Arizona Meetings and Events

ARI Z O N A MEETINGS & EVENTS

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ARIZONA

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meetings & Events www.azmeetings.com Plan your meeting or event in Arizona – the heart of America’s Southwest. Use this guide to learn more about the weather and terrain before you pack. Our writers provide information worth reading so you won’t miss some of the state’s best attractions. This guide covers the basics and the little-known details of travel in Arizona – all you need to know to plan a memorable Arizona meeting or event.

Nickname: The Grand Canyon State State Motto: Ditat Deus - God enriches Land Area: 113,634 square miles Capital: Phoenix Colors: blue and old gold Neckwear: bola tie Fossil: petrified wood Flower: saguaro cactus blossom Tree: palo verde Gemstone: turquoise Mammal: ringtail cat Bird: cactus wren Reptile: Arizona ridgenose rattlesnake Fish: Arizona trout Amphibian: Arizona tree frog Butterfly: two-tailed swallowtail Published by Hennen Publishing & Marketing Group 3645 N. Marshall Way, Suite 3, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone (480) 664-0541 Fax (480) 664-0591 hennenpmg.com info@hennenpmg.com

Clockwise: Pink Jeep Tours, Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas, San Xavier del Bac Mission, Grand Canyon National Park Watchtower

Publisher Kathleen Hennen

Art Director Tad Smith Editor Erin Edelstein Cover Photo Kierland Golf Club

Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without consent of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure this publication is as accurate as possible. The publisher will assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions.

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Arizona

The Grand Canyon State

Unique Events Only in Arizona

Sports In Arizona Shopping

R esources

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State Map Visitor Information Weather & Topography Arizona’s CVBs Tours & Transportation

DESTINATI O N S

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Phoenix & Central Arizona 44 Accommodations 50 Dining 53 Convention Services 54 Venues 54 Golf

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Tucson &

Southern Arizona

66 Accommodations 66 Activities/Attractions 66 Dining

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Northern Arizona 70 Grand Canyon & Flagstaff 72 Sedona & Prescott 76 The Colorado River & Arizona’s Lakes www.AZMeeting s . c o m

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STATE MAP of

ARIZONA

NEVADA

Glen Canyon St. George Lake Powell Colorado City Fredonia Vermilion Cliffs Pipe Spring Page Lees Ferry Littlefield 89 Kaibab-Paiute 89A Marble Canyon Jacob Lake Vermilion Cliffs

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Grand Canyon Parashant Las Vegas

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Lake Mead

Co lo

Grand Canyon Temple Bar Meadview West

Hoover Dam

Grand Canyon Supai

Grand Hualapai Hilltop 64 Havasupai Canyon Village Tusayan 180

Hualapai

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Chloride 68

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Peach Springs

Valle

180 64

Seligman Williams Ash Fork

Monument Valley Tribal Park

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Shonto

Cow Springs 160 Tonalea 89 Tuba City 264 Moenkopi

North Rim Grand Canyon

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Lake Mead

o rad

r Rive

U TA H

Navajo

Mexican Water

64 Teec Nos Pos

Kayenta 191

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Round Rock

Many Farms Chinle

Navajo

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Tsaile

Canyon de Chelly

Hotevilla Keams Kykotsmovi Canyon 191 Window Cameron Oraibi Rock Second Polacca 264 Ganado Gray Mountain 2 Mesa Hubbell Hopi Trading Post St Michaels Wupatki 8

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Sunset Crater Volcano

Leupp

15 87

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Indian Wells

191

Lupton 40

Riordan

Riv e

r

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Colora do

CALIFORNIA

Kingman

N E W M E X I CO

Flagstaff Sanders 99 Chambers Bullhead Walnut Homolovi Ruins Navajo City 89 Canyon Meteor Winslow Slide Rock Petrified Forest Crater Oatman 40 Sedona 95 Fort Mohave Red Rock Mormon Lake 87 Joseph City Holbrook Tuzigoot 179 Clarkdale Chino Valley Jerome Needles 191 Wikieup Dead Horse Ranch 180 Bagdad Yavapai 377 Cottonwood Lake Montezuma Topock 77 89A Jerome Montezuma Castle Prescott Valley 95 93 St. Johns Yavapai-Apache Prescott Snowflake Lake Havasu City Camp Fort Verde 96 Yavapai-Prescott Heber 277 Taylor Lyman Dewey Verde Lake Havasu 260 Strawberry Lake Fool Hollow 61 Mayer Overgaard 260 Pine Cordes Jct. Cattail Cove 89 Lake Yarnell Christopher Tonto Show Low Springerville Alamo Lake 17 Agua Buckskin Natural Payson Creek Pinetop-Lakeside Fria Mountain Black Canyon City Bridge Fort Parker Tonto 71 60 260 Eagar Apache Hon-Dah Wickenburg Apache New River McNary Bouse 87 Colorado Greer Carrizo 188 Cave Creek Aguila 60 River Alpine Carefree 72 Roosevelt 74 73 Wenden 95 La Paz Fountain Dam Gila Salome Whiteriver 60 Fort Apache Hills Ft. McDowell Surprise 88 Scottsdale Quartzsite Hannagan Litchfield Peoria 10 Blythe Ehrenberg Meadow Salt River Tonto 88 San Carlos Park Glendale PHOENIX Tonopah Lost Dutchman Goodyear Globe Tolleson San Carlos Tempe Mesa 60 Apache Junction Miami Buckeye Avondale 191 Gilbert 70 Superior Gila River Chandler Queen Creek Boyce Thompson Casa Greenlee 95 Kearny Morenci Maricopa Grande McFarland Clifton Florence Hayden Winkelman Graham 85 Ak-Chin 10 Yuma Coolidge Pinal Aravaipa Pima Thatcher Territorial Ft. Yuma Gila Bend Casa Grande 8 Canyon Sonoran Desert Prison 77 Safford Eloy 79 Duncan Dateland San Yuma Yuma Oracle Manuel 15 Mt Quartermaster Picacho Roper Lake Wellton Somerton 85 Oracle Graham Depot Peak 191 10 Catalina Catalina Cocopah Ironwood Marana Mt Lemmon San Luis Forest Ajo Bowie Oro Valley Cortaro Willcox Why 10 Saguaro Tucson 186 Fort Bowie 86 Saguaro Pascua Yaqui Dos Organ Pipe Quijotoa 86 Santa Cruz Dragoon Cactus CochiseCabezas Chiricahua Vail Benson 89 Sells San Xavier Tohono Sahuarita Kartchner St. David Green Valley O’odham Caverns 80 Pearce 181 Lukeville Madera Kitt Peak Portal 90 Tombstone 19 Canyon 83 82 Tombstone Tubac Presidio Sonoita Sierra Vista Courthouse Sasabe Tubac Important Roads Indian Reservations 10 Interstate Highways Patagonia 80 Hereford Bisbee191 Tumacacori 15 Indian Roads State Park National Parks & Monuments Divided Highways Coronado Rio Rico 82 Douglas Scenic Roads State Parks 191 U.S. Highways Nogales Laughlin

L E G E N D Points of Interest

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Interstate Highways

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State Highways

M E X I CO

ARIZONA The grand canyon state

It isn’t hard to figure out how Arizona acquired its popular nickname, “The Grand Canyon State.” Drive five hours due north from the State Capitol in Phoenix and you’ll run right into one of the most jaw-dropping geographical wonders on earth.

What truly amazes visitors about Arizona, however, is the remarkable diversity of terrain, climate and attractions that you’ll encounter along the way.

Sedona Golf Resort

Downtown Phoenix

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Grand Canyon National Park

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Antelope Canyon

No matter what your budget, tastes or travel mode, Arizona is guaranteed to delight. From the lakes, pines and 7,000foot elevation of Northern and Eastern Arizona to the Western desert towns along the Colorado River to the appealing blend of Old World charm and big-city amenities in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona offers something for everyone. Toss in superb spas, shopping and restaurants, major league sports and sophisticated cultural attractions, then mix with stunning natural backdrops such as Sedona’s red rocks, Tucson’s cactus forests and Flagstaff’s snow-capped mountain peaks and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable visit. With a legacy shaped from Old West, Native American and Hispanic influences, and more than 320 days of sunshine annually, Arizona is truly the jewel of the Southwest. Welcome! www.AZMeeting s . c o m

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visitor information topography

Clockwise: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, DETOURS, METRO light rail

What Time Is It?

Arizona is in the Mountain Time Zone. Sometimes Arizona’s time zones get a bit confusing, especially when Day Light Savings is in effect as Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time (except on the Navajo Reservation).

Getting Here

Served by more than 20 airlines – most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – the largest international airport in the Southwest.

It is located in central Arizona, in the heart of Phoenix proper, and is very convenient to the entire metropolitan area. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport provides a convenient alternative in the East Valley and is served by Allegiant Air. In the southern part of Arizona, Tucson International Airport is served by nine airlines.

Arizona is incredibly diverse. From the high country to the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix and Tucson areas, Arizona’s weather and topography can be extreme. When you travel throughout the state, you will encounter deserts, mountains, and large cities (Phoenix is the fifthlargest in the country).

Weather – During any season in Arizona, some part of the state enjoys near-perfect weather. Generally, the busiest season in the desert areas (southern half of the state) lasts from January through March; the next most popular is from April to May and September through December; and the season when visitors can find the greatest values is June through August. Peak and value seasons in the mountainous regions (in the northern half of the state) are the opposite of the desert areas. Peak season in some mid-climate areas of the state, such as Sedona, is from March to May and September through October.

Topography – Arizona covers almost 114,000 square miles, with about 350 square miles of water surface. The state has three main topographical areas: (1) a high plateau averaging between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation in the northeast; (2) a mountainous region oriented southeast to northwest with maximum elevations between 9,000 and 12,000 feet; and (3) the Sonoran Desert in southwestern Arizona with elevations as low as 100 feet above sea level.

Getting Around

If you want to see a lot of Arizona, renting a car is your best bet. Even if you plan to base in the Phoenix or Tucson area, you’ll appreciate being able to ‘daytrip’ to numerous attractions at your leisure. Most national car rental companies offer service at the airports. On the other hand, if you want to check into a resort and just relax in the spa or poolside, transportation options include the resort’s shuttle, private shuttles, taxis, and public transportation via bus or the new light rail. In December, 2008 the first 20-mile starter line of the METRO light rail system for Phoenix started accepting passengers.

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Mt. Humphreys, Flagstaff

Temperatures & precipitation Temperature – Great extremes (as much as 40 to 50 degrees F) occur between day and night temperatures throughout Arizona. During winter months, daytime temperatures may average 70 degrees F, with night temperatures often falling to freezing or slightly below in the lower desert valleys. In the summer, the pine-clad forests in the central part of the state may have afternoon temperatures of 80 degrees F, while night temperatures drop to 35 or 40 degrees F. High temperatures are common throughout the summer months at the lower elevations and can exceed 110 degrees F. Cold air masses from Canada sometimes penetrate into the state, bringing temperatures below zero in the high plateau and mountainous regions of central and northern Arizona.

DESERT

Grand Canyon National Park

Average Average Average

Low High Rainfall

Jan. 41.2F/5.1C 65.9F/18.8C 0.6” Feb. 44.7F/7C 70.7F/21.5C 0.7” March 48.8F/9.3C 75.5F/24.2C 0.9” April 55.3F/12.9C 84.5F/29.2C 0.22” May 63.9F/17.7C 93.6F/34.2C 0.1” June 72.9F/22.7C 103.5F/39.7C 0.1” July 81F/27.2C 105.9F/41.1C 0.9” Aug. 79.2F/26.2C 103.7F/39.8C 1.0” Sept. 72.8F/22.6C 98.3F/36.8C 0.86” Oct. 60.8F/16C 88.1F/31.2C 0.7” Nov. 48.9F/9.4C 74.9F/23.8C 0.7” Dec. 41.8F/5.4C 66.2F/19C 1.0”

MOUNTAIN Average Low 16F/-8.8C 19F/-7.2C 23F/-5C 27F/-2.8C 34F/1.1C 41F/5C 50F/10C 49F/9.4C 42F/5.6C 31F/-0.5C 22F/-5.5C 17F/-8.3C

Average Average High Rainfall 43F/6.1C 2.18” 46F/7.8C 2.56” 50F/10C 2.63” 58F/14.4C 1.29” 68F/20C 0.8” 79F/26.1C 0.43” 82F/27.8C 2.4” 80F/26.7C 2.89” 74F/23.3C 2.12” 63F/17.2C 1.93” 51F/10.6C 1.86” 44F/6.6C 1.83”

ARIZONA

visitor information

Dressing for Travel in the Southwest

Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are all standard attire for locals. Beyond that, bring clothing that you can layer – on the same day, you may find yourself in the desert heat and in a matter of hours, as you climb toward the mountains, or watch the sun set, you will want a light sweater or jacket.

Arizona, as a rule, is pretty casual when it comes to personal attire. Few restaurants require a coat or tie.

Culture & Heritage

Many come to Arizona looking for the true Old West and, while there are plenty of authentic cowboys and Indians here, it’s not quite like in the movies. Throughout Arizona, remnants of the cowboy culture abound, whether it be a western store, a gathering of cowboy poets or a rodeo. Authentic cowboys (and cowgirls) are hard at work on working ranches as well as guest ranches. You can spot them wearing boots, tight jeans with big buckles, and Stetsons.

And, while Native Americans are just a small part of the population, more than 25% of Arizona’s land is dedicated to Native American Reservations, more than any other state in the U.S. The 22 tribes comprise Arizona’s second biggest tourist attraction, behind the Grand Canyon. Native American symbols and history are everywhere in Arizona – from national parks and monuments to trading posts and art galleries.

The Hispanic cultures have had a great influence on Arizona. In Southern Arizona near the border of Mexico, more signs are in Spanish than English. And the Spanish influence is evident in everything from architecture to street names to cuisine. To truly experience Arizona, it’s important to enjoy the cultural variations of Arizona, as well as the beauty of the land and attractions of the cities.

Famous monikers such as Geronimo, Cochise, John Wayne, Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey have all helped shaped iconic images of Arizona and the Wild West. For history buffs, Arizona is an essential destination because the legends and lore of the Old West really happened here. Though Arizona has grown to encompass the fifth largest city in the nation with the glamour and glitz of big city life, Arizonan’s still hold on to the laidback friendly cowboy culture and Native American heritage of Arizona’s past.

Native American Culture

Arizona’s federally-recognized Native American Tribes offer everything from hiking, biking and rock climbing to casinos, resorts and fine dining. Renowned museums of Native American Culture can be found throughout the state. The internationally acclaimed Heard Museum has two locations in the Greater Phoenix area. Other notable places to visit include The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Hopi Cultural Center on the Hopi Reservation at Kykotsmovi and the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site on the Navajo Nation near Ganado.

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Cultural Dancers

Legends and Lore

Old West legends and adventure flourish in all corners of the state. Did Jacob Waltz really have a rich gold mine in the Superstition Mountains? The Legend of the Dutchman’s lost gold mine holds many mysterious clues that you can research for yourself just east of Mesa. The southeastern corner of the state boasts Tombstone, “the town too tough to die,” where visitors can see daily reenactments of the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral (think Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday).

