< Previousto be informed by the planners what is required for the particular meeting they are attending. While the pandemic may have halted in- person meetings and events for several months in the early phases, the technology needed for current meetings continued full-speed ahead both then and now. As Beaulieu explains, technology is an ever-changing and very fluid aspect of meet- ings, as well as crucial component of any meeting or event. “Organizations will continue to adopt new technologies and should continue to study and learn about emerging technologies that enhance the attendee experience,” Beaulieu said. “This could include tools for virtual net- working, interactive presentations and aug- mented reality. Before the pandemic, I think many knew that meetings needed a bit of an overhaul, but the pandemic really forced many organizations to rethink the traditional format of events. As a result, there is a more creative and innovative approach being adapted regarding event format and education, such as shorter, more focused sessions, more interactive formats and more diverse speaker lineups.” McArdle also points out that meeting planners have had to create truly compelling in-person events in order to combat the reasons potential attendees might opt to stay home. Between travel costs, time away from their work and pandemic-born inertia, there are a lot of barriers to fight against. “Once attendees are back in person, they seem to remem- ber how valuable and irrep- licable that experience is,” McArdle said. “The meeting planner’s imperative is to create programming, both hard and soft that cannot be replicated online and feels unmissable to its audience. Driving meaningful connec- tions has always been a key piece of what meeting plan- ners do although it is not our most critical task.” She is also seeing meet- ing planners remaining cau- tious on contract commitments and guarantees. As McAr- dle explains, planners are looking for terms that protect their organization. “Many events are occurring for the first time since the pandemic and planners can’t rely as heavily on the group’s history,” McArdle said. “Some events are limiting in-person attendance and using hybrid and on-demand technologies to reach other attendees. For those in-person gatherings, planners are requesting more space for continued social distancing.” Nicole Roames, CMP, CGMP, DES and senior manager of meetings and events at the National Council of Architec- tural Registration Boards in Washington D.C., admits that she’s never been this busy. “Meetings have returned with a vengeance and attendees are engaged and looking for high-quality events,” Roames said. “I am seeing a lot more engagement instead of lecture sessions. Crowdsourcing information, panel discussions, small groups at tables are all being represented more than they have in the past.” While event planners have always been flexible, that word itself has changed to include more responsibility. “We have to expand cancellation policies and handle hotel demands as they recover and deal with a hybrid environ- ment that wasn’t there before,” Roames said. Embracing Challenge While it has been three years since the pandemic took hold of the world, the meetings and events indus- try has faced and embraced a wealth of challenges. “I think raising costs is a big one,” Beaulieu said. “Often times, this doesn’t go hand in hand with an increase in budget. Therefore, thinking of creative and cost-saving solutions is vital. Another can be time. More time is needed to plan an event. Venues are booked far in advance and it can be almost impossible to find a venue last minute. Plan well in advance to ensure all your goals and objectives can be achieved.” Courtesy of David VanderSloot David VanderSloot who is the director of conference planning and hospitality at Grand Valley State University believes that both in-person and hybrid meetings are both going to be utilized. 20 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Meetings have returned with a vengeance and attendees are engaged and looking for high- quality events. NICOLE ROAMES, CMP, CGMP, DES Senior Manager of Meetings and Events, National Council of Architectural Registration BoardsMcArdle adds that the virtual options proliferated during the height of the pandemic made it very easy for audiences to get conference content on their own terms. The key that drives in-person attendance is messaging, programming and experiences onsite that are memorable and irreplicable. Attendance numbers are still challenging most meeting planners. “Depending on the program and content, such as rela- tionship-based objectives, in-person learning may be the best option,” VanderSloot said. “Planners who offer a hybrid option must determine the impact this will have on the event.” Does the presenter have the skill necessary to keep remote participants engaged, and is the right supporting technology available? “It’s important to provide the best possible experience for all attendees,” VanderSloot said. “That’s why plan- ners are now more creative with spaces and functions with regard to distancing. Program design, safety mea- sures and attendee protocols can all be developed to maximize attendee comfort. “As the meeting and events industry recovers, planners are finding supplier costs have increased, adding yet another chal- lenge to the return to in-person learning,” VanderSloot said. Staffing also remains a signifi- cant challenge for hotels and ven- ues. Singh