Hailed by the Phoenix Business Journal as “Championship Valley” for routinely hosting mega events across professional and collegiate sports leagues, Greater Phoenix is rising in the rankings. Northstar Meetings Group recently ranked Greater Phoenix in the top-10 among U.S. destinations for meetings and events – a jump of 11 spots from its previous position. What’s more, the city boasts the highest safety score among all ranked destinations, and its 5-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport sits among the shortest.
Here are just some of the reasons why the destination should be at the top of any planner’s short list no matter the size or scope of the event.
Immersive Venues
In addition to the 900,000 square-foot Phoenix Convention Center, Greater Phoenix is home to dozens of immersive venues designed to entertain, inspire and engage. A few that are distinctly Phoenix include the internationally acclaimed Heard Museum, which is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the 50-acre Desert Botanical Garden, and Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home.
After Hours
Downtown Phoenix invites visitors to experience the innovation and culture that make the city shine. Here, local tastemakers pair Sonoran Desert inspiration with expert techniques to deliver sublime creations at more than 200 downtown bars and restaurants. Or spend some time exploring Roosevelt Row – the city’s walkable art district dotted with galleries and boutiques as well as colorful murals blanketing building walls.
Infrastructure and Downtown Investments
The City of Phoenix has invested more than $1.2 billion over a three-year period on Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport renovations and improvements, including a new eight-gate concourse for Southwest Airlines, modern updates to Terminal 3 and a 2.5-mile PHX Sky Train extension to the Rental Car Center.
Outdoor Exploration
With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, and an average temperature of 72 degrees, Greater Phoenix is perfect for adding outdoor adventure to your event. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, visitors marvel at the towering saguaro cactuses and breathtaking mountain ranges that provide an endless source of recreation opportunities. From sunrise hikes to team-building excursions, one of the most vibrant and unique deserts in the world adds bucket-list worthy experiences to your itinerary.
Accommodations
Hotels and resorts in Greater Phoenix have completed more than $600 million in renovations over the past five years. With thousands of rooms available within the walkable downtown core and even more sprawling throughout the region, not to mention dozens of luxury resorts, visitors are never far from the experiences and venues that make Greater Phoenix a premier destination.
Contact the sales team at Visit Phoenix to learn more about why Greater Phoenix is the perfect destination for your next event. Start planning at visit visitphoenix.com/meetings.