From there, head straight west to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, which once housed some of the West’s most dangerous gunslingers. In north central Arizona is Prescott’s fabled “Whiskey Row” with turnof-the-century bars and a courthouse square. The quaint old mining town of Jerome, now labeled as the “largest ghost town in America,” is just a short drive further. Or, follow old Route 66 across the northern part of the state where bits of history are preserved in old buildings and historical markers, and the horizon looks just like that of western movies.

Urban Cowboys – Larger than Life

Though cowboys and their ponies are still a significant part of Arizona’s horse culture, the wide variety of equine events has expanded beyond just cowboys to include internationally acclaimed events that are the largest of their kind. The Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale – the largest of its kind – draws thousands Arabian horse lovers from around the world. Westworld in Scottsdale also hosts several major quarter horse show competitions including the annual Arizona Sun Circuit Horse Show – the world’s largest quarter horse circuit – with six arenas running simultaneously. The annual Parada del Sol Rodeo – a celebration featuring the world’s largest horse-drawn parade – comes to Scottsdale every February. In Tucson, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Celebration of the Cowboys) celebrates its 85th anniversary in February 2010 and is one of the top 25 professional rodeos in North America and the largest in Arizona.

P R O F E S S I O N A L • C R E A T I V E • D E T A I L - O R I E N T E D The Convention and Visitors Bureaus of Arizona are recognized as the most professional, creative and detail-oriented in the business. Incentives for meeting planners abound and vary by city. Call one of the pros below to get started.

Fountain Hills Tourism

Hold your next meeting in the real Arizona Southwest. A truly majestic destination. Fountain Hills and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation offer spectacular views, world-class golf, recreation, cultural heritage tours, and outdoor activities. Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and adjacent to Scottsdale. For information about meeting venues and amenities contact Ann Saunders: ann@fountainhillschamber.com or 480.529.4542 or 877.240.0170

Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau

A R I Z O N A’s

CVBs

promotional materials and much more. Our staff can connect you with resident DMCs, event experts, golf tournament companies and more. And, when you visit www.

MeetInScottsdale.com, you can input requests for customized bids from Scottsdale properties, review a listing of the meeting space and amenities offered at area hotels and resorts, view client testimonials and read about the CVB’s meetings-related awards.

The Scottsdale CVB is your one-stop shop for destination information, online planning tools and the personal touch that will help you ensure your program’s success. Contact us today at 800.782.1117, 480.421.1004, or www.MeetInScottsdale.com and find out how easy planning the perfect Scottsdale meeting can be!

Mesa is unique among cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Even though it is thriving, dynamic, and Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau the third largest city in Arizona, it is located next to the Tonto National Forest and offers area Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau Planning a meeting in Arizona? Think Tempe first! visitors great outdoor attractions. Guests can enjoy activities From mountaintop views to a lively and energetic such as a lake paddle wheeler boat ride, wilderness Jeep downtown, Tempe provides the perfect setting for a adventures, helicopter tours, and more than 40 golf courses successful meeting.

The Tempe Convention & Visitors within a half-hour drive from downtown. Our Bureau Bureau offers complimentary services including requests offers complimentary services and will assist you with your for proposals, site inspection assistance, collateral meeting planning process. There is an abundance of hotels materials and service referrals.

Tempe is conveniently and resorts varying in amenities and price to meet your located less than 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor every meeting need. 120 N. Center St., Mesa, 480.827.4700, International Airport and features sunny weather, 800.283.6372, www.visitmesa.com, info@visitmesa.com numerous dining venues and top-rated shopping.

Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau To learn more about Tempe, Arizona, contact our Book your next meeting in Greater Phoenix. Whether professional convention sales staff at 866.914.0685 or it’s booking a national convention with thousands of e-mail your meeting specifications to conventionsales@ participants or making arrangements for small corporate tempecvb.com. You may also complete our easy to use meetings, the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors on-line RFP at www.tempecvb.com.

Bureau’s convention sales team is one of the best at handling meeting planners’ needs. To book your next meeting in the Metropolitan Tucson Phoenix area, contact the Greater Phoenix Convention & Convention & Visitors Bureau Tucson’s a meeting planner’s dream. With our mild Visitors Bureau toll free at 877.MEETPHX or go online at climate, spectacular natural beauty, challenging golf, www.VisitPhoenix.com. unparalleled dining and world-famous attractions, Tucson is always a favorite destination. Call and our Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Scottsdale Meetings Made Easy. Successful meetings and experts will work with you to book affordable just-right events take hard work and careful planning – that’s where space, reserve rooms at any price level, and help make we come in! The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau your perfect meeting run smoothly. 100 S. Church Ave., provides a full range of services to meeting planners, Tucson, 520.624.1817, 800.638.8350, www.visitTucson.org/ including site selection, on-line requests for proposals, meetingplanner, greatmeetings@visitTucson.org www.AZMeeting s . c o m

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Events by the Month

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event P.F. Chang’s Rock “N” Roll Marathon

Chase Field

Arizona Renaissance Festival

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Dates were correct at time of publication. Since dates are occasionally changed, please confirm them in advance.

J an u ary Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event – Scottsdale January 17-24, 2010, 480.421.6694, barrett-jackson.com “The Greatest Car Show on Earth” – Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction is the place to see and be seen when it rolls into Scottsdale, Ariz. every January. The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company is well known for being the premiere classic car auction company in the United States, featuring some of the most exclusive vehicles available at auction.

P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon – Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe January 17, 2010, rnraz.com Experience a winter running oasis at the seventh annual P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon.

Perfect running weather and flat courses run through three spectacular cities and make for a world-class running event, while 70 live bands and a free Headliner Concert make for an all-out rockin’ party.

Gem & Mineral Shows (and Shopping) – Quartzsite January-February, 2010, 928.927.9321, quartzsitebusinesschamber.com Just two hours west of Phoenix, Quartzsite comes alive in January and February when most of the million-plus annual visitors converge on the town to hunt for rocks and minerals and ‘shop’ the rows of eclectic items sold out of tents (largest swap meet in the world). In addition to agates, quartz, limonite cubes and even gold, you can shop for antiques, leather goods, baskets and ethnic jewelry. After you’ve scored shopping, take a break at the local tavern known as The Quartzsite Yacht Club – it’s one of two small bars in town.

Febr uary 24th Annual Flagstaff Winterfest – Flagstaff February, 2010, 928.7741.4505, flagstaffchamber.com This month-long festival of events celebrates the joy of the winter season. Locations and times vary.

Arizona Fine Art Expo – Scottsdale January 14-March 28, 2010, 10am-6pm, $8 Adults, 480.837.7163, arizonafineartexpo.com A 10-week event in north Scottsdale. Watch more than 100 designers, painters, sketchers and sculptors at work in their studios and in the outdoor working cabanas. Café de Expo offers scrumptious breakfast, snacks and lunch in the afternoon.

Arizona Renaissance Festival – Apache Junction February 6-March 28, 2010, 520.463.2600, royalfaires.com (Saturdays & Sundays only) The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 12-stage theater, a 30-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast – all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure.

ARIZONA

Events by the Month

Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market

Ostrich Festival

Phoenix International Raceway

Gold Rush Days – Wickenburg February 12-14, 2010, 800.942.5242, wickenburgchamber.com For three action-filled days, thousands of visitors and participants enjoy the multitude of activities ranging from a shoot-out on Frontier Street, a parade, rodeo, carnival, food booths, and arts and crafts.

Apri l

M arch

Katsina Doll Marketplace – Phoenix April 10, 2010, 602.252.8848, heard.org More than 100 Hopi Katsina doll carvers will gather to show and sell their unique carvings in both traditional and contemporary styles. Musical performances, book signings and more.

Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market – Phoenix March 6-7, 2010, 602.251.0209 x6414, heard.org The fair features more than 650 of the finest American Indian artists including jewelers, potters, carvers, painters and weavers. Music and dance performances; Indian, Mexican, and American foods; and free Museum entrance are all included with fair admission price.

Ostrich Festival – Chandler March 12-14, 2010, 480.963.4571, ostrichfestival.com One of the “Top 10 Unique Festivals in the U.S.” – the Ostrich Races are the most popular attractions at the event, but two stages of continuous live entertainment run all day long with nationally known headliners each night. State fair-size rides and more than 150 exhibitors selling arts and crafts, as well as children’s activities, round out a whole day of fun.

Tucson Artists Open Studio Tour – Tucson March 13-14, 2010, 11am-5pm, tucsonopenstudios.com Artists will open their studios to the public so you can see the creative process at work. Artists will talk about their work, present demonstrations and offer work for sale.

T he P hoenix s y m p h ony Founded in 1947, The Phoenix Symphony proudly serves the citizens of Phoenix and the surrounding metro area with more than 200 concerts and presentations annually. From full-length classical and pops concerts to our kid-friendly family series, The Phoenix Symphony offers something for every patron!

800.776.9080, PhoenixSymphony.org

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Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball – Phoenix April-September, 2010, 602.462.4600, diamondbacks.com Baseball, hot dogs and apple pie – all still representative of American values – and thankfully, all still affordable. Prices for single game tickets in the upper deck range from $5 to $20.

NASCAR at Phoenix International Raceway – Avondale April 8-10, 2010, 866.408.RACE (7223), phoenixinternationalraceway.com.

Race fans gather for three days of racing, sunshine and parties. Races include: Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150, Bashas’ Supermarkets 200, and SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™.

May Cinco de Mayo Celebrations – Statewide 1st week in May, 2010 Neighborhood and community Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout Arizona are free or very reasonably priced. You’ll find lots of Latino music, dance, Mexican food and games.

Farmers Markets – Statewide Various dates and locations, arizonafarmersmarkets.com Farm fresh seasonal produce and locally-produced food products available as well as arts and crafts.

Ju ne Dia de San Juan – Tucson June, 2010, 520.791.4040 This festival honoring the start of the summer rainy season includes food, games, music, folk dances, and cultural performing groups. Downtown Tucson.

Strawberry Festival – Pine/Strawberry June 12-13, 2010, strawberryfestivalaz.com In the pines of Northern Arizona, it’s a western town staging gunfighters and Country Western bands. For more than a decade, this play world for adults and kids has 200 booths, 60 flea market vendors and great food.

A S ong & a D ance

World’s Oldest Rodeo Prescott

Flagstaff Music Festival – Flagstaff June 19-20, 2010, flagstaffmusicfestival.com The 8th annual event will be held at Heritage Square in historic downtown Flagstaff and feature two days of local Flagstaff music, food, vendors and artists.

J u ly Sidewalk Egg-Frying Challenge – Oatman July 4, 2010, 928.768.6222, oatmangoldroad.org Contestants use their own devices and creativity to fry the most edible egg at high noon in one of the hottest places on earth. There are several medals to be won in various categories including showmanship, youngest fryer and fryer who traveled the farthest.

4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks – Statewide Throughout Arizona, communities come together to celebrate with food, kids activities, water fun, local bands and entertainment.

World’s Oldest Rodeo and Frontier Days – Prescott June 28 – July 4, 2010, 866.407.6336, worldsoldestrodeo.com Since 1888 folks have come from miles around to see what the ruckus in Prescott, Ariz. was all about. Every year that ruckus gets bigger, the contestants more daring and bold.

When the bulls, the horses, the clowns come to town... well, let’s just say you’ll want to see what’s kicking up all that dust.

Inspired by Arizona’s radiant colors and diverse heritage, Arizona’s arts and culture landscape is among the richest in the Southwest. Rave reviews and national attention has been bestowed on Arizona’s cultural centers and fine-arts museums, many showcasing collections and touring exhibits from around the world. And, it doesn’t surprise anyone that browsing the galleries and shops is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike.

Walk the A rts Just about every city and town in Arizona hosts a weekly or monthly art walk, where art galleries open their doors for extended hours. Sedona’s resident artists fill over 40 in-town galleries, which on the first Friday of each month stay open as late as 8pm to give visitor’s a glimpse of Sedona’s artists.

Also on the first Friday of every month, downtown Phoenix’s Art Walk includes everything from emerging galleries to the newly expanded Phoenix Art Museum staying open until 10pm. Downtown Scottsdale’s ArtWalk happens every Thursday evening from 7-9pm – just follow the ArtWalk markers on the sidewalks. Chandler’s takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, while Mesa has adopted the fourth Friday for theirs. Whichever you choose, make a night of it by combining an art walk with fine dining, drinks, or theater options in the area.

Performing Arts

Whether it’s opera, drama, or ballet, the performing arts in Arizona are rich and diverse.

Greater Phoenix is home to Arizona Theatre Company, Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona, Broadway Theatre, Childsplay, Actors Theatre, and Center Dance Ensemble, as well as a host of public events. Tempe and Mesa both have new A u g u st arts centers that host hundreds of performances as well as classes and studios. Scottsdale’s Center Southwest Wings Birding and for the Performing Arts also hosts year-round Nature Festival – Sierra Vista performances that promote diversity and awareness First weekend in August, 2010, 520.678.8237 of cultural heritage.

Lectures and field trips throughout the area. These places Outside of the Valley, have been known historically for their great Wickenburg’s Del E. Webb biodiversity of birds, butterflies, odonates and Center for the Performing Arts other insects, mammals, reptiles and close to 600-seat theatre hosts a variety 1,000 species of plants. of performances that are diverse, Starlight Train, beautiful and high-energy. The Verde Canyon Railroad – Clarkdale Wall Street Journal has referred Saturday Nights, 928.639.0010, to Tucson as a “mini-Mecca verdecanyonrr.com for the arts” – it has its own Every Saturday, the canyon comes alive with symphony, ballet, opera and nocturnal beauty and wildlife aboard the only Art Walk Historic Downtown Chandler theater groups. railroad that travels through the Verde Canyon. www.AZMeetings . c o m

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ARIZONA

Events by the Month

Se p tember Navajo Nation Fair – Window Rock September 5-12, 2010, 928.871.6647, navajonationfair.com Every year in early September, Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation, celebrates Navajo values, beliefs and pastimes with the nine-day “World’s Largest American Indian Fair.” Attracting over 100,000 people from all over the world – singing, dancing, livestock, arts and crafts, an all-Indian rodeo, and arguably the largest inter-tribal PowWow in North America take place.

Arizona Restaurant Week – Statewide September 18-26, 2010, 602.307.9134, arizonarestaurantweek.com This exciting event produced by the Arizona Restaurant Association showcases the culinary scene throughout the state. Restaurants feature a three-course signature dish menu for $29 per person/$58 per couple.

Route 66 Days – Flagstaff flagstaffroute66days.com Route 66 Days is a weekend full of fun-filled events designed to bring back the nostalgia of Route 66 and the exciting heritage of the Mother Road.

O ctober Cowboy Artists of America Sale and Exhibition – Phoenix October-November, Phoenix Art Museum, 602.257.1880, caashow.org This is the only time of year when the entire Cowboy Artists of America membership exhibits together. This ticketed event attracts hundreds of collectors from around the world and includes everything from lunch with the artists to gallery tours.

Bisbee 1000 – Bisbee Third weekend in October, bisbee1000.org The Bisbee 1000 event allows you to use any combination of walking, running and resting to traverse nine sets of steps and numerous back-roads at a mile-high altitude.

While conquering over 1,000 steps you will be serenaded by musicians playing at strategic points along the route.

Participants can compete aggressively for overall and age group prizes; enjoy a challenging fitness walk or family stroll, or any combination thereof.