and the team at New York City Tourism + Conventions often step in to serve as the client’s resource and connection point. “Availability remains an issue for companies who require a sub- stantial amount of meeting space, Singh said. “In response, we encour- age clients to expand their book- ing windows and check availabil- ity further out.” Pressing On Beaulieu said meetings will continue to evolve, as they should and always have. New technologies, new demands from attendees and new industry sectors will force contin- ued change, which is a good thing. “I believe technology will continue to play an elevated role in meetings and live events, and in ways, I probably couldn’t even imagine,” Beaulieu said. Roames doesn’t think that the demand for hybrid meet- ings will go away although it will take on a different face; the demand for virtual access of some sort will remain. “I think the pace of meetings will level out because we are still playing ‘catch-up’ with meetings that should have happened during the early years of the pan- demic,” Roames said. McArdle stresses that corporate meeting planners will continue their need to evolve to make sure meetings are inclusive and accessible to all audiences, regardless of bud- get, location and travel capabilities. “My hope is that virtual programming will be seen as a supplement to in-person meetings rather than a substi- tute,” she said. Clients often tell Singh that nothing will ever truly replace in-person meetings, however, many acknowledge that virtual and hybrid will be a complementary part of their program in the future. “The ability to offer a remote option for attendees remains a big draw and value,” Singh said. “And, because our hotels and meeting venues can provide world-class technology ser- vices and amenities, New York City continues to be well posi- tioned as a destination of choice.” Overall, meeting and event professionals agree that the industry will continue to be important and meaningful. As VanderSloot explained, the pandemic propelled the indus- try toward new technologies, and in doing so, expanded the reach of meeting and events. “Regardless of format, the goal remains to ensure meet- ings and events are memorable, that they build connections and provide an effective learning environment,” Vander- Sloot said. “The use of virtual technologies will increasingly be a part of future meetings and events. As new technolo- gies evolve, we can expect better meeting experiences for remote learners. Whether in-person, hybrid or fully remote, the attendee experience is what determines an event’s success.” C&IT Courtesy of Alyssa McArdle Creative sessions, like this impromptu beach workshop at the Global Cash meeting in La Jolla, keep energy up and attendees engaged. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 21“… It stands to reason that if an organization desires a more inclusive culture — and leaders want to model inclusion — then meetings are the place to start.” — Harvard Business Review article D EI, DEAI, EDI. You may see these letters arranged in a variety of ways, but they always mean the same thing: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. When applied to meetings, they represent the goal of creating events and environments in which everyone feels welcomed – every race, ethnicity, gender, pronoun and ability or disability. It’s a tall order. So where to start? Elaiza Shepherd, founder & lead planner at Elevate in Minneapolis, MN, and chair of MPI’s EDI Committee, pointed out that DEI is always evolving so there will always be new things to learn and understand. “A good way for planners to start is to keep an open mind and ask questions,” she said. “Get to know your audience by asking questions. Beyond that, planners should introduce DEI into the planning process not just through content, but as a whole.” For one thing, planners can choose vendors and other partners from organizations that are themselves inclusive. “It can be as simple as asking them for their EDI state- ment,” Shepherd said. “Becoming attuned to DEI is a big- picture project, especially when it comes to accessibility. Don’t just think about what you see and the physical aspect. Include physical and non-physical aspects of accessibility.” One resource she highly recommends is Google’s most recent launch of the Neu Project Focus, the stated goal of which is, “to make the world more welcoming and produc- tive for neurodivergent communities” and “to amplify exist- ing methods while encouraging new practical approaches to inclusion.” Specifically related to meetings, it includes “An Event Professional’s Guide to NeuroInclusion.” Adam Campfield is a senior accessibility manager with a Fortune 50 company in Denver, CO. Visually impaired since childhood and working in a company with many meetings each year, Campfield has a clear understanding of how meet- ing planners can best meet the needs of ability-challenged attendees. Echoing Shepherd, he said that it’s crucial for planners to know their audience. “The first step, more like step zero, is identifying the type of meeting, as that will shape everything else that needs to be considered for accessibility,” he said. “There are many more online meetings, and the accommodations for those are dif- ferent from in person meeting, which in turn has different requirements than a one-off conference auditorium-style event. Only after this comes the next, equally critical piece, which is knowing the audience. What one might prepare