000-sf theater and 90,000-sf shopping district are also planned. Looking Back, Looking Forward Fans of actor Warren Beatty know that the first luxury property on the Strip, the 105-room Flamingo Hotel & Casino, was developed by mobster Bugsy Siegel, who Beatty portrayed in the movie “Bugsy.” Complications with financing The Flamingo would ultimately lead to Bugsy’s pre- mature demise. The Flamingo would go on and change hands and its look often in the ensuing years. Bugsy would likely not recognize the hotel he developed, but the name persists. Current owner Caesars Entertainment toyed with the idea of selling last year, but for now, Caesars continues to carry on its legacy at the Flamingo and at the other properties the company owns or manages. As for what’s new, the man who introduced a grateful nation to the pleasures of the Cronut and the Cookie Shot and brought the Galette des Rois, or King’s Cake, tradition to New York has made his way to Las Vegas. Dominique Ansel Las Vegas at Cae- sars Palace opened in mid-fall, offering not only Ansel’s signa- ture treats, but a pastry series only available here. The unique collection of pastries is called “Lucky 7” and plays on the idea of good luck charms: Lucky Penny Pig, Ladybug, Goldfish, Four- Leaf Clover, Fortune Cookie, Feather and Evil Eye Éclair. The pastries not only look like actual charms, but include unex- pected gastronomic surprises. Stanton Social Prime, a steakhouse transplant from New York, where it has closed, is set to be resurrected in Caesars Palace, where it will join fellow New York legend Peter Luger Steak House, both set to open this year. The new entrants will join the existing Mr. Chow, Gordon Ramsey Hell’s Kitchen, Nobu and the Las Vegas outpost of MICHELIN-starred Chef Guy Savoy’s eponymous restaurant. Early in 2022, Caesars Palace Las Vegas unveiled its bottom-up redesign of the main entrance, complete with mosaic tiling, a new domed ceiling, and a 15-foot statue of Augustus Caesar, first Roman emperor and heir to the estate of the famously betrayed Julius. Luxury Within Reach “How do we support and put together a great event? With buses from seven different hotels? No, luxury properties in close proximity,” says Stephanie Glanzer, CMP, chief sales officer & senior vice president, MGM Resorts International. The Luxury Meetings District by MGM Resorts is a campus of meeting spaces, and luxury hotel rooms and venues, able to accommodate groups up to 15,000 attendees: ARIA Resort & Casino, Bellagio Las Vegas, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Park MGM and Dolby Live at Park MGM, NoMad Las Vegas, T-Mobile Arena, The Park and, added last year, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “It’s perfect for dinearounds,” Glanzer says. “As many as 300 can stay under one roof and do appetizers, a main course and dessert at three different places. We can brand the group along the walkway so they feel they own that space.” A six-minute stroll from the Park MGM is BrewDog Las Vegas, the newly opened rooftop bar, restaurant and microbrewery that recently opened with 360-degree views of the Strip, 96 taps and arcade games. The 30,000- sf fourth-floor rooftop bar beckons visitors with a 30-foot illuminated sign. Pictured: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, facing page, and the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall. Courtesy of LVCVA TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2023 43MANDALAY BAY CONVENTION CENTER TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES, DYNAMIC DIGITAL SIGNAGE AND A FRESH, NEW DESIGN ARE PART OF THE $100 MILLION REMODEL OF MANDALAY BAY’S 2.1 MILLION- SQUARE-FOOT CONVENTION CENTER. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT, VISIT MANDALAYBAY.COM IS WHERE WE INVEST IN THE FUTURE.Keeping up Appearances When the $15 million Tropi- cana Las Vegas opened in 1957, it was the most expensive build on the Strip. As of early fall, Bally’s Corporation owns the 1,467-room hotel, which is now part of the DoubleTree by Hil- ton Hotel portfolio. Talk has circulated of a possible stadium for Major League Baseball’s Oakland A’s to be erected on the property. But so far this year, nothing has been decided, and it’s business as usual. “We continue to have great options for our groups when they are not in the meeting spaces, and those include favor- ites like Robert Irvine’s Public House, Red Lotus Asian Kitchen and, of course, Oakville Tuscan Grill. All of these venues have seen seasonal menu changes to keep the options fresh for our customers,” says Gavin Mealiffe, vice president of sales at Tropicana Las Vegas. “There is no doubt we are seeing groups look at nontra- ditional spaces for some breakouts or meal functions to ‘mix up’ the flow of their events, and we certainly love this idea as it allows them to experience more on property,” Mealiffe says. “Some examples of this include utilizing the theater for short general sessions or presentations during the day, or even meetings in restaurant spaces combined with meals. We also offer some inspiring spaces, such as the Havana Room or other outdoor spaces like The Terrace that have a view of the Las Vegas Strip to spark creativity.” The 12,000-sf Havana Room can accommodate up to 300 seated attendees and 800 standing. New to the Strip After the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the second highly anticipated opening of this year is the MSG Sphere at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Envisioned by the group behind New York City’s Madison Square Garden, the entertainment venue will be 336 feet tall and 516 feet wide — the world’s largest sphere — and will hold up to 20,000 attendees. The venue features a 160,000-sf, 170 million-pixel LED screen. MSG Sphere Studios will allow filmmakers and artists to create immersive experiences. The UK pub-themed Flight Club Las Vegas has opened in the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. At 16,000 sf, it features 20 spots for dart play- ing along with dining. The Venetian offers 2.25 million square feet of meeting and convention space, as well as 3,016 suites in The Venetian Tower; 1,013 suites in Venezia Tower and 3,064 palatial suites in The Palazzo Tower. Its dozens of eateries include: Bouchon Bistro, offering French bistro classics such as steak frites, roasted chicken, leg of lamb and delicious desserts from two-time James Beard Award-winner Thomas Keller; Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, which offers American burgers featuring 12 distinctly different burger options, salads, wings, sandwiches and newly added vegan options; BRERA osteria, offering Italian cuisine featuring homemade pastas, wood oven-baked breads, cured meats, olive oils and mouthwatering mozzarella; and CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the award-winning, super-chic Beverly Hills steakhouse from master chef Wolfgang Puck. MGM is investing $100 million into Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, to be completed in 2024. The upgrade includes refreshing and updating the technology, soft goods and light- ing of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Renovated Reno With its more than 200,000 sf of event space and 1,989 guest rooms and suites, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino is on track to renovate more than 600 rooms as part of a $55 million upgrade. Recently opened is the Philadelphia- based sports bar Chickie’s & Pete’s, which seats 260. Lest anyone doubt its Philly bona fides, for opening month, the venue offered a Grand Opening Burger composed of lobster, bacon, the bar’s signature Crabfries, cheese sauce, American cheese, chipotle aioli, friend onions and lettuce on a brioche bun. The obligatory cheese steak is also on offer, albeit in the form of nachos. Sports fans among attendees can watch events on a 45-foot-wide viewing wall. Also just recently, the 170-room Element Reno Experi- ence District welcomed its first guests. The space includes Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, offers the 12,000-sf Havana Room, which can handle up to 300 seated attendees and 800 standing. Park MGM is part of MGM Resorts International’s Luxury Meetings District, which can accommodate groups of up to 15,000 attendees. Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo 46 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com TropLV.com | 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South | 1.888.810.8767 | 1.702.739.2581 | Sales@TropLV.com Facebook.com/TropLV@TropLV@TropLVFacebook.com/TropLV@TropLV@TropLV TropLV.com 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South 1.888.810.8767 1.702.739.2581 Sales@TropLV.comNext >