Annual Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party – Queen Creek October, 2010, $14, 480.987.3100, schnepffarms.com Admission includes: hay rides, miniature golf, maizes, country road rally, honeybee adventure, carousel rides, petting barn, pig races, 3-D scary weather haunted attraction, golden goat bridge, live entertainment on two stages, bonfires and marshmallow roasting and farmhouse museum. There’s also a sweet shop, country store, gift shops, and a spectacular fireworks show every night.

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Polar Express, Grand Canyon Railway

November Polar Express, Grand Canyon Railway – Williams November-mid-January, 2010, 6:30 & 8pm, $14-26, 800.843.8724, thetrain.com During a one-hour evening train journey, guests enjoy treats and a reading of the classic Christmas story on the way to the North Pole. Santa boards the train at the North Pole and presents young passengers with bells representing the spirit of Christmas and everyone sings carols on the return trip.

Leaf Changing – Statewide Fall Color Hotline 800.354.4595, fs.fed.us/news/fallcolors The Forest Service’s website offers the estimated percentage of current fall foliage, areas with greatest amount of color, recommended viewing routes and the estimated peak viewing period.

Festival of the Arts – Fountain Hills November & February, 10am-5pm, 480.837.1654, fountainhillschamber.com More than 500 artists and 200,000 attendees enjoy the three-day festivals which include bands, food and arts and crafts for sale.

December Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix December 9-30, 2010, 480.941.1225, dbg.org This evening celebration of Southwest luminaries is a great place to get a flavor of the Southwest.

Arizona Cardinals Football – Glendale Various dates August-December, azcardinals.com The Arizona Cardinals play professional football in the Valley of the Sun. 13th Annual Arizona Celebration of Lights – Glendale December – January, West Valley, $15 per vehicle, arizonacelebrationoflights.com This event includes more than 7,000,000 lights and 300 animated and still displays, set along a nearly one-mile route at 75th Avenue and Loop 101 in Glendale. Set to music, the show includes five light tunnels (one of which is the world’s largest), in an event that families can experience and enjoy from the comfort and convenience of their own cars.

Sports It seems as soon as Arizona reaches a significant sports milestone, there are several more on the horizon. If you don’t believe us, let the stats speak for themselves.

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Phoenix International Raceway

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Cubs Spring Training

he 1st ever National Championship BCS Game was held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on January 8, 2007. The Arizona Cardinals, a charter member of the NFL, played in their first Super Bowl in 2009. Arizona was host to the 2008 Super Bowl, the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball West Regionals, and looks forward to the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Recently Arizona announced that it is leading efforts to bring the largest, most popular sporting event internationally to the University of Phoenix Stadium. As one of 27 potential host communities, Arizona will be assisting the USA Bid Committee to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States for the first time since 1994.

Arizona sports are simply pure fun, complete with the friendliest and loudest tournament on the PGA tour, the fastest cars in NASCAR, the bleacher crowds and cracker jacks of Spring Training, and a team in every major professional sports league. Arizona has become a national sports Mecca.

Clockwise: Arizona Cardinals Football, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

C actu s League Sp ring T raining

Crowd -Pleasing Action

2009 brought the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cleveland Indians, and with the addition of the Cincinnati Reds in 2010, Arizona’s Cactus League Spring Training fans will consume even more hot dogs than last March’s bleacherpacked 1.5 million fans downed. The Cleveland Indians premiered their 2009 season at the brand new Goodyear Ballpark, with the Cincinnati Reds joining them in 2010.

The Los Angeles Dodgers along with the Chicago White Sox made the move to the brand new Camelback Ranch Spring Training Facility in Glendale. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community recently broke ground on the very first Spring Training facility to be located on Indian land. The Arizona Diamondbacks will call this new facility home starting March 2011. Other teams include the Chicago Cubs in Mesa; the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Tempe; the Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland A’s in Phoenix; the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners in Peoria; the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers in Surprise; and, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies in Tucson for the 2010 season.

The Greater Phoenix area is one of 13 metropolitan areas in the U.S. to have at least one team in each of the four major professional sports. The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, home of the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, is home to the annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Located nearby, the 17,000-seat Jobing.com Arena serves as home to the NHL Coyotes. Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix is home to MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks and the 2011 MLB All-Star Game, and the NBA Phoenix Suns play only a block away at US Airways Center. (So do the women’s Phoenix Mercury, the 2009 WNBA Champions.)

Buckl e Up Phoenix International Raceway is home to the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series Racing, while Firebird Raceway hosts NHRA events. The nearby Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving teaches aspiring racers to drive like the pros. Other facilities around the state offer a variety of motor sports from dirt-bike racing to high performance go-cart action. www.AZMeetings . c o m

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S H OPP I NG

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cottsdale boasts an impressive array of independent retail centers, notably, the downtown Scottsdale Arts, Shopping & Entertainment Districts. World-famous is Scottsdale’s 5th Avenue arts district, home to more than 30 restaurants and 80 specialty shops. The district pairs the flavor of Scottsdale’s past (think trading posts) with the essence of the present (pampering day spas). Just down the street is the Scottsdale Waterfront, which made its splashy debut along the Arizona Canal. Landscaped pathways and pedestrian-only bridges lead to some of the hottest drink spots and shops in town, such as Estate House, the Glass Slipper and Estilo, a women’s fashion boutique with an instore catwalk.

Across the street at the coveted Camelback and Scottsdale Road corner, Scottsdale Fashion Square offers some of the best department stores in the country including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York. Specialty shops are also plentiful – the newest being Forever 21, Arthur, Christian Audigier, and True Religion. After all this fruitful shopping, the see-and-be-seen crowd will want to wine and dine at the new Modern Steak, the latest in the Fox Restaurant concepts.

North on Scottsdale Road the Borgata of Scottsdale wins the award for the Valley’s most architecturally interesting outdoor shopping center. Crafted to resemble the Italian

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Clockwise: Historic Downtown Glendale, Kierland Commons, Mill Avenue District, Fiesta Mall

Tuscan village of San Gimignano, the Borgata comes with stone walls, turrets, ramparts and a pleasing mix of local and national boutiques, such as Chico’s and Pink Paradise, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature store.

Another outdoor center and adjacent to the Westin Kierland, Kierland Commons blends shopping, dining and luxury loft living in a spirited indoor/outdoor mix.

It’s beach season year-round at Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café and Emporium, while that perfect one-of-a-kind gift could be tucked into any nook or cranny at Restoration Hardware. Just across the street is Scottsdale’s newest shopping addition, Scottsdale Quarter. Inspired by quaint cityscapes with welcoming storefronts, this is the home of Arizona’s first H&M as well as the Apple Store, Williams Sonoma Home and West Elm. Biltmore Fashion Park has been a Phoenix institution for years and today it’s more dynamic than ever. Its red poinsettia displays at Christmastime are legendary, but at any time of year, count on eye-catching floral arrangements.

Saks Fifth Avenue is a crowd-pleaser here. However, the independents are all the rage in downtown Phoenix. Make sure you stop by the funky and eclectic Bunky Boutique.

This unique mix of every day fashion lines, interspersed with original local independent designers has been featured in InStyle, Travel + Leisure and Time Magazine.

Without question, if you’re into power-shopping, the number of prized properties in the Valley of the Sun are too numerous to mention, but here’s a short lineup of remarkable facilities that will help you get started.

Tempe Marketplace

Scottsdale Fashion Square

On the west side of Greater Phoenix, Historic Downtown Glendale is well-known for its picket-fenced yards housing the cutest shops, restaurants and boutiques. However, Glendale also boasts one of the largest malls in the region – Arrowhead Towne Center which has more than 170 shops and restaurants. And pretty much brand new, Glendale’s Sports and Entertainment District is exactly what it sounds like. Located here is the University of Phoenix Stadium and the Jobing.com Arena – both hosting numerous special events in addition to the sports teams they were built for.

Next door to these, visitors can shop at Westgate City Center, the Zanjero District and Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter.

If staying in the east Valley, visit Chandler Fashion Center. Anchored by Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Macy’s and Sears, the 240-store shopping center also features The Village, an outdoor pavilion with the unique Dancing Waters, an interactive fountain display of music, light, sound and water.

A visit to Downtown Mesa is a must for any serious shopper. The independent, locally-owned boutiques are filled with antiques, fashions, and unique décor coupled with coffee shops, museums and art galleries. Make sure to swing by Domestic Bliss on Main Street for vintageinspired beauty or Mystic Paper to pick up the one-of-akind necessities to scrapbook your experiences.

A mere 10 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport is Arizona Mills in Tempe. With more than 175 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, it’s worth canceling your first flight and catching the next one just to see it all.

If you’re searching for bargains, look no further than the Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th Outlet or Neiman Marcus Last Call. Arizona Mills was recently selected to house the brand new Sea Life Aquarium. This 26,000 square foot facility will house 12 habitat zones and transport visitors from the Arizona desert to the depths of the ocean.

If you’d like to enjoy the sunshine and find a few treasures to take home, visit Mill Avenue or Tempe Marketplace for unique outdoor shopping experiences. Finally, the monumental 342,000-square-foot IKEA store in Tempe houses Swedish-style furniture and accessories for folks with savings on their minds. Without question, if you’re the kind of person who likes to shop until you drop, by all means drop in on Arizona. www.AZMeetings . c o m

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PHOENIX

& CENTRAL Arizona

As the nation’s fifth largest city, Greater Phoenix is the Southwest’s premier meetings and leisure travel destination. The metropolitan area offers meeting planners an immense variety of venues, architectural styles, themes and cuisine. Add in the multitude of recreational opportunities and Phoenix is the perfect blend of business and pleasure. The Phoenix metropolitan area, locally known as The Valley of the Sun, encompasses 23 contiguous cities with Phoenix in the center, and includes Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Glendale, Fountain Hills and other smaller communities.

Superstition Mountains

Tempe Town Lake

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Sonoran Desert

Camelback Mountain

Roaring Fork

The vibrant look of Downtown Phoenix might be unrecognizable to someone who hasn’t visited in a few years. The unique local boutiques, emerging nightlife scene and eclectic art galleries are bustling with renewed energy, spearheaded by the arrival in 2009 of the METRO light rail system and the major expansion of the Convention Center.

Scottsdale continues to evolve with fresh dining, resort and event options. New stores include Barneys New York and Forever 21; both just opened at Scottsdale Fashion Square along with several new dining options. Glendale is now an international dateline for significant sporting events such as the 2008 Super Bowl. And that’s just for starters. With more than three million citizens, top-rated arts, shopping, dining, and outdoor attractions, plus the world-class Sky Harbor International Airport – it’s easy to see why Greater Phoenix is the political, commercial and recreational heart and soul of the Southwest. www.AZMeetings . c o m

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P hoenix

Tatum Blvd

40th St

32nd St

7th St

19th Ave

27th Ave

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PEORIA

Cave Creek Rd

Area Map

PHOENIX

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303 Bell Rd

Bell Rd

SURPRISE

Greenway Rd

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Thunderbird Rd

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52nd St

EL MIRAGE

59th Ave

Dunlap Ave

67th Ave

Shea Blvd

75th Ave

Peoria Ave

83rd Ave

Cactus Rd Mirage Rd

Cactus Rd

Northern Ave

51 Lincoln Rd

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Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport

Mill Ave 24th St

16th St

7th St

Central Ave

Baseline Rd

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27th Ave

36th Ave

43rd Ave

51st Ave

59th Ave

7th Ave

115th Ave

Southern Ave Dysart Rd

Litchfield Rd

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Broadway Rd

67th Ave

AVONDALE

75th Ave

Buckeye Rd 83rd Ave

Yuma Rd

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TOLLESON

Van Buren St

40th St

McDowell Rd

32nd St

Thomas Rd

48th St

99th Ave

METRO light rail

Indian School Rd

PARADISE VALLEY

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48th St

GLENDALE

Camelback Rd

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Bethany Home

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Greenway Rd Thunderbird Rd

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Interstate Highways

202 State Highways 60

U.S. Highways

Important Roads

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Priest Dr

Interstate Highways

Kyrene Rd

N O R T H

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Arizona Cardinals Football

McDowell Rd McKellips Rd Brown Rd University Dr Main St

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Stapley Dr

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Mesa Dr

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Broadway Rd Southern Ave

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Baseline Rd Guadalupe Rd

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Elliot Rd

GILBERT

Warner Rd

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Ray Rd Chandler Blvd

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Higley Rd

Greenfield Rd

Val Vista

Lindsay Dr

Gilbert Rd

Cooper Rd

McQueen Rd

Country Club Dr

Alma School Rd

Dobson Rd

McClintock Rd Price Rd

Rural Rd

CHANDLER QUEEN CREEK Arizona Cowboy College - SCVB

www.AZMeetings. c o m

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P hoenix

& CENTRAL Arizona

P hoenix As the fifth largest city in the U.S., Phoenix has the resources to meet every meeting planner’s need, from the everyday to the obscure, while still holding on to the small town ambiance that ensures a personal touch. It challenges even long-time residents of Arizona to comprehend that Phoenix has risen to be the fifth largest city in the U.S. To be sure, there are plenty of amenities, such as professional sports teams, innovative restaurants, a superior international airport and modern public transportation. Nonetheless, the city’s historic Southwestern and Native American roots and relaxed, Western hospitality remain firmly entrenched.

Saddle up for a horseback ride, stroll through a downtown art gallery or just look out at the cactus-studded mountains, Orpheum Theatre drenched in a reddish-purple sunset and the raw, distinct American art and folklore. Don’t miss a visit to the gift shop. It’s a treasure trove of the finest in locally produced beauty of the place registers instantly.

Downtown Phoenix is home to Copper Square – 90 crafts. The perfect complement is a stop-off at the recently blocks of urban lifestyle, attractions and business in the expanded Phoenix Art Museum. Continue with a walk heart of Phoenix. From sun-up to sundown and well into through the brand new Phoenix Children’s Museum, located in the historic 1913 Monroe School Building, the night, Copper Square provides a truly which includes everything from engaging unique urban environment with more than 90 More Info projects and exhibits for young children to restaurants, bars, and markets. Copper Square educating parents and caregivers about child Greater Phoenix is anchored by the Phoenix Convention Center Convention & development and parenting techniques. A final which recently completed a $600 million dollar Visitors Bureau, stop on the “learning is fun” circuit is the nearby expansion (early 2009). Copper Square is also (602) 254-6500, Arizona Science Center, where a planetarium, home to museums, live theater, and music visitphoenix.com a five-story, giant-screen theater and a slew of events, as well as professional sports at US permanent and temporary exhibits will amuse Airways Center or Chase Field. If you’re touring young and old alike. All three of these facilities the area and have any questions about concert and theater venues, athletic events, art gatherings such as are available to groups for meetings and events.

Downtown Phoenix’s performing arts scene includes “First Fridays” or just about anything else, flag down an orange- and khaki-clad Copper Square “Ambassador.” the Orpheum Theatre, which inspires awe even before the show begins thanks to elaborate Spanish-colonial-revival They’re there to help.

Delve into the region’s cultural center with a trip to the architecture outside and a circular staircase and star-sky Heard Museum, an unmatched representation of Native ceiling inside. For a completely different vibe, there’s the

Heard Museum

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P hoenix

& CENTRAL Arizona

sleek Dodge Theatre, which marries the classic rigging of a Broadway stage house with the pulsating excitement of modern arena technologies. Elegant statues of nude dancers decorate the palm-studded grounds of the Herberger Theatre, signaling that this is a venue for free spiritedness and artistic discovery. Here, Arizona’s most widely acclaimed professional theater troupe, the Arizona Theater Company, enchants audiences with contemporary and classic productions. The Herberger is also home to several other companies, including Childsplay, Actors Theatre, Center Dance Ensemble, and Black Theatre Troupe. Chandeliers constructed of hand-blown Venetian glass and hanging tapestries hand-woven by Mexican artisans greet visitors inside Phoenix Symphony Hall. This magnificent concert hall, which is also known for its Peacock Fountain, is where the Phoenix Symphony has captivated audiences for 55 years. Along with the Orpheum Theatre, Symphony Hall is also where you can see performances by Ballet Arizona.

