MEETING NOTES

SALTROCK SOUTHWEST KITCHEN

THE RITZ-CARLTON, PARADISE VALLEY

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

SaltRock Southwest Kitchen at Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona has a new executive chef, Lindsey Dale. She has designed a completely new menu of Southwestern-inspired cuisine featuring light and seasonal dishes and integrating fresh ingredients from the Verde Valley. The restaurant’s outdoor patio offers guests unobstructed views of Cleopatra Rock and Snoopy Rock. amararesort.com

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co. has purchased Float Balloon Tours, a Phoenix-based hot air balloon company. Rainbow Ryders’ fleet now features 33 hot air balloons, allowing the company to fly up to 150 passengers per day. rainbowryders.com

The Block at Pima Center, located along the Loop 101 in the Talking Stick Entertainment District in Scottsdale, has completed the first phase of construction. Phase 1 consists of 14,000 square feet of shopping and dining space, which will grow an additional 46,000 square feet when fully completed. The Block is within walking distance to Talking Stick Resort, Salt River Fields baseball stadium, Odysea Aquarium and Topgolf. Two new Hilton Hotels, Tru and Home 2 Suites, also are scheduled to open within The Block.

The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley overlooking Camelback Mountain is expected to open this summer. The luxury 20-acre property has 215 guest rooms in the form of suites and detached casitas and bungalows. A few highlights include a lobby situated above the rest of the hotel and a water feature that cascades down through the property to a world-class, 16,000-square-foot spa. The hotel also has a pool spanning nearly 400 feet, various indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, and a grand lawn with mountain views. ritzcarlton.com

Arizona’s largest and longest running AAA Five Diamond hotel, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, has wrapped up the renovation of 458 guest rooms and 20 suites that now feature tranquil desert décor with clean, modern lines and furnishings. The rest of the 750 rooms were renovated over the past few years to provide a fresh look and upgraded technology. The Princess Pool, the first of the six pools to open with the resort in 1987, also was transformed and reopened in September. The pool deck was transformed into a single level, and there is now a waterside eatery and communal bar and eight new cabanas that feature synthetic turf, fans, refrigerators and flatscreen TVs. scottsdaleprincess.com

Let The Westin Snowmass Resort Sales and Conference Services team design an event for your group that enhances their experience with breath-taking views of Snowmass Mountain from our ski-in, ski-out hotel. Team building opportunities are endless, no matter the season. From skiing, snowboarding, sledding to paintball, biking or activities in the Lost Forest, your group will leave your meeting with a renewed vigor! As an additional incentive mention this and receive Double Marriott BonVoy points for and meetings booked for 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023. For more info contact the Resort Sales Office at 970 923 8270 or email sales@westinsnowmass.com westinsnowmass.com

With the growing popularity of Death Valley National Park, a new destination marketing organization known as Destination: Death Valley Junction has been created. Ironically, Death Valley Junction, just east of the national park, has a population of fewer than four people but features both natural and man-made places to become immersed in the landscape, 19 bookable lodging properties and various tour options.

Stargazing, photography, hiking, exploring and wildflower viewing are among the most popular activities, and The Oasis at Death Valley, the region’s largest resort, and the National Park Service have taken measures to greatly minimize area light pollution. Because of this, Death Valley National Park is designated as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, the highest level awarded by the International Dark Sky Association. destinationdvj.com

DEATH VALLEY

THE OASIS AT DEATH VALLEY

Sonoma County Serves Up Sustainability

California’s Sonoma County is dedicated to sustainability and rooted in the land that results in organic wine grapes, produce, artisan cheeses and meats and the bountiful Pacific Ocean that offers up freshly caught seafood. Sonoma County stretches from the Pacific Coast in the west to the Mayacamas Mountains in the east and is home to almost 60,000 acres of vineyards and more than 425 wineries. Within the borders are 18 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and the region became the nation’s first 100 percent certified sustainable wine region in 2019. sonomawinegrape.org/sustainability

Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures are complimentary, self-guided vineyard walks at various wineries throughout this diverse wine region. Enjoy the only agritourism program of its kind and experience a vineyard up close and personal during any season. Learn about the history of the region, the influence of soil types and microclimates, various viticulture techniques, and sustainable farming practices. sonomavineyardadventures.com Experience the delights of western Sonoma County’s distinctive handcrafted cheeses by following the California Cheese Trail. In Sonoma County, it winds through about 100 miles of canyons, pastures and oak-covered hills, linking close to 30 farms and creameries. Reserve full tours, cheese tastings and cheese-making classes, and then admire the goats, cows, sheep and water buffalo. cheesetrail.org

Executive Hotels and Resorts has launched Seaside, a new waterfront property located in The Shipyards District of Lower Lonsdale (Lolo), which is North Vancouver’s historic arts and dining neighborhood. The boutique property features 71 guest rooms and suites with views of the Pacific Ocean and North Shore mountains. The architecture firm ZGF worked in collaboration with Executive Hotels’ in-house design team to bring the spirit of the outside indoors, building upon the revival of Wallace Shipyards. This vibrant new 84,000-square-foot commercial and community gathering space includes a winter ice skating rink and water plaza featuring markets, exhibitions, performances and festivals year-round.

Seaside Provisions, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, blurs the lines between restaurant, bar and lounge. Guests may arrive by boat, kayak or paddleboard and tie up to dock and dine. Meanwhile, The Wallace, the hotel’s adjacent event space is the perfect location to host functions for up to 200 guests. seasidehotelvancouver.com; wallacevenue.com

THE JOSIE

CYCLE CITY VANCOUVER SEASIDE HOTEL VANCOUVER

Hotel Buyouts Now Available at The Josie

The Josie, a boutique hotel located at the base of RED Mountain Resort and surrounded by the Kootenay Rockies, is now offering hotel takeovers. Located in Rossland, British Columbia, the property features 106 guest rooms and suites, regionally inspired catering and 2,670 square feet of multipurpose meeting space. Whether meeting in the grand ballroom, a private boardroom or on the outdoor terrace, meetings transition easily to hiking trails and other outdoor activities. The Velvet Restaurant and Lounge, outdoor fire pits, a fitness facility and ski concierge services are among the various on-site amenities. thejosie.com

New & Notable Vancouver Tours

A diverse array of new tours has been launched in Vancouver. Check out some fun options for groups that involve bikes, sunsets and always craft beer.

Sunset & City Lights by Cycle City Vancouver is an evening excursion that shines a spotlight on the city’s twinkling lights, neon signs and stunning sunsets. cyclevancouver.com

North Vancouver Craft Cycle Tour by Canadian Craft Tours has introduced beer bikes to metro Vancouver, following in the footsteps of cities like Nashville and Portland. On the tour, beer lovers will be pedaling to and from some of the best craft breweries in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale. canadiancrafttours.ca

Street Art & Craft Beer Tour by Vancouver Toonie Tours highlights some of the city’s artistic murals while groups make their way between local breweries in one of Vancouver’s hippest neighborhoods, Mount Pleasant. vancouvertoonietours.ca

Wilson Hotel Big Sky Residence Inn opened in mid-2019 and is Big Sky’s first major hotel. With a name inspired by Wilson Peak, one of the most prominent of the Spanish Peaks overlooking Big Sky, the hotel has 129 suites, 3,000 square feet of meeting space and a Town Center location just steps from shops, restaurants and nightlife. It’s also a complimentary shuttle ride away from the ski lifts at Big Sky Resort. In addition, there is a steakhouse-style American restaurant, fitness center, outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, game room and lobby bar showcasing local brews on tap and craft cocktails unique to the region.

The Wilson’s brick exterior takes inspiration from historic architecture found throughout Montana, while its rusticmodern interior evokes a mountain setting and includes a central fireplace. Owned by Lone Mountain Land Company and managed by Urgo Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is led by a team of veteran hospitality executives, including General Manager Mandy Hotovy, Assistant General Manager Minsun Robillard and Director of Sales Dan Moller. marriott.com

With more than $10 million in improved and updated event, conference and wedding facilities, Taos Ski Valley now offers nearly 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.

Phoenix Lodge is a completely redesigned, 6,300-square-foot, midmountain wedding and event venue for up to 250 and features 360-degree mountain views in the Kachina Basin.