for a small group of close teammates may differ from preparing for a large group composed of multiple teams.” Campfield said there are a host of resources for differ- The Importance of DEI BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Inclusivity Begins With Education 22 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com INDUSTRY INSIGHTent types of events and audiences, as well as general consid- erations, depending on the audience and event. If there are presentation materials, for example, such as documents or slides, these should be provided in an accessible format to participants in advance of the event. Microsoft and Google, among others, provide information on creating accessible slide presentations and documents. “The significance of providing these materials is due to the fact that reading and also listening, unless the words are one to one, creates increased cognitive load, meaning participants will absorb neither as well as when the two are separate,” he said. “In fact, some people cannot process written text while there is audio stimulation or vice versa. People who use screen readers can find it trying to follow along with a presentation live, and even more challenging as they then have a computer talking and a presenter speaking at the same time.” Bring Yourself To Light He said that it may also be helpful for speakers and pre- senters to describe themselves. “This point is still somewhat controversial, but having speakers give a physical description of themselves can be helpful for people who are visually impaired,” Campfield said. “If planners choose to have this as an option, Camp- field recommends that descriptions be short and objective. Some people will describe what’s in their video background or the clothes they’re wearing. Unless that information is relevant to the presentation, or someone is wearing a humorous T-shirt, the extra info is probably not helpful. It’s better to use more permanent descriptors, such as, ‘I am a Caucasian male with sandy hair and hazel eyes,’ or ‘I am a short female with dark hair, light brown skin and sparkly purple glasses.’” Beyond that, he also has these recommendations: • Ensure there are captions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. • Preferably, especially for presentations, ensure there is a qualified sign language interpreter. • Ensure speakers describe presented images so peo- ple who cannot see the image can follow along. This includes adding an alternative description in any dis- tributed materials. • If there is prerecorded video, it should have closed captions and audio description. As a fallback, presenters should describe the relevant video content themselves. • Consider electronic copies of materials as they allow users to adapt those materials to their own needs with their preferred assistive technology. • Provide any physical handouts in braille and large print. To save on printing, some vendors can print large print and braille on the same page or use the large print for all attendees. Campfield said it’s also important for planners to care- fully inspect hotels and venues personally. “There can be a lot of variances in knowledge and pre- paredness,” he said. “At the least, the planner should speak to someone at the venue and ask pointed questions such as these below. If no one can answer them, that’s a red flag.” Questions dealing with DEI special access: • If someone is arriving by public transport or by car service, how close would the drop-off be to the entrance of the venue? Someone who is visually impaired may have a challenging time if they can’t be dropped off close to the entrance, for example locat- ing an unfamiliar building on a campus. • Are there braille or tactile signs for rooms? • Are there staff present who can assist those who may need guidance to locate specific areas? • Are there wayfinding solutions, such as indoor GPS mapping available for visitors? • Are there wheelchair-accessible doors and/or elevators? When it comes to contracting with hotels, convention centers and other venues with DEI in mind, Campfield said the biggest issue is simply lack of knowledge. “I find many people are willing to be helpful but don’t possess the knowhow to implement accessibility,” Campfield Having to walk around or fill out information on printed paper can be challenging to some with disabilities, said Adam Campfield, senior accessibility manager with a Fortune 50 company in Denver, CO. Photo by Jhane Hoang TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 23said. “Quite often, physical spaces will be accessible for wheelchairs or other mobility device users, at least in theory, because of legal regulations. Less often are venues constructed in a way to be easily navigated by someone who is unable to see signage. Providing accessible materials or a sign language interpreter helps, however, typically these services have to be contracted separately for the event.” Looking back at his own experi- ences, he gives examples of the chal- lenges he has faced, such as difficulty finding the meeting location, which is on the top of the list. “If one can’t see signs, only know- ing a building or even the floor of a building can still mean a great deal of extra time trying to locate an unfa- miliar place,” he said. “Add to that the presenters who refer to visual con- tent without describing said content, such as ‘As you can see here…’” Live drawing or whiteboarding style activities are a challenge for visually impaired attendees. “Not only for lack of description,” Campfield noted, “but the medium is very visual, making participation for someone who is blind awkward to impossible. “Activities requiring filling out information on printed paper and activi- ties that require getting up, moving around or finding groups are additional challenges.” DEI Tips For Planners Anyone who has ever attended a meeting can relate to these normal conference activities and situations, but few think about them in the context of a fellow attendee with visual impairment. Perhaps as DEI becomes more of a stan- dard focus, everyone will start to look differently at even the smallest, seemingly inconsequential things. Campfield offers a few final tips for planners as they work on their next meeting. • Practice inclusion by including description informa- tion, accessible materials and captions as often as possible. This will help make it habit and help others realize that, perhaps, they should do the same. • Never assume ability. If you conduct yourself without assuming everyone can see, hear, walk, stand, move their arms or speak, you will be most likely to include the majority of people. • Ensure participants in any event are aware in advance of a mechanism to request accommodations, such as accessible materials, to help navigate a location or interpretation. “If there is insufficient time or resources to make every other best practice happen, at least make participants aware of how to let the organizer know they need something so it can be pro- vided on an individual level,” he said. “That will go a long way.” In addition to DEI-specific resources and materials, planners have a resource they most likely already know about that can provide a great deal of help: The CVB in the destination where they are meeting. CVB staff know their local commu- nities and know venues and vendors who meet and/or are aligned with diversity and inclusion goals. Gregg Caren understands the value of diversity and inclusion as President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHL- CVB), which has been focused on diversity for years. “We recognize and celebrate the differences that make us unique,” Caren said. Each member of our team comes to the table with a different background, race, sexual identity and orientation. Each brings their unique perspective to the PHLCVB to help create an inclusive environment. When staff members feel accepted and included in company culture, they can be more successful and flourish.” Caren is also co-chair of the upcoming Tourism & Diversity Matters DEI Conference called The Collective Experience. Integrated DEI The importance of DEI, Caren said, extends to conven- tions and meetings, too. “We believe DEI can and should be integrated into all fac- ets of a meeting or convention,” he continued. “We work to support the diversity, equity and inclusion of meetings and events through our business division, PHL Diversity. PHL Diversity connects event organizers with resources, busi- nesses, suppliers and community leaders to support their DEI objectives in Philadelphia. From providing local experts who can serve as keynote speakers to nonprofit groups for community engagement opportunities, and diverse vendors and businesses who can supply anything a group needs, the PHLCVB works to help foster these connections that benefit our events and local stakeholders equally.” Caren believes CVBs are a good resource for planners, as well as attendees, with a variety of ability challenges because they know the businesses in the area that have what those attendees need. “In Philly, for example,” Caren said, “the PHLCVB team Photo by Jhane Hoang Houston First Corporation is ready to help planners meet their DEI goals. Pictured: The recent National Urban League convention held in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center. 24 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comworks closely with our partners at the Pennsylvania Con- vention Center, area hotels and venues to ensure attendees with a disability have everything they need to have a wonder- ful, world-class experience. This may mean identifying and matching them with hotels that provide visual alarms; door- bells and phones for the hearing impaired; roll-in showers; easily moveable furniture; lower appliances and sinks; park- ing for wheelchair accessibility and transportation services; electric scooters; ASL interpretation and close captioning vendors for conventions and meetings.” Like Shepherd, he said that, while some disabilities are seen, many are not. That’s where asking questions comes in. “We strive to go further and ask more specifically about ability-challenged attendees’ needs to create inclusive envi- ronments,” Caren said. “When event attendees feel they belong, they can focus on conducting business, network- ing and learning.” As DEI has become more front and center and the con- cept of supporting local, entrepreneurial businesses has become the norm, CVBs can help connect planners with those kinds of businesses. “During their time in Philadelphia, meeting attendees are often looking to support local venues and restaurants owned by underrepresented groups,” Caren said. “The city has a thriving food scene, and the diversity of Philadel- phia is represented by the culinary options available. For example, we are connecting planners with many of Phila- delphia’s Black- and Brown-owned restaurants and venues for offsite group dining. One popular example is