After a long day of meetings, you might be craving an empty-your-lungs shout-out. Fortunately, a plethora of seasonal sporting venues wait to let you indulge. The NBA’s Phoenix Suns take their aim at the US Airways Center, a home they share with the Phoenix Mercury, who won the WNBA Championship in 2009. The facility took center stage internationally when it hosted the 2009 NBA All-Star game. Spring, summer and early fall is the time to catch

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Phoenix Suns

the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The retractable roof means the game might be indoors or outdoors, but the stadium’s biggest splash might be its unique swimming pool, situated just beyond the home run fence in right-center field. If spring’s your thing, in terms of baseball, catch the Oakland A’s and Milwaukee Brewers at home in Phoenix for Cactus League action.

Be that as it may, odds are pretty good that you’ve touched down in Phoenix to experience one of the sunniest, driest climates on earth – and that means outdoor fun – which Phoenix boasts in abundance. Hikers in your group will quickly warm to the trails at Piestewa Peak, where a dazzling view of downtown Phoenix awaits those who ascend to the top. Camelback Mountain, an aptly named local landmark, South Mountain Park, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and the Papago Buttes are other sterling examples of backto-nature fun for those looking to hike, bike or walk the desert. Practically next door to the Papago Buttes are the wide paved walkways of the Phoenix Zoo and of the Desert Botanical Garden, both of which will instill everything anyone ever wanted to know about local flora and fauna.

Check out the Zoo’s newest (opened November 2009) and largest animal exhibit, Land of the Dragons. Home to two full-grown Komodo Dragons, the exhibit has multiple viewing areas, a tropical setting, heated rocks next to windows for up-close viewing, and a 7,000-gallon pool for the dragons to swim in.

As you might expect, there’s no shortage of outstanding dining experiences in Phoenix, with an emphasis on continental and southwestern fare. Award-winning chefs creating inspired cuisine in stunning surroundings defines the Greater Phoenix culinary scene. Chef Douglas Rodriguez of Deseo at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is widely regarded as the inventor of Nuevo Latino cuisine, elevating Latin American food to a cultural art form.

Heightening the pleasure of dinner, the striking views of the surrounding mountains and plush golf course seen through Deseo’s floor-to-ceiling windows are breathtaking. Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, 602.254.6500, visitphoenix.com

Kierland Golf Club

G o lf i n A r i z ona – PA R–FECT ION !

Arizona is the perfect host for group golf events of any size. Competitive tournaments, high-spirited night golf using neon balls, and group lessons with resident golf professionals are just a few of the possibilities.

Don’t expect to find too many cookie-cutter golfing experiences here. From the famous, to the scenic to the slightly off-beat, your golf event will certainly be memorable.

Incentive travelers can play on courses designed by pros like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, or played on by pros like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Probably the most famous course in Greater Phoenix is the TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium course, home to the best-attended golf tournament in the world, the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open in late February.

Just a short drive from the TPC Scottsdale is the town of Cave Creek, home to Rancho Manana Golf Club, voted “One of Arizona’s most scenic golf courses.” Rancho Manana is well known for its fairness and playability for golfers of all levels. Relax after your round at the award-winning Tonto Bar & Grill. The eclectic cuisine and spectacular views will be the perfect way to finish your day on the course.

For a golfing event of a different and slightly whimsical nature, try the Westin Kierland’s Scottish Golf Experience.

Step into an entirely different country and golf the “Scottish Way”, complete with kilt rentals, a bagpiper, and a unique Johnny Walker beverage cart. Your group will never forget this incomparable event.

And, with so many courses to choose from, tee up the best meeting ever with Arizona golf to complement your event.

P hoenix

& CENTRAL Arizona

S c o t t s d a le a nd t he N o rthe ast Vall e y

Scottsdale exudes charm, style and sophistication. Set in the serene Sonoran Desert with a vibrant arts-oriented downtown, celebrated resorts, championship golf, one of a kind shopping and world-class restaurants, Scottsdale is truly nirvana for meeting planners. With activities from rock climbing to race cars to golf, and tours from horseback rides to Jeep safaris to balloon flights, options for entertaining are nearly endless. Scottsdale’s more than 70 hotels and resorts range from five-star luxury to nicely appointed accommodations that will maximize your group’s budget.

It wasn’t that many years ago that Scottsdale was better known for rodeos and round-ups than for retail therapy and relaxing at the spa. Today, there’s an easy co-existence TPC Scottsdale between the Old West and the new. Vestiges of the town’s crowds in golf when the PGA Tour’s Waste Management cowboy legacy blend seamlessly with its superb collection Phoenix Open takes place there in late February. The par-3 of top-ranked golf resorts, cutting edge art scene and 16th hole, where Tiger Woods scored his famous ace in 1997, pleasing excess of clubs and restaurants. What never is considered the most raucous in golf. The TPC Stadium’s changed are the compelling mountain panoramas, myriad sister course, the Champions, is every bit the challenge of cultural opportunities and endless grab-bag its Tour-worthy sibling. of outdoor attractions.

For the non-golfers, Scottsdale offers It’s little wonder why two upscale national More Info a dizzying array of recreational options. magazines recently named Scottsdale as the Nestled in the lush Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale Convention best city in the U.S. for golf. Serious golfers Scottsdale is bordered by the McDowell & Visitors Bureau, have long flocked to the 200-plus courses that (800) 782-1117 Mountains and McDowell Sonoran are sprinkled throughout the Valley of the Sun. Preserve, which consists of 16,460 acres scottsdaleratechallenge.com Traditional tree-lined “parkland” courses, of protected land. These areas provide the nine-hole “beginners” courses and dramatic perfect landscape for mountain biking, “target-style” desert courses all beckon, but for those hiking and backpacking. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve seeking top-rated “trophy” courses, Scottsdale overflows. also offers guided hikes in the area that range from three to Start with the TPC Stadium Course, home to the largest more than eight miles in length.

E nha n c e Yo ur I nner-S o ul For more than 100 years people have been traveling to Arizona for the immeasurable health benefits of its warm dry climate. Today is no different with Arizona ranking as one of the most desired locations for resort, destination, and day spas in the world. After spending the day sitting in meetings, make a point to check out the spa at your resort or a nearby day spa and experience ingredients drawn from Arizona’s natural environs – juniper, sage and sandalwood combined with desert honey and river rocks make the perfect self-indulgent recipe. Arizona’s warm winters enable spa-goers to sun by outdoor pools in January, and summer off-months offer unheard of discounts and special “cool-down” experiences that will take you away from the heat. Don’t hesitate to indulge yourself in relaxation and luxury – even in a down economy, 2008 saw an increase in the spa industry with visits to spas increasing 16%.

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P hoenix

& CENTRAL Arizona

Professional climbing guides can help your group experience the thrill of recreational rock climbing and rappelling. You’ll experience some of the desert’s most beautiful scenery from new heights, while building selfconfidence and enjoying a great sense of accomplishment.

On any given weekend, the granite cliff-faces will be dotted with tiny figures in bright clothing dangling at the ends of long ropes.

Off‑road Jeep and Hummer tours are a wonderful way to enjoy the desert’s Old West history and experience its beautiful flora and fauna. Interpretive guides provide entertaining stories of the Old West (including a tall tale or two!) as well as interesting facts about the cacti, plants and animals that make up the desert’s delicate ecosystem.

Tour options can include gold panning, pistol shooting, Jeep/horseback and Jeep/river rafting combinations, chuckwagon cookouts, and more.

For a truly western experience, book a sunrise horseback ride through the McDowell Mountains followed by a hearty cowboy cookout for breakfast. From high in the saddle, you’ll see exotic cactus, rolling desert foothills and crystalline streams. As you explore the pristine, natural habitats, your guide will entertain you with the stories and legends of Arizona’s first cowboys.

The Sonoran Desert is a unique and beautiful place when observed from ground level, but the view from above

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Fort McDowell Adventures

is astounding in its expansiveness and grandeur. Hot air ballooning is a wonderfully tranquil experience for visitors of all ages. Sunrise and sunset flights provide magnificent vistas of desert terrain and towering mountain ranges.

The view from the balloon’s handcrafted wicker basket is virtually unobstructed.

Rafting, kayaking and canoeing are popular ways to explore the lakes and rivers in the Scottsdale area. Several Scottsdale-based adventure travel companies provide raft and kayak trips on both the Salt and Verde Rivers. These excursions offer the opportunity to view the desert wildlife including eagles, herons, egrets, hawks and occasionally larger species such as coyotes, javelina and deer.

Of course, after all of that activity, the body may need some pampering. Where luxury spa treatments are concerned, Scottsdale is virtually unbeatable. Among the elite are Agave, the Arizona Spa at the Westin Kierland, and Joya Spa at InterContinental Montelucia Resort. Offering the ultimate in privacy, Agave Spa is located just steps outside the resort and features a quiet lap pool beside a relaxing courtyard and garden. Agave Spa has 20 treatment rooms, a full service salon, a movement studio, weight training and cardio studios, as well as cabanas providing guests with private areas for outdoor relaxation and spa therapies. The free-standing, 31,000-square-foot Joya Spa channels the raw splendor of Moorish Andalucía Spain with whitewashed walls contrasting vibrant hues of ochre and multi-colored, custom-made Moroccan tiles. As InterContinental’s first U.S. resort property, the resort features 253 guestrooms and 40 suites, plus 34 privately-owned luxury villas that are managed by the resort.

If you’re looking for an exciting way to build attendance, reward your top performers or simply enhance your group’s itinerary, consider incorporating one of Scottsdale’s unique events into your next meeting or incentive program. Every January, the celebrity-laden classic car shows come to town, among them the nationally televised Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. In February, the cars drive away from the

U n i quely A rizo na Meeti ngs As one of the largest cities in the United States, Phoenix offers every first class luxury imaginable. With world-class spas, resorts and golf, you may forget that this is the desert, once dominated by cowboys and outlaws. Lucky for you, it’s this rich scenery and colorful history that sets the Greater Phoenix area apart from other large cities, and here are a few ideas to add that Arizona flair to any meeting.

How are your survival skills? Arizona Outback Adventures will put these to the test on their GPS Geo-Challenge, where you and your fellow meeting attendees will navigate through the unspoiled Sonoran wilderness, encounter the natural flora and fauna, and learn the history of this uniquely Arizona event where you learn confidence and skills you can take home with you.

Arizona Wing Commemorative Air Force Museum

Don’t let the stress of your event prevent you from taking part in all the activities Arizona has to offer. There are numerous companies that can help you ease the burden. The Driver Provider, serving Arizona for more than a decade, can arrange to pick your group up at the airport and remain on-call throughout your event if there are any last minute transportation needs. Your trade show materials will have luxury transportation as well; BC Logistics will ensure that your show is shipped, delivered and set up seamlessly, as they will be on dock to ensure the process. Companies such as AV Concepts and Party People will be on hand to handle all of you behind-the-scenes needs. Sit back and relax or take a hike through the Sonoran landscape because everything will be taken care of for you.

The pure immensity of the Sonoran Desert might only be truly captured by air. At Arizona Soaring/Estrella Sport, soaring rides are given over the beautiful Sierra Estrella Mountains. See native desert hawks soaring next to you and view the expanse of the desert floor sprawl out beneath you.

Continue the flight theme and hold your banquet at the Arizona Wing Commemorative Air Force Museum.

This 30,000-square-foot meeting facility offers an airline hanger and classic World War II fighter planes that have been beautifully restored to accent your event. Make the event even more memorable by arranging a ride in one of the warbirds over the Superstition Mountains Wilderness.

Refuel at the Old Town Tortilla Factory in Downtown Scottsdale, where you will dine in a historic adobe home. The cuisine draws on influences from Native Americans and the Sonoran Desert and your group can some any of the over 80 premium tequilas, Mexican beers and liquors.

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WestWorld facility, replaced by horsepower of a different kind – the pageant-filled Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. March brings the San Francisco Giants to town for Spring Training baseball. In April, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun, festivities and fabulous weather. For a complete Scottsdale events calendar, visit www.experiencescottsdale.com.

Scottsdale once featured a tag line, “the West’s most Western town.” You can still find remnants if you know where to look. For fans of the Old West, downtown Scottsdale offers numerous galleries replete with paintings and sculptures, along with a small concentration of western wear stores and a few old-style buildings and hitching posts amid the modern surroundings. North Scottsdale is chock full of tasteful new developments that are nicely integrated into the desert but a few old standbys remain firmly entrenched. Greasewood Flats, Reata Pass and Pinnacle Peak Patio are three restaurants that represent the old guard, that were hewn in the days where paved roads were a rarity.

For those who want to plunge into the cowboy way, pay your tuition at Scottsdale’s Arizona Cowboy College, where you’ll learn the tools of the trade at a real-live cattle ranch.

For many Scottsdale visitors, however, the mantra remains, “shop ‘til you drop.” Retail excitement reaches fever pitch in the winter/spring months, when outdoor shopping is a joyous occasion, but whether you’re inside or out, there are countless options to buy ‘til you’re happy. Return visitors likely have fond memories of Old Town, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Scottsdale Fashion Square recently unveiled a brand new 100,000-square-foot expansion wing with the addition of Arizona’s first Barney’s New York. Old Town is a paradise for walkers, with as

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Scottsdale ArtWalk

much to photograph as there is to buy. Don’t miss Bob Park’s Horse Fountain and the stores that surround it. Kierland offers an ideal blend of indoors and outdoors, as well as a something-for-everyone experience with hotels, luxury loft living, shopping and dining. Landscaped pathways and pedestrian-only bridges highlight the Scottsdale Waterfront, which overlooks the Arizona Canal and boasts some of the Valley’s hottest dining emporiums The legendary Fifth Avenue Shopping District in Old Town Scottsdale serves as a gateway to a world-famous concentration of boutiques and art galleries that fan out to Main Street and Marshall Way. Balmy Thursday evenings, when galleries extend their hours for the Scottsdale ArtWalk, are the most enjoyable way to browse and buy. You can stay in the neighborhood to celebrate your purchases because it’s home to the most eclectic grouping of nightspots in the Valley. Party spots range from Vegasinfluenced, A-Lister haunts such as Modern Steak, Suede and Devils Martini, to rock-meets-western Saddle Ranch Chop House. More Vegas-style action is available at two Casino Arizona locations in Scottsdale, belonging to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Casino Arizona will be home to Arizona’s newest resort in early 2010. Talking Stick Resort will feature more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space, 497 guestrooms, a gaming floor, entertainment and world-class spa.

Culture cravers will seek out Taliesin West, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s one-time winter retreat and Cosanti, the workshop of futurist Paolo Soleri, whose hand-crafted bronze and ceramic wind chimes have long been one of the state’s most distinctive keepsakes. Looking to kick back? The charming, artsy town of Carefree just north of Scottsdale has an “Easy Street,” and an intersection of “Ho” and “Hum.” Not to be outdone, the rustic town of Cave Creek next door introduced the world to chili beer, consisting of a bottle of tasty brew that also holds a spicy jalapeno pepper. The beauty of Scottsdale and its surrounds is that there’s something for every taste.

Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, 480.421.1004, experiencescottsdale.com

F o u n ta in Hi ll s & F o rt M c Dowe ll Although the Town of Fountain Hills and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation are only a few miles east of Scottsdale, it feels as if they are a world away. The area is wreathed by scenic mountains, draped in the unique vegetation of the Sonoran Desert and blessed with panoramic views offering a wide range of outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, bird watching and boating.

Lodging options for groups include the luxurious Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and the Inn at Eagle Mountain.

The white plume of Fountain More Info Hill’s world famous fountain – Fountain Hills & Fort the town took its name from the McDowell Tourism, landmark – is visible for miles.

(480) 837-1654, visitfhfm.com At its full height of 560 feet, the fountain is higher than the Washington Monument and three times as high as Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone Park. It may seem surprising to have such a magnificent spout in an arid area, but this fountain is a celebration of water where it is most appreciated – in the middle of the desert.

Those with a sense of whimsy might check out the burgeoning arts scene in Fountain Hills; sculptures, water

Fountain Park

features and other works of art adorn the Community Center, the Avenue of the Fountains and public places.

Twice a year, the Great Fair and the Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts attract hundreds of thousands of art lovers to the downtown area. Galleries and small shops make it easy for shoppers to find their own art year-round. And, the award-winning Fountain Hills Community Theater is one of Arizona’s leading performing arts organizations.

Fort McDowell has become widely known for its casino and its live entertainment. In addition, they have 36 holes of golf at the acclaimed We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and Fort McDowell Adventures, an old west style recreation facility offering horseback rides, Jeep rides and other outdoor fun.

Fountain Hills Tourism, 480.837.1654, visitfhfm.com

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Tempe Tempe teems with vibrancy – it is alive with a youthful and eclectic vibe in addition to an extensive arts scene, fine dining, resorts and special events. Rated as an AllAmerican City, Tempe offers over 5,500 guestrooms and an abundance of meeting space. A mix of performing arts, sports and recreation venues and numerous restaurants provides options certain to complement any grown-up meeting agenda.

Admittedly, Tempe’s myriad attractions get dwarfed by its anchor tenant, Arizona State University, one of the nation’s largest institutions of higher learning.

More Info This is especially true on football Tempe Convention Saturdays, when more than 70,000 & Visitors Bureau, maroon- and gold-clad fans pile (866) 914-0685, meetintempe.com into Sun Devil Stadium to cheer on their team. The school’s successful baseball and basketball teams have loyal followings as well. In early spring, baseball is in the air, as Tempe is the Cactus League home for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Nevertheless, there’s plenty more to explore in Tempe beyond the sporting scene.

Energy flows from tree-lined Mill Avenue in the center of downtown where some 250 businesses – from charming coffee shops to quaint stores and nightclubs – offer entertainment galore. Sidewalk artists and entertainers frequent the area giving the scene a lively and spontaneous sense of fun and excitement. Tempe Mission Palms is just steps from Mill Avenue and has 303 guestrooms, 30,000

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Tempe Center for the Arts

square feet of meeting space and a rooftop pool. Even better, they arrange numerous unique afternoon activity packages from high adventure excursions to cultural tours.

ASU’s Gammage Auditorium, a Frank Lloyd Wright design, welcomes the public with a selection of art shows, plays, musicals, concerts and speakers. Visitors to Tempe will also enjoy the newly opened Tempe Center for the Arts. Funky local bands, award-winning local theater, blockbuster Broadway productions, comedy shows and contemporary dance companies are all part of Tempe’s arts and cultural scene.

Situated at the north end of Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake is a two-mile-long riverbed offering an urban oasis for boating, kayaking, rowing and special events. Rental canoes, kayaks and electric boats are available, and groups of up to 35 can charter tours on excursion boats or smaller groups can arrange for catered cruises. The banks of Tempe Town Lake are encircled by five miles of trails for running, biking, in-line skating and bicycling. More hiking and mountain biking trails are just south of Tempe at South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the U.S. Tempe’s special events include: the Tempe Spring and Fall Festivals of the Arts, the Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party (one of the country’s best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve according to USA Today), the spirited Circle K Tempe Music Festival, the exhilarating P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon and the inspiring Ford Ironman Arizona.

Tempe offers professional meeting planners an excellent destination – with options from mountaintop views to a dynamic downtown – there’s a unique meeting venue for every taste and budget. From the younger crowd to the young at heart, Tempe has just what you seek for an interesting, fun and highly successful meeting location.

Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau, 866.914.0685, meetingtempe.com

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M es a Mesa has nearly overtaken Tucson as the state’s second largest city, yet its claim to fame nationally has long been its status as the spring training baseball home to the Chicago Cubs, whose rabid followers turn every March exhibition game into an event. If the Cubs are a staple of Mesa’s rich history, then state-of-the-art celebrity-owned restaurants/ attractions are a sign of its future. Country music superstar, Toby Keith, opened his “I Love This Bar & Grill” in the brand new Mesa Riverview. This 900-seat restaurant offers larger than life features, including an 85-foot guitar shaped bar, mechanical bull, stage and dance More Info floor and over 50 TVs. Just recently Mesa Convention legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez & Visitors Bureau, opened his very first Campeones (480) 827-4700, visitmesa.com in Mesa. This 30,000-squarefoot facility features a restaurant, museum, event space and arcade.

Mesa boasts an art and cultural district like no other in the Valley. Mesa Arts Center is the largest arts and entertainment venue of its kind in the Southwest. It houses four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Two other museums are within walking distance of downtown Mesa with Arizona Museum of Natural History serving as the anchor. Here, visitors can see some of the biggest dinosaurs that ever lived and understand the natural and cultural history of the Southwest. The Arizona Museum for Youth, a fine arts museum for children, features ArtVille – an artinspired town for curious and creative toddlers.

Mesa Arts Center

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Mesa Amphitheatre

For meetings in downtown, Mesa Convention Center offers 15,000 square feet of exhibit area and an additional 25,000 square feet of meeting space, comprised of 15 rooms of varying sizes. On-site catering and a state-of-theart theater-style conference center are also available. Part of the Convention Center complex, the Mesa Amphitheatre offers festival seating for 4,200 on curved grass terraces and no seat is further than 175 feet from the stage in this lovely setting. The Amphitheatre consistently ranks at the top of the best outdoor concert venues in the Valley with national touring acts, community programs, arts and cultural events, and theatrical performances.

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Downtown Mesa’s numerous shops and restaurants are mostly locally-owned with one-of-a-kind offerings. Nearby, Dana Park Village Square is a 400,000-square-foot fashionfocused lifestyle center while Superstition Springs Center and Fiesta Mall each offer more than 140 specialty stores and eateries. Mesa’s newest offering is Mesa Riverview featuring a mix of well-known stores alongside independent retailers. Boasting more than 1.3 million square feet of retail space, this entertainment complex is anchored by Arizona’s only Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

Mesa is known as an activity-oriented destination; heading east into the rugged slopes of the Superstition Mountains, one encounters the towns of Apache Junction and Gold Canyon. Until you’ve experienced the Superstitions, you’re missing one of Arizona’s wildest rides.

Legend has it that hidden in these parts is a rich vein of gold. For more than 150 years, starry-eyed prospectors have hiked up and down the mountains in search of Lost Dutchman’s Mine. What anybody can find, however, are the dazzling kaleidoscopes of wildflowers that blanket the foothills in springtime following healthy winter rains. Now you can experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert by the light of the moon with a guided moonlit hike offered by the Lost Dutchman State Park. To make sure your group has the energy for their full moon hike, stop by the Mining Camp Restaurant, where you will enjoy an

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Lost Dutchman State Park

all-you-can-eat family-style restaurant reminiscent of the early mining camps cook shanty.

Although Mesa is just 20 minutes from Downtown Phoenix and Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport, Mesa’s own Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport offers meeting planners a convenient alternative. Allegiant Air currently operates here, and other airlines are in negotiations to begin passenger service to cities outside Arizona.

Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau, 480.827.4700, visitmesa.com

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Cha n d le r Just east of Mesa, the trellis-covered walkways and colonnades of Historic Downtown Chandler lure people to this unique community with their ever-increasing inventory of unique galleries, charming boutique shops and independent restaurants.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Chandler’s Downtown Square was once a favored haunt of Hollywood luminaries and heads of state, and today is undergoing a major reconstruction with the start of a $76 million brand More Info new City Hall development and the brand new Chandler Museum that City of Chandler, will replace its current museum and (480) 782-3037, visitchandler.com increase its size by more than three times. The historic square is home to a variety of award-winning, local restaurants, including an Arizona winery and microbrewery, boutique shops, and entertainment creating a vibrant, eclectic arts and cultural district.

Chandler offers a variety of hotel accommodations, including Arizona’s original golf resort (located in downtown Chandler), the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort that first opened in 1912. With its Spanish colonnades, old-world charm and probably the shadiest 18 holes of championship golf west of the Mississippi, it’s been a favorite for over 90 years.

The first Wednesday of each month features an art walk in downtown. Unique annual events include a Jazz Festival, Classic Car & Hot Rod Show, Tumbleweed Tree Lighting event, Ostrich Festival, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration including Chihuahua races.

Historic Downtown Chandler, Image courtesy of LightRainImages.com

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Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving

Chandler is a premier shopping destination in the East Valley with a wide variety of options from one-of-a-kind boutique shops to internationally recognized retailers.

Along with the shopping areas of Casa Paloma, Chandler Pavilions, the Falls at Ocotillo and Historic Downtown, the enormous Chandler Fashion Center with its mix of 240 different retail shops and restaurants offers a wide variety of choices.

Have your group rev their engines at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. Meeting attendees can learn to drive like the pros in the largest facility of its kind, featuring over 200 race-prepared vehicles. After a few trips around the track you can utilize the facility’s event space and catering for banquet and meeting needs.

Chandler is home to Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse on the Gila River Indian Reservation (bordering Chandler), which dishes out a dose of the Wild West with stunt shows, shootouts, stagecoach rides and sing-alongs.

City of Chandler, 480.782.3037, visitchandler.com

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G lend a le a nd the Wes t Val ley It’s hard to imagine that only 30 years ago, the towns west of Phoenix were comprised of cotton fields, citrus groves, cattle ranches and an Air Force base. Today, Luke Air Force Base has got plenty of company. Glendale is the big enchilada out west and poised to celebrate its 100th birthday. Thanks to its prime attraction, the University of Phoenix Stadium, home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, the NCAA’s Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and special events, Glendale has emerged as a top event destination. Tours are available to see not only the retractable roof, but the retractable, roll-in, rollMore Info out natural grass field as well, an engineering feat unique in the U.S. Glendale Office optimism runs realistically high to of Tourism, host a future Final Four.

(623) 930-4500, headwestaz.com Adjacent to the big stadium is a smaller sibling, the Jobing.com Arena, which serves as home for the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, as well as to concerts and ice skating events. Glendale’s newest sports facility, a 13,500seat baseball spring training site, Camelback Ranch, houses the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. If, however, it’s shopping, not sports, that gets your blood pumping, Glendale doesn’t disappoint. Its charmingly

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preserved downtown district is a haven for those in search of antiques and collectibles.

Avondale’s horizon ripples with the peaks of the Sierra Estrella Mountains, but the real action is at your feet, amid the ground-pounding, pulse-raising excitement of Phoenix International Raceway, which plays host to two NASCAR events annually. Peoria and Surprise have blossomed as spring training homes for a quartet of major league teams, the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners in the former, and the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers in the latter. In Goodyear, is the Cactus League debut of both Ohio teams, the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds.

Come see the pros at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, host-site for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships and the Fed Cup! Or sign up for lessons and play on the courts where Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and other tennis legends have played. Their tennis complex has 25 courts, seven lit for night play, so there are year-round opportunities for the tennis greats and novice alike.

Continue west on the Carefree Highway past Peoria and you’ll find the watery attractions of Lake Pleasant, a top draw for boaters. Just outside of Lake Pleasant you will find the stunning Cibola Vista Resort and Spa. This is the first resort to be built in the West Valley since 1929 and has exceeded all expectations of what a first-class resort should include. Named after the seven cities of Cibola, the Resort is designed in a village format with six cities comprising the different accommodations options and the seventh city is the resorts extensive amenity core. Expect to find ample amounts of boating, horseback riding, fishing and water skiing on Lake Pleasant.

Nearby, the Challenger Space Center of Arizona provides all ages an astronomical thrill. Part of an international network, the center allows groups of visitors to simulate a two-and-onehalf-hour space mission, varying from a trip to the moon to a visit to a comet. The center also offers educational programs for individuals, families and schools as well as camps, stargazing, and corporate programs and rentals. With its unique affiliation to the Smithsonian Institute, access to national quality museum exhibits is the bonus. Within the beautiful facility, one of the wall murals was created by Robert McCall, NASA’s official space artist and an Arizona resident. And don’t forget to stop into the Galaxy Gift Shop while you are there.

If you’re yearning for a slice of the Old West, Wickenburg delivers. Located an hour’s drive northwest of Phoenix, Wickenburg is an old mining town with enough modern enticements to snag locals and tourists alike. Check into Wickenburg’s Rancho de los Caballeros Resort and you’re issued your own horse. Of course, his meal plan and yours are very different. The Desert Caballeros Western Museum, with its cowboy art, is one superb attraction.

The museum is celebrating its 50th year and is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history and art of Arizona and the West. It takes pride in being Arizona’s Most Western Museum. The permanent collection includes American Indian and late 19th- and 20th-century Western American paintings and sculptures. The museum also offers special exhibits, lectures, workshops, classes and tours.

The Nature Conservatory’s Hassayampa River Preserve, where clear streams and migratory birds thrive, is another.

This riparian treasure contains the spring-fed Palm Lake, a unique four-acre pond and marsh habitat. Glendale Office of Tourism, 623.930.4500, headwestaz.com www.AZMeetings. c o m

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The Buttes, A Marriott Resort 2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe, 85282 602.225.9000 buttesmarriottresort.com 353 rooms / 40,000 sf meetings

After an eventful day of meetings, your guests will appreciate the comfort of our handsomely furnished guestrooms and Narande Spa. With our flexible meeting space, including a 9,000-sf ballroom, The Buttes, A Marriott Resort is your premier meetings destination.

Cibola Vista Resort & Spa 27501 N. Lake Pleasant Road, Peoria, 85383 623.889.6700 cibolavista.com 200 rooms

The unique “Old World” Spanish charm of the resort is sure to be the perfect touch to your exciting event. Choose from our rustic and beautiful courtyards surrounded by bubbling fountains, or on a lush, grassy knoll with the Arizona Mountains framing your special moments. For a more intimate setting Cibola Vista’s Trailhead is ideal for indoor business meetings, birthday parties, receptions, and much more.

For group rates or to book an event please contact us at 623.889.6700.

Comfort Suites Glendale 9824 W. Camelback Road, Glendale, 85305 623.271.9005 comfortsuites.com/hotel/AZ296 gm.az296@choicehotels.com 100 rooms / 4,000 sf meetings

For business, pleasure or just relaxing – this is the perfect choice. Our brand new conference center hotel features 100 guest suites and over 4,000 sf of flexible meeting space. We are just minutes from many popular venues including Camelback Ranch, Westgate City Center, Phoenix International Raceway, Luke Air Force Base and much more! Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast and stay connected with free high speed wireless and hard-wired Internet access.

