< Previousspace, perfect for a large event. Mehrkens emphasized that Phoenix is such a great desti- nation for meetings and she always recommends Phoenix as a destination when planners are looking for city ideas. “The city has so much to offer, and there is such a wide range of hotel options in multiple price points,” Mehrkens said. “Downtown has such a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. It’s very accessible, has great airlift and is a safe city for meetings as well. It has a great convention center package, with several hotels within walking distance of the convention cen- ter. The center is very manageable too, unlike some large con- vention centers that can be overwhelming for groups that are just transitioning to a convention center as the in-house options are limited. The service at the hotels is superior to other cit- ies. I can always count on my meetings going well in Phoenix.” For other corporate planners considering Phoenix, Meh- rkens would recommend doing site visits. “Engage the CVB because they are the best in the business and will help you experience the city firsthand to see all they have to offer,” Mehrkens said. “They can help you navigate options and find the best possible fit for your meeting.” Tempe Sets Itself Apart Tempe is unique in the corporate meetings space for sev- eral reasons. The city offers the conveniences planners and attendees are looking for when it comes to seamless airport access which is about 4-miles away. Additionally, the region offers a wide variety of hotels, ranging from four-star proper- ties to business value accommodations. Tempe’s compact and walkable downtown makes navi- gating a Tempe itinerary a breeze. Inviting streets are lined with a wide variety of dining options. This year, Tempe welcomed Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU to the city’s portfolio of hotels, which has 36,000 sf of meeting space. Mark Phillips, chief operating officer at LamontCo in Miami, FL, recently held a corporate customer event at the Omni Tempe, which included 175 attendees. “I selected Tempe because I had successfully completed a 1,200-person event two years ago,” Phillips said. “Tempe Tourism makes it so simple to plan a meeting from small to large and it actually feels like the city personally wel- comes each group.” Phillips advises planners to think outside the box, and work with hotels and Tempe Tourism to develop your program. “Your attendees will love all the options the city offers from places like Culinary Dropout to the ASU stadium,” Phil- lips said. “The city truly appreciates the business. You will not be forgotten. Every event we have had there has felt like the event was the most important event they have ever had.” Mesa: An Artistic Oasis In addition to being conveniently located near two major airports, Mesa offers an after-hours walkable downtown district that corporate meeting attendees have come to love. Historic Downtown Mesa is a unique hub made up of artists showcasing their talents, an eclectic array of vintage shop- ping and award-winning dining. In the heart of Downtown Mesa sits The Mesa Arts Center, the largest arts center in the Southwest. This venue holds ample space to host any perfor- mance, arts class or cocktail hour for your event. Julie Haushalter, CEO of White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Vineyard in Harrisonburg, VA, and vice president for the United States Lavender Growers Associa- tion, when looking for a destination for the association’s con- ference, found Mesa to be an ideal location. “Our organization was seeking a site for our national mem- bers conference,” Haushalter said. “The lovely team at Visit Mesa made it an easy choice for our planning committee by offering online orientation materials, an on-site tour and education about conference venues, lodging and the many activities this region has to offer attendees. Our attendees loved the area, found it acces- sible to the airport, appreciated the high-quality lodging, great food and the numerous activi- ties readily available in the area.” For those outdoor aficionados in the corporate group, Mesa sits close to the Tonto National Forest and Supersti- tion Mountains with plenty of outdoor recreation available. Corporate meeting planners can take the fun outside of the conference room and into the Sonoran Desert. C&IT Visit Mesa The opening night celebration for the United States Lavender Growers Association was held at the Mesa Arts Center, the largest arts center in the southwest with more than 212,000 sf of meeting space. 80 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com The service at the hotels is superior to other cities. BRYNN MEHRKENS Vice President of Global Accounts HPN Global When you partner with Disney for your meeting or event, you get access to best-in-class planners, industry-leading technology, world-class culinary experts and unforgettable entertainment. But, most importantly, you’ll get Disney’s legendary creativity, storytelling and attention to detail. When you use our imagination, you will transform your meeting into something incredible only found at Disney. Use Our Imagination. Visit us at disneymeetingsandevents.comWhen you partner with Disney for your meeting or event, you get access to best-in-class planners, industry-leading technology, world-class culinary experts and unforgettable entertainment. But, most importantly, you’ll get Disney’s legendary creativity, storytelling and attention to detail. When you use our imagination, you will transform your meeting into something incredible only found at Disney. Use Our Imagination. Visit us at disneymeetingsandevents.comPREZENKOWSKI ON THE MOVE // The Broadmoor named two new people to their sales department - Eva Prezenkowski, CEM as director of con- vention sales and April Flagg as the director of national accounts, northeast & international sales. Prezenkowski last worked for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority as their sales account manager in Charlotte, NC. She also worked at the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau and Convention Center in Pasadena, CA, and elsewhere. Flagg’s previous role was working for The Peabody in Memphis, TN, as national sales manager. She also has worked for the Hilton Garden Inn, in Memphis, TN, the Comfort Inn in Horn Lake, MS, and more. Virgin Hotels Collection has appointed Julia Grishkova as their new director of group sales, a position she most recently served at Virgin Hotels. Grishkova has had a lot of experience, having worked with Marriott International, W Hotels, Armani Hotel Dubai, The St. Regis Doha and elsewhere in various positions. She is one of many who are newly appointed within the sales team. Thompson Houston, set to debut this fall, has announced that is has named Lisa Hudson as their new direc- tor of sales and marketing. Hudson has more than 15 years of experience, most recently working for Hotel ZaZa in vari- ous positions. She worked with them for more than 11 years. She also worked at the Houstonian Hotel and elsewhere. Clarion Events North America has named Liz Irving as president of Clarion Events North America. She will report to Clarion CEO Greg Topalian. Within her career, she has held various leadership roles in the industry. Irving has been working within the company for about eight years. Previously, she worked with Reed Exhibitions for 15 years. C&IT FLAGGGRISHKOVAHUDSONIRVING 82 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ SHARECARE HEALTH SECURITY VERIFIED® WITH FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE ONE OF A KIND EVENT. MOHEGAN KIND OF EXPERIENCE. With an award-winning staff and an unmatched variety of dining and entertainment options, Resorts Casino Hotel is the one of a kind choice for your next event. Let us help you plan your own unique experience in our 64,000 square feet of flexible space, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. 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