South, a restaurant, jazz club and special event venue not far from the Pennsylvania Con- vention Center. Another great option for groups is Booker’s Restaurant in West Philadelphia, which serves up elevated South- ern comfort food.” Caren also pointed to the historic Reading Termi- nal Market, which houses a diversity of vendors. “The more than 80 inde- pendent merchants that feature regional and global cuisine are all locally owned and operated at the Reading Terminal Market,” Caren said. “It is an attendee favorite for lunch and sits conve- niently in between our primary headquarters hotel and convention center.” While Caren is justifiably proud of Philadelphia’s diver- sity and welcoming spirit, he’s not the only one. “Simply put, the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ is not merely a slogan,” Caren said. “It is the literal translation of the word Philadelphia, and we Philadelphians live it every day — so much so that Philadelphia has earned a Certified Welcoming city by Welcoming America, the largest city in the nation to receive this designation. We think that said it all!” Houston’s Diversity Houston is another very diverse city with a CVB commit- ted to diversity and inclusion. “As a company, Houston First Corporation (HFC) rec- ognizes the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent, is equitable and values different perspec- tives, and most importantly, is respectful of everyone,” Natalie Young, CMP, founding co-chair of the DEI Business Resource Group at HFC and the associate director of cli- ent services at Visit Houston, said. “Several years ago, we engaged a workforce research group to conduct an employee survey to determine what we were doing well and where we needed improvement. We were pleased that the organization scored very well based on employee perceptions, but it also illuminated for us a few areas that needed improvement.” “Houston First launched a DEI Council and separate Business Resource Group (BRG),” Young said. “The Council, which is made up of diverse members of the executive team, is responsible for setting organizational goals and ensuring implementation of programs and policies that foster a diverse and equitable environment. The BRG, comprised of team members at all levels of the organization, provides recom- mendations to the council that addresses issues, supports our corporate culture and helps move HFC forward. The BRG has spearheaded new initiatives including an apprentice- ship program, DEI trainings and educational activities for staff and the public around heritage months.” With that in-depth understanding in its own organization, HFC is well positioned to help plan- ners and groups meet their DEI goals and needs. It has been so successful that the National Federation of the Blind held this year’s annual convention there. “Houston hosts a wide spectrum of events, and many organizations hold something important to them that they want to learn about while in Houston,” she said. “It might be learning about our city’s unique African American history, or securing a presen- tation from a community leader here in Houston who is doing important work in DEI. We can help be that bridge to con- nect the meeting with something that is uniquely Houston.” Meeting the goals of DEI is a collective effort; all must have a role in helping to make meetings diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible. The result of those efforts will be better meetings, better communities and increased produc- tivity. What’s not to love about that? C&IT TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 25 When staff members feel accepted and included in company culture, they can be more successful and flourish. GREGG CAREN President & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors BureauCourtesy of IMEX Group Events Industry Council Global Awards 10/16, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Bellagio Resort & Casino The EIC Global Awards celebrate and honor exemplary achievements, and focus on leadership at all levels and areas of focus within the global business events industry. SITE NITE North America 10/16, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. KAOS at The Palms, Las Vegas Dress in your ‘70s best as SITE members and friends celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary. IMEX America Golf Tournament 10/16, 8:30 a.m. Bali Hai Golf Club, Las Vegas Compete for a good cause with fellow meeting planners at the only championship golf course remaining on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Benefitting the MPI Foundation. I MEX America, the largest meetings industry trade show in the U.S., will be held October 17-19 at Mandalay Bay. If you are a meetings and events professional, you will find all the suppliers you need for your events — from new venues in major cities worldwide, to the latest event tech providers. Featured this year is Education at IMEX, which is a free professional education program that allows you to explore the latest topics and trends, hone your professional skills and find answers to pressing industry questions. There will be over 150 education sessions across six tracks and it will all be kicked off on Smart Monday, powered by MPI. Begin the week on the golf course as the MPI IMEX golf tournament benefitting the MPI Foundation will tee off at 8:30 a.m. Play will be at the Bali Hai Golf Club, one one of the top courses in Nevada. Join the people and planet pledge as IMEX 2023 