Complimentary shuttle service within 7 miles.

Comfort Suites Goodyear 15575 W. Roosevelt St., Goodyear, 85338 623.266.2884 comfortsuites.com/hotel/AZ246 gm.az246@choicehotels.com 85 rooms

Host your next event at the brand new Comfort Suites Goodyear, located conveniently off the I-10 freeway in the Parkway Village shopping center near Phoenix International Raceway and the Goodyear Ballpark. We offer five meeting rooms ideal for both business and pleasure. You and your guests can rest easy in our all-suite hotel knowing your event is being handled with the utmost care and attention. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast and the free high speed wireless and hard-wired Internet access will keep you connected to your office and family.

Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort One San Marcos Place, Chandler, 85225 480.812.0900 • 800.528.8071 SanMarcosResort.com 295 rooms / 35,000 sf meetings

The Crowne Plaza® San Marcos Golf Resort, since its opening in 1912, has become known for its championship golf, award-winning dining and legendary hospitality. The resort features luxurious guestrooms including 12 suites and two Presidential Suites. Also featured is flexible meeting space, AJ’s Café, 1912 Lounge, two heated swimming pools and an 18-hole championship golf course.

Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort 5401 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 85250 480.947.5400 • 800.222.TREE paradisevalley.doubletree.com 378 rooms / 49,925 sf meetings

Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort is an enclave of towering palms, lush foliage and sparkling fountains just north of historic downtown Scottsdale. In addition to flexible meeting space, the resort features two refreshing pools, lighted tennis courts, a health club, practice putting greens and all rooms provide generous work areas and many amenities.

Embassy Suites Airport at 24th Street 2333 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, 85016 602.957.1910 • 800.EMBASSY phoenixairport24th.embassysuites.com 182 rooms / 5,000 sf meetings

All-suite hotel centrally located to business districts, museums, theatres, and sports venues. Two and a half miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Offering complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, cocktails nightly, parking and airport and area transportation. Amenities include: restaurant on property with room service available, outdoor heated pool with oversized whirlpool, on-site exercise facility and barbecue grills throughout the grounds.

Embassy Suites Hotel Phoenix Airport at 44th Street 1515 N. 44th St., Phoenix, 85008 602.244.8800 phoenixairport44thstreet.embassysuites.com 229 rooms / 10,000 sf meetings

Just minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, this is the perfect setting for doing as much or as little as you like. Conveniently situated near world-class shopping, golf courses and entertainment, as well as many financial and corporate centers.

Local attractions including ASU, downtown Tempe, Old Town Scottsdale and the Biltmore are all just a short ride away. Without leaving the comfort of our hotel, you can soak up the sun poolside or unwind in our beautiful garden atrium. Welcomes all southwest visitors who wish to find their own oasis.

Embassy Suites Biltmore 2630 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 85016 602.955.3992 • 800.EMBASSY phoenixbiltmore.embassysuites.com 232 rooms / 8,000 sf meetings

Featuring a fresh new look, multi-million-dollar renovation on all guestrooms and public space, offering a true southwestern experience. Nestled in the city’s prestigious Biltmore area, a vibrant center of business, sophisticated shops, outstanding restaurants and exciting entertainment. Cascading waterfalls and Koi pools add to the enjoyment of our daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and evening beverage reception. Adjacent to the Arizona Biltmore Country Club offering world-class golf on two championship courses.

Embassy Suites Phoenix-North 2577 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, 85025 602.375.4098 phoenixnorth.embassysuites.com 314 rooms / 20,000 sf meetings

Centrally located in the Valley of the Sun and within minutes of Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale & Peoria. Featuring 314 two-room suites, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and managers reception daily. Enjoy our heated pool, hot tub, Cabaña Bar, fitness center, tennis and more! Dine in Lafitte’s Restaurant and relax in the Lobby Lounge. With over 20,000 sf of conference facilities let us host your next conference, meeting or special event.

Our professional sales and catering team will detail your entire event from start to finish.

Embassy Suites Phoenix-Scottsdale 4415 E. Paradise Village Pkwy., Phoenix, 85032 602.765.5800 embassysuites.com 270 rooms / 14,000 sf meetings

Embassy Suites at Stonecreek Golf Course is the only all-suite hotel nestled around this award-winning golf course. Hotel offers complimentary full cookto-order breakfast, evening manager’s reception and a balcony off every guest suite to enjoy Arizona’s spectacular sunsets and sunrise. Tatum’s restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service. Shuttle service, pool, spa, business center, fitness center and meeting facilities also available.

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Embassy Suites Tempe 4400 S. Rural Road, Tempe, 85282 480.467.2905 embassysuitestempe.com 224 rooms / 13,000 sf meetings

Newly renovated, the ONLY all-suite/full-service property in Tempe also features resort-style courtyards. Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and evening managers reception are offered daily. Complimentary 24-hour business center, fitness center and airport transportation are additional amenities that we offer.

Located just two miles from ASU and downtown Tempe. Six championship golf courses within five miles. Nearby shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Gainey Suites Hotel 7300 E. Gainey Suites Dr., Scottsdale, 85258 800.970.4666 • 480.922.6969 gaineysuiteshotel.com 162 rooms / 8,300 sf meetings

Scottsdale’s best value for small meetings – an upscale yet intimate and low profile alternative to large resorts centrally located in the heart of beautiful Gainey Ranch. Stylishly remodeled in 2008, all suites feature the plush “Gainey Suite Dreams Bed”, LCD flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Includes complimentary breakfast buffet and evening reception daily… plus complete A/V onsite, two well-appointed boardrooms, a ballroom for up to 90 classroom-style, and creative catering with unique indoor and outdoor venues for conference dining.

Grace Inn Phoenix 10831 S. 51st St., Phoenix, 85044 480.893.3000 • graceinn.com 160 rooms / 10,000 sf meetings graceinn.com

Come visit Phoenix and enjoy Southwest décor at the Grace Inn. The Inn is conveniently located to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tempe and just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. With 10,000 sf of meeting space, the Grace Inn is perfect for your next conference or event.

Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix/Gilbert 3265 S. Market St., Gilbert, 85297 480.543.150 phoenixgilbertsuites.hamptoninn.com 98 rooms / 800 sf meetings

Once called the “Hay Capital of the World” Gilbert has undergone a radical transformation in the recent years to become one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. The “New” Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix/ Gilbert is located just miles from downtown Gilbert, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Mercy Medical Hospital, shopping, restaurants and much more. Our promise to you is friendly service, clean rooms, comfortable surroundings. That’s our guarantee… That’s 100% Hampton! Complimentary hot breakfast, high speed Internet, and van shuttle service within 5 miles of our hotel. Earn Hilton HHonors Points & Miles® with each travel to Hampton Inn & Suites Gilbert!

Hampton Inn – Phoenix/Midtown 160 W. Catalina Drive, Phoenix, 85013 602.200.0990 • 800.HAMPTON hamptoninn.com/hi/phoenix-midtown 99 rooms / 800 sf meetings

The Hampton Inn-Phoenix/Midtown offers that great central location. Located in the heart of Phoenix’s Central Corridor of financial and government offices.

Spacious guestrooms are equipped with all the comforts for an enjoyable stay. Free wireless high-speed Internet throughout the hotel. Meeting space to accommodate up to 50 classroom-style. Free breakfast buffet with hot items included in room rates.

Hilton Phoenix/Chandler 2929 W. Frye Road, Chandler, 85224 480.899.7400 • 800.HILTONS phoenixchandler.hilton.com 197 rooms / 8,000 sf meetings

The new Hilton Phoenix/Chandler opened in February 2009, and received an enthusiastic welcome from neighbors and clients. In the heart of Chandler’s high-tech district and adjacent to the Chandler Fashion Mall, it is an ideal location for business or leisure guests. Guestrooms feature Hilton’s Serenity Collection for bed and bath, and the public areas include a full-service restaurant, Lobby Bar, and poolside Oasis bar and grill. Spacious fitness center and inviting pool and patio complement the hotel’s features. Nearby golf, shopping, and entertainment for your enjoyment!

Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa 1011 W. Holmes Ave., Mesa, 85210 480.833.5555 • 800.544.5866 hiltonphoenixeast.com 260 rooms / 25,000 sf meetings

The Hilton Phoenix East in Mesa provides all the amenities that you have come to expect from Hilton – and then adds a generous dose of genuine Southwestern hospitality.

Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas 6333 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 85250 480.948.7750 scottsdaleresort.hilton.com 233 rooms / 44,894 sf meetings

Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas is surrounded by spectacular golf, world-class shopping, and endless entertainment options. Relax in the luxury of 45 new lavishly appointed two-bedroom villas featuring full kitchens and private patios. The resort boasts beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, spa and fitness center. Dining options include the Blue Fire Grille and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

Hilton Suites Phoenix 10 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, 85012 602.222.1111 • 800.HILTONS phoenixsuites.hilton.com 226 rooms / 2,200 sf meetings

Breathtaking views, luxurious suites, tropical atrium and an optimal location.

The Hilton Suites is located in the heart of the central business district and near Phoenix’s most popular cultural, entertainment and sports venues. As of 2009, light rail access adjacent to hotel, at the Thomas and Central station. A clean, safe, easy and “can’t get lost” transport system, which connects our guests to all of the Downtown, Central Phoenix and Tempe hot spots.

Hyatt Place Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert 888.492.8847 hyattplace.com

Hyatt Place combines The Hyatt Touch® with stylish design, purposeful amenities and forward-thinking technology to provide a new kind of Hyatt for today’s relaxed lifestyle. Our spacious guestrooms feature a 42” flat panel HD TV, our signature Hyatt Grand Bed™ and free Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy a daily complimentary continental breakfast, and can purchase cafe quality food 24/7.

We provide everything needed, from unique food and beverage options to cutting-edge equipment, and a Meeting Host dedicated to manage every last detail.

Inn at Eagle Mountain 9800 N. Summer Hill Blvd., Fountain Hills, 85268 800.922.8083 innateaglemountain.com 42 rooms / 3,005 sf meetings

An ideal location for guests seeking the exclusivity and value of a smaller boutique property with the guest amenities of a resort. This very private, extremely beautiful site creates an attractive sanctuary with soothing, satisfying influences. Meeting rooms for groups of 10-50 with the new Overlook Pavilion for up to 150. Amenities: breakfast, lunch, and private catering from the Grille at Eagle Mountain, near golf, shopping, spas, and outdoor adventures.

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A cc o mm o d at i o n s

HOTEL PHOENIX CITY CENTER

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InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, 85253 480.627.3200 • 888.627.3010 icmontelucia.com 293 rooms / 26,894 sf meetings

Explore sun-dappled courtyards reminiscent of glamorous Old World Spain, a labyrinth of secluded gardens and a sense of sublime tranquility in the luxuriously-appointed meeting spaces at Montelucia. Whether retreat, passion, romance or accomplishment is the goal, the breathtaking beauty and soulstirring surroundings of the resort ensure perfect moments for meeting and event attendees.

Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch 7401 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 85253 millenniumhotels.com/scottsdale 175 rooms / 13,000 sf meetings

Choose from intimate boardrooms or Scottsdale’s only lakeside ballroom, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Exciting on-site recreation includes worldclass golf, tennis, sand volleyball, water sports and fitness center. Stay in one of the Southwestern-style guestrooms or 50 villas. Enjoy dining at Piñon Grill, Diamondbacks Lounge or Cool Coyote Cabana.

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 85020 602.997.2626 • 800.685.0550 pointehilton.com 563 rooms / 48,000 sf meetings

Meeting professionals enjoy a myriad of options. Our complete business center meets the varied needs of meeting planners and event staff, along with stateof-the-art audio-visual teleconferencing equipment. Why not take your group outdoors under the Western skies for playful themed events at Tombstone, our cowboy town, followed by a festive dinner celebration on the Squaw Peak Patio?

Our sports pool is ideal for water games.

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort 11111 N. 7th St., Phoenix, 85020 602.866.7500 • 800.685.0550 pointehilton.com 584 rooms / 85,000 sf meetings

The tremendous versatility and scope of our meeting facilities set the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort apart from other resorts. The opportunities for successful meetings here are endless. The meeting and outdoor garden function space have been designed specifically for conventions and events. Whether your meetings are for 20 or 1,500, our nationally recognized team of meeting professionals devote themselves to making your event a triumph.

Radisson Hotel Phoenix City Center 3600 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix, 85013 602.604.4900 • 800.333.3333 radisson.com/phoenixaz_citycenter 160 rooms / 5,000 sf meetings

The Radisson Hotel Phoenix City Center is located in the heart of the medical, financial, business, and art district of Phoenix and only a few minutes from the Sky Harbor International Airport. The hotel showcases indoor meeting space as well as a 250-seat garden amphitheater.

Rancho de los Caballeros 1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, 85390 800.684.5030 • sunc.com 80 rooms / 8,500 sf meetings

Instead of casinos, beaches or snow, plan an uncommon Western retreat at Rancho de los Caballeros. Situated on 20,000 acres of lush, Sonoran desert, The Ranch offers a variety of activities – award-winning golf, horseback riding, trap & skeet, nature hikes, desert cookouts and a full-service spa – for a memorable team experience. The Ranch offers over 8,500 sf of meeting space. With 80 distinctive casitas, Rancho de los Caballeros can exclusively accommodate your group.

Scottsdale Luxury Suites 480.419.6975 • 888.990.1326 luxurysuites.com info@luxurysuites.com

Scottsdale and Phoenix – Arizona hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, golf lodging, and accommodations. Corporate housing in furnished apartments, condominiums, and homes. Business and group travel, relocation, and real estate services.

Sleep Inn Phoenix Airport 2621 S. 47th Place, Phoenix, 85034 480.967.7100 airportsleepinn.com 105 rooms

Newly-renovated with comtemporary décor and convenient to all parts of the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is only 4 minutes away. We have 24-hour free shuttle service to the Airport and METRO light rail for easy access to the entire valley, free deluxe hot continental breakfast, free high speed Internet throughout the hotel, a business center with free copy and fax service, Managers receptions every weeknight. Free high speed Internet in rooms (some are hardwired for security), local calls, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee-makers, walk-in showers with double shower heads, study desks with reading lamps, many other extras. Laundry facilities on site, heated pool and spa. Free Bus Parking on site.

Talking Stick Resort 7580 N. Dobson Road, Ste. 250 Socttsdale, 85256 480.850.7777 • 877.724.4687 talkingstickresort.com 497 rooms / 100,000 sf meetings

Talking Stick Resort, opening early 2010, will offer resort luxuries while providing unmatched entertainment. Along with 497 rooms and suites, visitors will experience exceptional guest service and upscale amenities, including: a rejuvenating open-air spa; eight restaurants; 10 entertainment lounges including 750-seat Showroom, a 240,000-sf gaming floor; pool and indoor/outdoor conference space.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, 85254 480.624.1000 kierlandresort.com 735 rooms / 296,216 sf meetings

All guestrooms feature the Westin Heavenly Bed®. Utilize flexible function space, including two ballrooms, and our award-winning culinary staff. Enjoy 27 holes of championship golf and an array of golf options, full-service spa, eight food and beverage options and a waterpark. Adjacent to upscale retail shopping and dining.

