From hockey to hot mineral springs, unique experiences and venues abound in this Southern California oasis. Here’s everything you need to plan the sunniest — and most inspiring — event.
Planning the perfect meeting begins with the arrival — and thanks to ever-expanding air service to Greater Palm Springs, getting here has never been easier. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) offers 30+ nonstop flights across 12 airlines and connections to more than 500 destinations worldwide. SmarterTravel.com even named PSP one of its 10 Most Stress-Free Airports in America; with open-air walkways, lushly landscaped courtyards, and fewer crowds, the airport is far from frenzied, allowing attendees to arrive relaxed and inspired. Plus, a $36 million renovation in the works will enhance almost every aspect of the traveler experience, including new locally inspired food and retail vendors coming in 2023.
New Experiences on the Agenda
A constantly evolving lineup of compelling resorts and attractions means there's always something new for groups to experience in Greater Palm Springs. Acrisure Arena, an 11,000-seat sports and entertainment venue, opened its doors to hockey fans, music lovers, and meeting planners in December and not only hosts concerts and private events (including galas, conventions, and corporate dinners) but is also home to the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) franchise, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
The Spa at Séc-he (part of the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza) became the latest addition to the destination’s renowned health and wellness scene, featuring ancient hot mineral spring waters and state-of-the-art treatments and therapies — perfect for unwinding after an event. Next door, a 48,000-square-foot cultural museum that celebrates the history, culture, and modern achievements of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians will debut in late 2023. Groups will be able to host private events and team building at this unique space in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.
Not far from this new cultural attraction you’ll find the Thompson Palm Springs, opening mid-2023 and featuring 168 luxury guest rooms with panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Plus, several property transformations are on the horizon in Greater Palm Springs, with the historic La Quinta Resort & Club beginning a large-scale, $70 million guest room renovation in summer 2023 and Tommy Bahama launching their first resort concept with a re-imagined Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa later this year.
Unique Venues & Outdoor Spaces
The breathtaking scenery and year-round sunshine that make Greater Palm Springs a favorite for planners also make it the perfect setting for outdoor events and activities, with many hotels and resorts featuring expansive patios, courtyards, and grassy lawns. The destination’s wide range of outdoor meeting space includes major resort properties such as the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, boasting a spectacular lake and palm tree-lined grove, and the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, known for their terraces, gardens, and lawns with mountain views.
Groups can also break out in a whole new way at unique venues like the BMW Performance Center (where attendees mix meetings with high-speed laps around the racetrack), the Empire Polo Club (a sprawling venue that offers fun team-building activities like golf cart polo), and The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens (a wonderfully “wild” space with group animal encounters).
Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of Greater Palm Springs’ outside-the-box meeting venues in the original video series “Find Your Meeting Oasis.”
A Can’t-Miss Convention Center
The Palm Springs Convention Center, located within walking distance of incredible dining, shopping, and cultural attractions in downtown Palm Springs, exceeds all expectations — starting with its lobby, where panoramic mountain views make meetings more inspiring. In addition to featuring 120,000 square feet of carpeted exhibit space, the convention center offers 21 breakout rooms, two spacious ballrooms, and a 20,000-square-foot event lawn.
The Palm Springs Convention Center also focuses on how their events are impacting the community and the Earth, whether it’s partnering with the city’s recycling program or enacting their own sustainable practices, including a food composting program that captures 98% of food waste, the installation of more than 2,700 solar panels on the roof, on-site catering that prioritizes sourcing local ingredients, and the use of recycled paper products throughout the venue.
Incredible Value & Savings
In addition to easy air access, new developments and attractions, and unique venues, planners can capitalize on the destination’s off-peak “chill” summer season with the Meeting Oasis incentive, which includes rebates for events taking place in June, July, or August of 2023, 2024, or 2025.
How does it work? Visit Greater Palm Springs provides clients with a rebate that can be utilized for facility rental, food and beverage expenditures, audio visual expenses, or other meetings-related fees. The credit will be awarded based on 80% pick up of paid and consumed rooms at one of the destination’s hotels or resorts.
Learn more about hosting your next meeting or event in Greater Palm Springs at meetingsinpalmsprings.com.