CAN’T MISS EVENTS > 26 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comN ick Santonastasso is a medical miracle. Not only is he one of four people with the rare genetic condition Hanhart Syndrome, but the inspirational keynote speaker is an internationally known bodybuilder and fitness model — despite missing both his legs and one arm since birth. During his session at IMEX America, Santonastasso will take participants on a journey, informed largely by his study of psychology. He starts with the psychological limitations of the human brain. Asking the right questions is where he begins. When he was younger and struggling with his condition, he was overwhelmed with negative thoughts before he asked himself a better question: What was right, rather than what was wrong? He challenges audiences to think about all the ways things can be done rather than all the ways they can’t. This chimes in with the IMEX Talking Point for this year, Human Nature. This focuses on what’s good, constructive and loving about being human; about the positive potential and ability to change, adapt and thrive. Santonastasso is one of the MPI keynotes at IMEX America. IMEX America takes place at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Oct. 17-19, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday Oct. 16. Nick Santonastasso MPI Keynote IMEXrun , 10/18 at sunrise Join your colleagues for a 5K fun run as dawn breaks over Las Vegas. Open to all — whether you sprint, jog or walk. IMEX Exhibition Opens 10/17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mandalay Bay The show floor officially opens. MPI Foundation Rendezvous 10/18, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub Sponsored by Caesars Entertainment. Mingle with the industry’s best and brightest while enjoying spectacular views over the Strip. SPOTLIGHT > > sustainablility is a main focus this year. When you join the pledge, your name will be added to the IMEX-EIC People and Planet Village list of exhibitors who have taken action — for all to see. You’ll receive a green booth number and can collect green badges for your team to wear. The IMEX talking point this year is “Human Nature” — an understanding and celebration of all that’s good about being human. They will discuss designing events for the best human experience. See Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine’s preview on the following pages. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 2728 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com BOULDERS RESORT & SPA SCOTTSDALE Innovative Meeting Spaces & World-Class Golf F ew resorts in the world offer meeting guests the surreal landscape found at the Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale. A celebrated desert hideaway, it is named for the surrounding ancient granite boulders that dot the 1,300 acres. Private guests casitas and 1-4- bedroom villas and executive boardrooms feature private patios and wood-burning fireplaces. Carefully placed within the midst of this extraordinary resort are amenities that afford meeting guests unparalleled recreational options. Four swimming pools, tennis and pickleball gardens, and the two Jay Morrish-designed championship golf courses are known for their rugged beauty and breathtaking panoramas. Unparalleled outdoor adventures and distinctive group activities include hot air balloon rides, desert jeep tours, guided desert hikes, mountain biking, paddleboard yoga, nature & wildlife tours and rock climbing. Four onsite restaurants range from contemporary Southwest cuisine and Mexican cantina-style favorites to American classics and healthy spa cuisine. The 33,000 sq. ft. spa truly raises the bar on the luxury spa experience with spa suites, a yoga studio, wellness/learning classrooms, fitness center, movement studio, meditation areas and a certified organic garden. Over 50,000 sq. ft of indoor and outdoor meeting venues include the Latilla Ballroom with 16 ft. ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer awe-inspiring views that extend the indoor space into the natural outdoor environment; the 12,000 sq. ft. Tohono Center, Sonoran Ballrooms and golf clubhouse — to imaginative outdoor settings such as the grassy knolls at the Duck Pond; the Cocopeli tree-shaded barbeque area; el Pedregal courtyard and amphitheater, an intimate organic garden setting; and the magical “Promise Rock” that is elevated 2,288 ft. above sea level. Customized golf programs on the emerald fairways and spa wellness programs are also offered. From innovative meeting spaces to world-class golf, a legendary spa and unprecedented beauty, the Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale is a compelling destination. C&IT CONTACT Julie Garber, Director of Sales & Marketing Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale 34631 North Tom Darlington Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 julie.garber@hilton.com, 480-488-7340 theboulders.com An extraordinary desert hideaway surrounded by ancient boulder formations and landscape that is perfectly melded with luxurious amenities. Visit us at IMEX America 2023 Booth #452. Rock Solid Meetings From two championship golf courses, private casitas and a 33,000 sq. ft. luxury spa, to five award-winning restaurants and meeting spaces with breathtaking desert views – the Boulders is a place of unprecedented beauty where inspiration comes naturally. 480.488.9009 | theboulders.com Let us customize your next group experience!Next >