Rio Hondo Learning Center is a colorful and dynamic space with eight different meeting areas ranging in size from 980 to more than 2,000 square feet. This facility is ideal for activities like business meetings, yoga retreats, creative workshops and student groups and can accommodate groups of up to 200.

Lake Fork Boardroom is a high-tech, 510-square-foot executive meeting space that overlooks Lake Fork River and can host up to 32 attendees.

In addition, restaurants including Rhoda’s, Tenderfoot Katie’s, Looking Glass, Martini Tree and Bavarian have indoor and outdoor dining options and can accommodate groups of up to 200. Lodging is available at The Blake at Taos Ski Valley. skitaos.com

Meeting Space Renovation at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village has completed a $1 million renovation of two signature meeting and event venues. Lakeside Ballroom with panoramic views of North Lake Tahoe now features floorto-ceiling windows and large sliding doors that open directly to the Lakeside Patio. The ballroom also was outfitted with new carpet and paint, dark wood wall accents and a redesigned ceiling with warm-toned chandeliers. Water Gardens, a natural outdoor event venue filled with running streams and lush floral landscaping, was expanded to provide additional space for larger events and updated with new wood decking and a pergola for unique meetings and breakout sessions. The 422-room Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. hyattregencylaketahoe.com

You’re always trying to take your meetings and conferences to the next level, right? So how does a Rocky Mountain playground with every imaginable amenity sound? In Snowmass, you’ll enjoy 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space at rock star venues like the Viceroy, Westin, and Limelight. Pair that with endless outdoor activities and nonstop jet service, and you’ll have an event that’s as awe-inspiring as it is productive.

A Colorado-based destination management company with an office in Park City was named Utah’s Best of State 2019 winner for Destination Management in the Hospitality, Travel & Tourism category. RMC has grown and evolved throughout its 30-year history to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences in all types of destinations after getting its start creating exceptional events in the mountains. rmcdmc.com

Salt Lake to Introduce New Airport in 2020

Getting to Utah’s capital city will be even faster, easier and sleeker with the opening of the first phase of the new Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in September, the first new hub airport to be built in the United States in the 21st century. The $3.6 billion project has two phases, with the South Concourse opening in 2020 and the North Concourse set to launch in 2024. The expansive, light-filled terminal will offer dramatic views of the towering Wasatch Mountains, great food and cutting-edge retail, making the airport an extension of the overall Salt Lake and Utah experience. Plus, the new Utah Transit Authority TRAX station at the South Concourse terminal will make it easy to travel into downtown Salt Lake. slcairport.com

West Vail Welcomes Renovated & Rebranded Property

Highline, a 116-room modern mountain resort, opened its doors in west Vail just in time for the 2019/2020 ski season. An elevated cabin-in-the woods aesthetic flows throughout the property, from the A-frame communal lobby and restaurant to cozy guest rooms and spacious loft suites. The interior features weathered woods, slate and leather accents in a palette of soothing neutrals and regionally inspired art and fixtures. Highlights include 5,755 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, a heated pool and hot tub, a fitness center and courtesy shuttle service to Vail Mountain. The hotel’s restaurant, Pivot62, has shareable plates and pizza from a wood-fired oven on the menu, while innovative cocktails fuel après ski at the property’s lobby bar, Handcrafted. Don’t miss out on the warm cookies that greet guests upon arrival!

A new four-story, 91-room Cambria hotel featuring locally inspired design is slated to open in Spokane in 2020. Just minutes from the downtown central business district and Spokane International Airport, the hotel provides easy access to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, local wineries and the Spokane Valley, which is the location of numerous outdoor activities along the Spokane River. Developed by Brar Hotels Group, LLC, the Cambria also will feature meeting space, a state-of-the-art fitness center and on-site dining. choicehotels.com/cambria Hosting a professional function in Vail brings new meaning to “the best view in the office,” with our unique offsite venues and extensive selection of charming alpine lodges, condominiums and convention hotels that can accommodate groups of 10-2,000. Enjoy over 350 shops and restaurants through our pedestrian villages with complimentary in-town transportation. With numerous direct flights to the Vail Valley, our central location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains is easily accessible from across the country

For more information, visit us at VisitVailValley.com, DiscoverVail.com or contact us at groups@visitvailvalley.com.

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