Windemere Hotel and Conference Center 5750 E. Main St., Mesa, 85205 480.985.3600 • 800.888.3561 resortmesa.com 114 rooms / 12,000 sf meetings

The Windemere Hotel and Conference Center, in East Mesa, is a perfect setting for corporate groups of any size. We have 114 large, comfortable sleeping rooms with an oasis-style heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi open 24-hours a day, lush tropical courtyards and beautiful patio areas are available for any social event from corporate cocktail parties to family reunions. Our Conference Center has 12,000 sf of functional meeting space. We are just minutes from golfing, Arizona lakes, and Westcor Shopping Centers.

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DININ G Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant 1720 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 85016 602.277.FISH (3474) bluewatergrill.com

The Valley’s newest destination for fresh seafood! Visit Bluewater Grill and you’ll enjoy fresh seafood every day! Moderately priced with a sushi bar, oyster bar, great kids menu, patio dining and private rooms for parties of 20 to 120! For takeout, visit our Bluewater Fresh Fish Market where you can stop and get fresh or prepared fish to go. Open for lunch, happy hour and dinner 11am - 10pm weekdays, 11am - 11pm weekends.

Cork 4991 S. Alma School Road, #1 Chandler, 85248 480.883.3773 corkrestaurant.com

With comfortable contemporary décor, a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list with over 350 selections, Cork offers New American Cuisine with French influences. Local press accolades include 4.5 stars from AZ Republic food critic, Howard Seftel and New Times Best of Phoenix “Best Small Plates”. Multi-course tasting menu experience; Sunday Brunch from 10am - 2pm with bottomless mimosas & bellinis; Happy Hour 4 - 6:30pm features $4 glasses of wine, Champagne cocktails, selected specialty cocktails and additional food menu; ½-priced wine night on Tuesday (any bottle under $120). Private dining room seats 10 people with audio-visual capabilities; Available for private functions, such as buy-outs or luncheons and small catering functions. Independent establishment owned by local couple, Robert & Danielle Morris, both formerly of LON’s at the Hermosa.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 20715 N. Pima Road, Ste. F.1 Scottsdale, 85255 480.538.8468 • eddiev.com

Specializes in prime seafood, USDA prime beef and raw bar offerings set in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere along with live music nightly in the “V Lounge.” Our wine list is an annual winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. With flexible indoor and outdoor dining capabilities, Eddie V’s is the perfect setting to host business meetings, social gatherings, private luncheons and holiday parties.

Mastro’s Restaurants 3 Scottsdale Restaurants MastrosRestaurants.com

Whether it’s the classic Steakhouse or Ocean Club, Mastro’s Restaurants rely on the expertise of their talented staff to provide guests with an unparalleled experience. Classically trained chefs serve up an indulgent selection of hand-cut USDA Prime steaks and the freshest seafood in a sophisticated cosmopolitan atmosphere. For large parties and events, Mastro’s offers a variety of dining options, including exquisite private/semi-private dining rooms and an Event Director who will personally coordinate your event.

Mining Camp Restaurant & Trading Post P.O. Box 456 Apache Junction, 85117 480.982.3181 miningcamprestaurant.com

Loosen your belt!! Come taste an Arizona tradition!!! The Mining Camp Restaurant opened its doors in 1961 at the base of the mysterious Superstition Mountains, along the romantic Apache Trail. As was the case in old mining camps we serve our “all you can eat” family-style dinners from heaping platters. Our awesome Trading Post is loaded with authentic Indian relics, legendary maps and photos of the early mining days in the mysterious Superstitions along with our exclusive Prickly Pear Cactus Jelly and homemade BBQ sauces.

Old Town Tortilla Factory 6910 E. Main St. Scottsdale, 85251 480.945.4567 oldtowntortillafactory.com

Built from a historic 75-year-old adobe home in the charming art district of Scottsdale, Old Town Tortilla Factory captures timeless charm and a distinct atmosphere that exemplifies the essence of the Southwest. A firewater patio – along with a world-renowned tequila bar, which offers 100 premium tequilas – lends itself to being the perfect place to accommodate your large party needs. Offering Southwest cuisine with Sonoran influences starring housemade tortillas, seductive salsas and sauces, and specialties. During the winter months, patio heaters keep the patio at spring-like temperatures. During the summer months the patio is cooled with a state-of-the-art mist system.

Ca l ling a ll foodies In Arizona, expect to find a lot of local fresh ingredients, thanks to the many chefs choosing to champion the uniqueness that makes the desert unlike anywhere else. Really! Just ask celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Cat Cora, who were forced to take second place to three Valley of the Sun chefs on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America. Or visit one of the 28 Arizona dining establishments that received the 2010 AAA Four and Five Diamond awards.

Almost every Arizona city has a regular farmers’ market (or two) that chefs and locals frequent. These community markets often offer arts and crafts in addition to the fresh produce. To taste what’s in season, visit arizonafarmersmarkets.com.

Arizona also holds a multitude of Culinary Festivals throughout the year. The West of Western Culinary Festival is the Southwest’s premier culinary arts festival and features chefs from top independent and chef-driven resort restaurants and delivers an avant-garde epicurean experience. Held at Phoenix Art Museum in March, this multi-sensory affair has the ambiance of a sophisticated garden party. Also in March, Tempe hosts a Beer Tasting Festival. The Scottsdale Culinary Festival – Eat, Drink and Be Pretty – breaks onto the scene every spring. Taste food from around the valley in an upbeat energetic and uniquely Scottsdale atmosphere. And finally, Arizona Restaurant Week is the much anticipated week in early fall where the Valley’s top dining options prepare a three-course menu for the cost of just $29 – make your reservations early as they book fast.

Take a bite out of one of the most delicious dining and nightlife destinations in the Southwest.

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DININ G

WESTERN TOWN AND STEAKHOUSE

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Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 85226 480.502.5600 rawhide.com

Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse has earned an award-winning reputation as Arizona’s family steakhouse. The menu celebrates the spirit and hospitality of its Western roots through traditional cooking and true hungry-cowboy portions. Enjoy mouth-watering BBQ Baby Back Ribs, The Gunslinger Filet Mignon, Colorado Lamb Chops and the Trail Boss BBQ combination served up to live music and line dancing in our Steakhouse & Saloon.

Roaring Fork 4800 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. 1700, Scottsdale, 85251 480.947.0795 RoaringFork.com

Captures the spirit of bold American cooking, set in a rustic yet refined atmosphere with a lively bar, open-air patio and a stylish, comfortable dining room. The restaurant specializes in wood-fired cooking utilizing wood-burning grills, open hearth ovens and rotisserie wood ovens to create sophisticated comfort food with addictive flavors. Roaring Fork is a unique backdrop for business meetings, social gatherings, luncheons and holiday parties.

Rustler’s Rooste 8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, 85044 602.431.6407 • 602.431.6473 rustlersrooste.com

If you want an authentic Arizona location for your next roundup, look no further than Rustler’s Rooste. Only the Rooste can accommodate 30 to 1,500 guests in a spectacular mountaintop setting. Whether you choose a scenic outdoor patio, the spacious Crystal Barn (complete with a stage and dance floor), or the novel Branding Iron Room, you’ll find the Rooste offers a big helping of western hospitality and an eye for detail.

The Stockyards Restaurant & 1889 Saloon 5009 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 85034 602.273.7378 stockyardsrestaurant.com

Arizona’s Original Steakhouse, The Stockyards Restaurant and 1889 Saloon is known for its premium hand-cut aged steaks, prime ribs, wild game, poultry and seafood. For over 60 years, this independently owned and operated landmark restaurant has celebrated the colorful history and characters of Arizona’s cattle industry. You will still find consistently excellent dining and a genuinely friendly atmosphere in this authentic piece of Arizona’s past. Private dining rooms available, excellent choice for groups.

Tonto Bar & Grill 480.575.1916 catering@tontobarandgrill.com tontobarandgrill.com cartwrightssonoranranchhouse.com

Tonto Bar & Grill and Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House & Lounge are ideal for small to large group gatherings, including company holiday parties, family holiday gatherings, rehearsal dinners and showers. Cocktail spaces and dining spaces are available. We will create customized group menus based on your preferences and budget featuring the finest ingredients such as all-natural, mesquite-grilled steaks and chops; fresh seafood; native Arizona products; and house-made dressings, sauces, breads and desserts.

Wildfish Seafood Grille 7135 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 130, Scottsdale, 85251 480.994.4040 WildfishSeafoodGrille.com

A modern bar and restaurant offering the finest prime seafood as well as USDA prime center-cut steaks and an innovative raw bar. With its dramatic centerpiece bar, eye-catching raw bar and surrounding dining space, Wildfish presents fine dining in a casual, vibrant environment. Wildfish is the perfect setting to host business meetings, social gatherings, private luncheons and holiday parties.

C o n ve n t i o n S e r v i ces 5-0 Productions 480.219.6486 5-0productions.com

We aren’t just about equipment – we are about people, we are about service and we are about quality. 5-0 Productions will partner with you in surpassing your needs by providing equipment, technical labor and project management for your business and corporate events. 5-0 Productions – Quality Corporate Audio Visual.

AV Dimensions Inc. 877.507.1444 avdimensions.com

Add dimension to your next Arizona event, call AV Dimensions for your large scale audio-visual needs. We are a full-service nationwide audio/visual supplier of Seamless Plasma/LCD Walls, digital projection, plasma and Creative LED for presentations of extreme impact. Your Needs + Our Solutions = Impressive Results.

BC Logistics 866.521.7777 phx@bclogisticsllc.com bclogisticsllc.com

BC Logistics is Your Best Choice for Tradeshow Logistics! If you want effortless tradeshow planning setup and transport, BC Logistics delivers for you. Count on us to handle the logistics, coordinate your convention circuit, be available on the dock to ensure smooth delivery and more.

We ship to domestic and international locations. BC Logistics is your tradeshow partner — secure, safe, with on-time set-up and delivery, every time.

Great Events Arizona 602.628.0040 greateventsaz.com/corporatehome.html

Event planning, production and management. Accredited Better Business Bureau members with an A-rating. Full-service: Audio-Visual, Catering, Photography, Décor, DJ, KJ, Entertainment, Event Portraits, Videography, and More! Over 20 years experience. Turnkey Events, Meetings Conferences, banquets, company picnics, holiday parties, More! Our Event Professionals work closely with you to turn your vision into a Great Event!

Party People Rentals & Sales 10290 N. 90th St., #5A, Scottsdale, 85258, 480.998.1088 5240 N. 7th St., Phoenix, 85014, 602.264.0062 PartyPeopleRentals.com

Party People has everything you’ll need to purchase or rent for your next event. Let our knowledgeable customer service representatives help you create a most memorable occasion.

We deliver to the entire Valley. Site checks and theme planning. Call for our free brochure. Two locations to serve you.

Peter Jordan Photography, Inc. Arizona’s premier event photography service. Specializing in Award, Couple, Groupshots & 4014 N. Redell Ave., Scottsdale Executive Portraits. Digital Presentations, Full Service Lab. Prints On-line & On-location. MPIBBB-PPA certified. Courteous, professional photography ~ on time and budget!

602.258.9466 • 800.323.8978 peterjordanphoto.com Starz Entertainment 480.830.1308 • 877.357.8279 starzentertainment.net

Starz Entertainment is one of the most honored and respected DJ, MC and Event Production companies in Arizona. Starz offers, all types of DJ services, teambuilding, game show, karaoke, trivia… you name it! Over 8,000 events in Arizona and never a BBB complaint with an A+ accredited rating. Starz employees receive the most comprehensive DJ and MC training and customers get the best in online event planning tools. Work with a certified, insured, and professional company on your next event.

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VENUES

WESTERN TOWN AND STEAKHOUSE

Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Gate 3, Chandler, 85226 480.961.0143 • 800.842.7223 Bondurant.com

Experience the thrill of High Performance Driving! From driving Corvettes, Hot Laps with Pro drivers, to 50MPH go karts, Bondurant is an experience no one will forget!

Group programs can include meetings and fully catered meals in the Bondurant Museum as part of an action-packed driving and racing event. EXPERIENCE for groups of any size. Call today.

Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum 2017 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa, 85215 480.924.1940 azcaf.org

Surround yourself with our collection of vintage aircraft during your next reception, corporate event, reunion, fundraiser, or wedding in our 30,000-sf hangar. View beautiful Red Mountain while dining under the wing of a WWII bomber. Our museum accommodates up to 1,440 guests indoors, and greater numbers outdoors. Located two miles off Loop 202, we are easily accessible from Scottsdale and central Phoenix.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, 85259 480.860.2700 ext. 494/495 franklloydwright.org

Taliesin West was built by Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices in the 1930s and was constantly expanded and modified by the architect until his death in 1959. Wright and his apprentices literally created Taliesin West out of the desert by gathering rocks from the desert floor and sand from the washes to keep the design in balance with the surrounding environment. The site, considered one of the Wright’s greatest masterpieces, was designed to serve as Wright’s personal home, studio and architectural laboratory. Taliesin West is particularly suited for hosting weddings/receptions, rehearsal dinners, exclusive corporate dinners/receptions and small daytime meetings. Daily guided public tours may be customdesigned for groups. Visit franklloydwright.com for gifts, books and a listing of events.

Head West Where New West Meets Old West 623.930.2955 HeadWestAZ.com

Glendale, Arizona and the West Valley Events Coalition are ready to host your next big event in one of the country’s top travel destinations. Located just minutes from downtown Phoenix, you’ll enjoy year-round golf, entertainment and attractions in the Valley of the Sun. Plus a wide range of indoor and outdoor meetings space ideal for groups from 7 to 73,000.

Heard Museum 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85004 602.251.0230 heard.org

Immerse guests in the authentic Southwest at the historic Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art. Spanish colonial-style architecture provides an exquisite setting perfect for day and evening events. Enjoy indoor venues and outdoor courtyards, complimentary guided tours and distinctive gifts at the Heard Museum Shop, all at a convenient downtown location minutes from the airport, convention center and hotels. Let our expert planners help you create a distinctive and memorable experience like no other.

Mesa Convention Center 201 N. Center St., Mesa, 85201 480.644.2178 mesaconventioncenter.com

What can we do for you? At Mesa Convention Center, our goal is your satisfaction.

Full-service meeting and event facility offering 15 meeting rooms and excellent flexibility.

On-site catering, audio-visual, and more. Find out why we’re called “the East Valley’s best kept secret!”

The Phoenix Zoo 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 85008 602.273.1341 phoenixzoo.org

Phoenix Zoo, nestled on 125 acres within Papago Park, is surrounded by lush flora and dramatic desert and water views. The Stone House Pavilion and 16 designated outdoor sites, some a short distance from exotic animals, are fun and unique for weddings and receptions, corporate business meetings, company picnics, school proms, holiday parties, teambuilding and more. The Phoenix Zoo is centrally located to Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. For information visit phoenixzoo.org.

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 85226 480.502.5600 rawhide.com

Just minutes from Sky Harbor, Rawhide is the perfect location for meetings and events.

Offering 14 distinct private facilities, Rawhide is considered the 5th largest venue for meeting and exhibit space. Whether you need space of 20 or 10,000, Rawhide has the perfect space for you. Enjoy the town and all that Rawhide has to offer, from the world renowned Steakhouse & Saloon, to our unique shops and a variety of attractions. We look forward to welcoming your group to our 1880’s western frontier town.

