5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It

Despite being surrounded by a burgeoning metro area of more than 5 million, Phoenix’s walkable downtown core has consciously remained among the country’s most pedestrian-friendly. The area around CityScape, a shopping and entertainment hub, is chock-a-block with options for offsites within an easy stroll of major meeting hotels. Roosevelt Row Arts District’s murals and galleries put local artists and artisans on vibrant display.

The Valley of the Sun delights with outdoor activities both civilized and wild. In the former category, more than 200 area golf courses include cactus-studded desert backdrops as well as emerald-green designs by preeminent pros. Scottsdale has been honored as “World’s Finest Golf Destination,” and its links amenities include top-notch golf lessons and golf packages for groups.

On the wilder spectrum, point your attendees toward the encircling Sonoran Desert. Excursions into this spectacular natural environment span every ability and age range, and the experiences vary depending on time of year. Thus, while stately saguaros always look like a child’s drawing of cactus, octotillos, another characteristic desert plant, appear lifeless until a few hours of rain, when they sprout flaming-red, tubular flowers.

Read More: Greater Palm Springs/Temecula: A Desert Escape

The Hohokam people long preceded today’s residents of the Arizona desert. And the Indigenous contributions to the region endure. At galleries in Phoenix and Scottsdale, paintings, sculptures and other creations by local tribal masters lend an authentic backdrop for offsite cocktail receptions, and at area resort casinos operated by Indigenous communities, tribal dances and ceremonies are a great way for groups to immerse in tribal culture and history.

And who doesn’t like noshing on locally beloved foods that lend that place a distinct flavor and identity? Like Sonoran hot dogs (bacon-wrapped and topped with pinto beans and jalapeno salsa), green chili stew and prickly-pear margaritas. Oh, and love tacos? Phoenix delivers. Think soft tacos, hard tacos, street tacos, breakfast tacos, fry bread tacos, vegan tacos — the taco-liciousness just goes on and on.

 

5 Places to Meet & Stay

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort was Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. It’s now Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt. A $110 million redo included guest rooms, event space and new dining experiences with celeb chef Richard Blais.

70,000 sq. of meeting space: 493 guest rooms and suites.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, in CityScape, epitomizes the retro-swanky brand. Its rooftop bar and lounge is a local fav, as is the New American fare at The Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, which also caters meeting rooms.

15,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor meeting space; 11 event rooms; 242 guest rooms.

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows encompasses 23 acres of natural splendor with mid-century modern accommodations integrated into the local artist-enhanced landscape. Reserve Saarinen Studio Suites for your VIPs.

185 guest rooms; 46,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Phoenix Convention Center combines an environmentally friendly ethos with major flexibility, and groups rave about its Canyon on Third, an outdoor blank canvas of 80,000 sq. ft. that awaits planners’ artistry.

1 million sq. ft. of indoor meeting and event space, including a 46,000-square-foot ballroom.

Read More: Wellness Experience in Arizona: Embrace the Challenges

Talking Stick Resort remains a short-list choice for meetings in Scottsdale, with award-winning catering and six on-property restaurants, plus championship golf and a 14th-floor spa with amazing views of the desert.

More than 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including a 25,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom.