Smart Meetings

Locally, it’s just called “the Valley,” but it spreads across some 1,000 square miles of the Sonoran Desert, radiating outward from metropolitan Phoenix. Don’t expect dry and barren scenery; the Sonoran Desert is one of the greenest in the world. The Valley is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges.

The Valley is inhabited by three million residents in over 20 cities, each with their own mayors and city councils. In reviewing places to hold a meeting just a hop from Sky Harbor, you’ll want to consider not only Phoenix, but swell-elegant Scottsdale to the northeast. Farther north in the Valley are the additional resort havens of Paradise Valley, Carefree, and Fountain Hills.

Heading southeast of Phoenix leads to the youthful Tempe and Mesa, with its new mega arts complex, and then to Chandler a little beyond that. Incidentally, the Valley’s average year-round temperature is 85 degrees, with over 325 days of sunshine annually. The Valley’s value season runs from June through September.

The state’s capital, Phoenix is leading the charge to be Arizona’s 21st century city. Downtown is a boomtown with over $1 billion of new development and expansion. The centerpiece is the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center, which is undergoing a $600 million expansion to grow to more than 900,000 square feet by January 2009. At the same time, the city’s room inventory will increase by more than 40 percent.

Downtown Phoenix is home to Copper Square, a walkable 90-square-block historic district which includes the convention center. The area encompasses 95 restaurants as well as night spots, boutiques, art galleries and theaters. It’s also home to Chase Field Ballpark and US Airways Center, which is currently undergoing a $67 million expansion.

The Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau can provide its 204-page Greater Phoenix Meeting & Travel Planner, which also covers Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Glendale, to help get you started.Besides the city’s convention center, large gatherings can also be accommodated at Chase Field Ballpark, US Airways Center and Black Canyon Conference Center.  

Getting There

Air Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is served by 23 airlines which provide nonstop service from Phoenix to 89 cities in the United States and 17 cities in Canada, Mexico and Europe.

RAPID and Express services take commuters to and from downtown Phoenix, Arizona - Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons. RAPID and Express services both travel on the freeways but Express also picks up passengers along local streets.

Central Station, located at the northwest corner of Central Avenue and Van Buren Street, serves as the "one-stop" location for transportation solutions. 

Not To Be Missed

A sunset ride or an anytime hike up Camelback Mountain.
Copper Square - with its many historic buildings, stadiums, restaurants and shopping.
The Desert Botanical Garden - for the largest collection of cactus in the world.
Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art - a wonderful events center.
A Tour on Pointe South Mountain -  for its great views of the valley; it’s an easy drive or hike.