Speedway Raceway 2425 S. 21st St., Phoenix, 85034 602.619.7223 • speedwayraceway.com

Rev up meetings, fire up tired employees, thank your customers, appreciate employees or simply take a “fast” break. Speedway is the indoor kart racing venue of choice. We can accommodate groups of all sizes at the best rates in Arizona. Centrally located in Phoenix.

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Rancho Mañana Golf Club 5734 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek, 85331 480.488.0398 ranchomanana.com

Rancho Mañana Golf Club, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in historic Cave Creek, Arizona, just minutes from Scottsdale and Phoenix, features an 18-hole, par 70, championship course with dramatic elevation changes, unspoiled desert terrain, and spectacular views. Rooms and meeting space are available on-site – excellent for executive retreats or intimate sales meetings. Tee times are available by phone or online.

Seville Golf and Country Club 6683 S. Clubhouse Drive, Gilbert, 85298 480.772.8100 • sevillegcc.com

The Seville lifestyle offers an experience that is warm, relaxed, yet refined. Located in Gilbert, Arizona, the clubhouse, golf course, banquet facility, sports club and pools offer spectacular views of the San Tan Mountains. Seville Golf and Country Club is an oasis from the fast pace of the Phoenix Metro area. We are part of the ClubCorp family, the “World Leader in Private Clubs.” Our club provides a variety of activities for you, your family and friends to enjoy. Seville specializes in Private Events, Business Outings, Golf Tournaments and more, please contact us today!

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San Xavier del Bac Mission

tucson & southern Arizona

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros

Biosphere 2 El Tour de Tucson

Tucson Presidio District

Located 100 miles southeast of the Valley of the Sun, Arizona’s second largest city spreads out over 500 miles at an elevation of 2,389 feet and is protectively cocooned by five mountain ranges. The craggy Santa Catalinas dominate to the north. The Tortolitas are in the northwest. To the east are the Rincons, to the south the Santa Ritas and to the west, the Tucson Mountains. The result is eye-catching backdrops in every direction. Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Western legacies ooze through Tucson’s every pore, conjuring up a distinct sense of history and tradition.

Of course, there’s plenty of progressive energy percolating, thanks to the vibrant presence of the University of Arizona. Toss in 320 days of sunshine, a terrific collection of hotels, guest ranches, spas and golf courses, plus superb restaurants and cultural attractions, and you have a southwestern recipe for success. w w w.AZMeeti ngs.c o m

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Tucson Tucson’s near perfect weather, raw surroundings, challenging high-desert golf, diverse culinary scene, and exciting attractions are easily accessible with nine different airlines offering daily departures to 15 non-stop destinations.

The Tucson Convention Center is located in historic downtown Tucson – your delegates can walk to any of several hotels, shops, and many restaurants located a few blocks from the Center. With 205,000 square feet of meeting space, the Tucson Convention Center has the size and flexibility to accommodate most every type of meeting, convention, trade show, or banquet event you may be Mariachi Band planning.

The Old Pueblo’s rich history in hospitality is illuminated a Purifying Seaweed Body Wrap, available at the resort’s in its many marvelous properties. Resorts and hotels Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. Another excellent choice, the Hilton Tucson El are located close to the region’s natural parks, as well as cosmopolitan amenities such as fine dining, arts, and Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort is a Forbes Travel shopping. Whether your group chooses one of the full- Guide Three Star and AAA Four Diamond award winning, full destination golf resort nestled in the service resort properties, with golf and spa, or a foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains on historic inn close to downtown or a guest ranch More Info 500 acres of high Sonoran Desert. With 45 that assigns you a room and horse, Tucson holes of spectacular golf, it is the largest golf Metropolitan lodging options are boundless.

Tucson CVB, resort in Southern Arizona. Two championship Among Tucson’s stellar full-service resorts (888) 2-TUCSON, 18-hole layouts are situated at the Golf Club, is the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, tucsononus.com while a superb 9-hole track plays around the enjoying a superb, Santa Catalina Mountains resort further up the mountainside. location, attractive dining and cocktailing While luxury resorts make for incredible options at Janos and J Bar and beautiful 27hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Five swimming and memorable meetings, some of Tucson’s most unique pools, including a free-form pool with swim-up bar will and beautiful venues can be found at the city’s best-known refresh on a warm day, but for the ultimate in family fun, attractions. One of the region’s top attractions is the don’t miss the 177-foot Slidewinder, the Southwest’s longest Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a fabulous living garden resort waterslide. Groups will relish the cooling therapy of and cage-less zoo. It covers the entire Sonoran environment

Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort

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in one you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it-space. Over 1,200 different desert plants thrive in six different habitats, with a hummingbird aviary, mountain lions, ocelots, and Mexican wolves thrown in for good measure. Not to be missed is the Raptor Free Flight Demonstration. Watch these birds of prey soar above the open desert in their natural habitat and behaviors. Group events at the Desert Museum can take advantage of the 270-seat Warden Oasis Theater, equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual technology.

The contemporary, versatile Baldwin Education Building accommodates up to 200 guests for receptions, meetings and formal dinners, and features a spectacular view of the surrounding desert mountains through a glass panel wall that opens up to an outdoor balcony.

Another popular venue an affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum, the Arizona State Museum is the largest and oldest anthropological museum in the Southwest. Its permanent collection includes several hundreds of thousands of artifacts – Navajo textiles, Mexican folk masks, basketry, Seri materials – some dating back 13,000 years. In addition to its expansive permanent collection, the museum stages temporary exhibits.

At the University of Arizona Museum of Art, see paintings by 15th century Spanish master Fernando Gallego, Jackson Pollack, Georgia O’Keefe and Wassily Kandinsky. If your taste runs more to fine art photography than fine art, continue along the Museum Neighborhood to the collection at the Center for Creative Photography. The collection here includes the archives of over 50 photographers, including Ansel Adams, Lola Alvarez Bravo, Richard Avedon, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, W. Eugene Smith, and Edward Weston, among others. There’s also the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is still building its permanent collection, but mounts

Petroglyphs at Saguaro National Park

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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

six to eight temporary exhibitions a year featuring the work of artists from around the world.

All this history, education, and culture will undoubtedly need to be refueled with good food. Many of the 3,000some restaurants in Tucson are local establishments where owners and chefs have created signature blends of Southwestern cuisine. The menus often trace back to the owner’s origins, perhaps to Latin America or Spain, or to Native American roots or the interior or the coastal regions of Mexico. (Tucson proper boasts more than 150 Mexican restaurants.)

From outdoor cowboy cookout venues to white tablecloth gourmet dining – Tucson’s choices for groups are unlimited.

The hotels and resorts offer a full range of menu items from classic American fare to innovative Southwestern dishes.

At Westin La Paloma, Janos’ exterior and interior décor

is every bit as elegant as its food is inspired. Opened in 1983 by James Beard award-winning Janos Wilder and wife Rebecca, this restaurant serves cuisine highlighting local ingredients. If you want to do more than just eat the food, sign your group up for the Janos Cooking School, which includes classes such as “Janos cooks Julia” and “The Southwest Pantry”.

Know that wherever it is you decide to eat, there’s no shortage of places to walk, ride, or golf it off. For in-yourface encounters with the giant Saguaro cactus, head east or west, to Saguaro National Park. The park consists of two districts, one on either side of the city, but both possess an imposing array of these natural wonders, with their needle-dotted arms extended skyward. They appear quite welcoming – just don’t touch. Saguaro National Park, home to approximately 1.3 million of the state’s signature plant, sandwiches the city.

Northeast of Tucson at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area has miles of trails for hiking and biking. Sabino Lake Trail #30 leads to a popular wetland bird watching spot. Bear Canyon Overlook provides one of the best panoramic views of Tucson and the surrounding mountains. Hit it at sunset and make sure your camera’s memory card has lots of room.

Speaking of “hitting it”, Tucson’s mild climate and outstanding courses make this city a favorite golf destination.

Sabino Canyon

Take your best shot on a challenging desert golf course, or enjoy a more traditional links-style layout. The RitzCarlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain is now the home of the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship. The world’s top 64 golfers will try to etch their names in the history book of this exciting tournament held each February. Golfers seeking value-oriented courses have multiple options in Tucson as well, including an excellent collection of municipal tracks, such as Randolph Park, Silverbell, Fred Enke and El Rio.

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S o u t h e r n Ar i z ona It doesn’t take much to get away from Tucson – 15 minutes in the right direction and you’ve no idea that one of the country’s fastest-growing cities is behind you. But what if you want to really get away? Stargazers will thrive at Kitt Peak National Observatory that tops a 6,882-foot summit 55 miles southwest of Tucson. On the Tohono O’odham Reservation, Kitt Peak has the largest collection of optical telescopes in the world; it has 24 of them plus two radio telescopes pointed towards the heavens. Eight astronomical research institutions do work here. Each night, three scopes are dedicated to the public’s use. A lucky few members of the public (who are willing to pay around $350) can participate in an all-night “advanced” stargazing program.

Most wanna-be astronomers are content with several hours of guided gazing however: expect to see nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and planets before heading back down the mountain around 9 p.m.

After experiencing outer space, head for inner space at Kartchner Caverns State Park, nine miles south of Benson.

The Park recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, and visitors can learn all about the 11 years it took to construct innovative ways for the public to experience the beauty of the Caverns while preserving the “living cave”. The Caverns are a limestone cave over 50,000 years in the

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Kartchner Caverns State Park®

making – and still being made – Kartchner is home to the world’s longest soda straw stalactites (over 21 feet), the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moonmilk, the first reported occurrence of “turnip” shields, and the state’s tallest and most massive column, the 58-foot tall Kubla Khan. Even if you can’t tell a turnip shield from a totem though, Kartchner will entrance you. It is doubtful the moon looks this alien. Because the cave’s ecosystem is so fragile – it’s the only living cave in the world open to

Gr a p e E x pe c tat i ons All 50 states now have at least one bonded winery but Arizona is the only state west of the Mississippi – not including the Big 3 of Oregon, Washington, and California – to have any wines recommended by Robert Parker, editor of The Wine Advocate and the preeminent wine critic in the English-speaking world.

And Parker hasn’t just recommended one Arizona wine, but nearly 30.

According to the Arizona Wine Growers Association, the state now has 35 vineyards and 28 bonded wineries. For a complete list, and map, of the state’s wineries, go to arizonawines.com.

Getting back to Robert Parker, he calls one of the vineyards – Callaghan Vineyards – in this region, “The best kept secret in the United States.” But, with Callaghan Vineyards having been noted as producing some of the best wines in the United States by both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, the Paris daily newspaper LeMonde calling its wines “astonishing,” the White House serving them at Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s retirement dinner, and The Wall Street Journal selecting a Callaghan wine as “One of 12 Best,” it’s arguable how much of a secret Callaghan is these days.

Secret or not, it’s still most often Kent Callaghan himself pouring out the tastings here. Kent’s personal favorite? The 2004’s Caitlin’s. “It’s a blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. It is built for the long haul and already quite complex, just like the kid (our oldest daughter),” he said.

Down the road, Sonoita Vineyards is the unofficial birthplace of Arizona viticulture. In 1973, now-retired University of Arizona soil scientist Dr. Gordon Dutt established an experimental vineyard near here. Following surprisingly good results, he and partner A. Blake Brophy planted the state’s first commercial vineyard – this one – in 1979 and opened a winery in 1983. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Village of Elgin Winery is another of this area’s originals, and is housed in an appropriately historic building. Built in 1895 it was first a bordello, then a hotel, then a feed store. Suiting this history, one of Elgin Winery’s most popular blends is similar to one rumored to have been enjoyed by the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday the evening before the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Elgin Winery says its Tombstone Red, a mash of red and white grapes, pairs wonderfully with rattlesnake, tarantula, and scorpion. (It also pairs well with more conventional proteins.)

Towards Willcox, Ft. Bowie Vineyards is a working farm growing pecans, walnuts, peaches, and cherries, in addition to grapes. Combining two of its crops, Ft. Bowie makes what might be one of the world’s most interesting sparkling wines: Pecan Delight. Just like it sounds, Pecan Delight is a sparkling wine bubbling with the essence of pecans.

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visitors – the only way to see it is with a guide. And even then, you can only visit two areas of the two-and-a-halfmile long cave.

Another of the region’s most unusual lures is Biosphere 2. The three-acre glass terrarium structure was built as an airtight living lab to see how folks might function in space and to examine how life itself might evolve. No longer a sealed facility, it was taken over by the University of Arizona in 2007. This three+ acre, airtight mini-earth is complete with rainforest, ocean, savannah, desert, wetland, and agricultural areas. Biosphere’s experienced staff can help coordinate catering from off-site vendors, since the secluded campus does not house restaurant facilities. Audio visual and technical support are available, and private or specialized Biosphere tours can be arranged.

Southern Arizona’s small towns offer diverse and illuminating history and heritage. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, 45 miles south of Tucson, showcases its Spanish presidio past in a museum, underground archaeology display, trailhead and assorted outbuildings.

Modern-day Tubac teems with art galleries, working studios, gift shops, a culinary school and dining establishments, all in close proximity, making for a delightful day of one-stop browsing and shopping. “Where art and history meet” is the town’s slogan and it certainly deserves its reputation as a hip, happening, historic smaller town with half of the businesses in town as art galleries of some sort. Tubac Golf Resort offers excellent accommodations and dining for small groups. Located in the stables of the original ranch built in 1789, its Stables Ranch Grille recently won the Wine Spectator Award.

Tubac Golf Resort

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Tombstone

Just 12.5 miles south of Tubac, the AAA Four Diamond Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico overlooks the Santa Cruz River Valley with panoramic views. Other features include a Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed golf course, stables, Olympic size pool and award-winning cuisine. From here, it’s an easy drive to the twin border cities of Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, where hundreds of curio shops offer plenty of opportunities for bargain hunting, especially for leather, jewelry, and terra cotta pottery.

Nearby Tombstone is famous for its gun slinging history – you’ve heard of the shootout at the O.K. Corral? Doc Holliday? Wyatt Earp? The shootout at the O.K. Corral happened in 1881 and is frequently reenacted in Tombstone today. Delve further into the town’s rough-and-tumble past with a visit to the Boot Hill Graveyard. Don’t waste time looking for the graves of any of the Earp brothers though; none are buried here.

Confirmed by the Guinness Book as the world’s largest, Tombstone is home to a rose bush that covers a dumbfoundingly immense area: 8,000 square feet, or about four times as large as the average U.S. home. “Bush” just doesn’t seem like the right word to describe this feat of nature. Even so, it blooms every April, cheered on by the annual Rose Parade and Festival since 1996.

A short drive from Tombstone is Dragoon, set in the beautiful rock formations of Texas Canyon and home to the Amerind Foundation Museum. Founded in 1937 as a private, non-profit, archaeological research institution, the museum today covers the stories of America’s first people with exhibits changing every six months to a year. Home to several special events throughout the year, visitors often chance upon Indian artists demonstrating their skills in the main gallery.

For more information on meeting under Tucson and Southern Arizona’s spacious skies, contact the Metropolitan Tucson CVB, 520.624.1817, visittucson.org.

Of f t h e Be at e n Pat h Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway 28.0 miles Tanque Verde Road east from Tucson to the Catalina Highway.

At the Forest Service boundary it becomes Hitchcock Highway and climbs to the top of Mt. Lemmon.

Mt. Lemmon

One of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona, this is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. Here you’ll have access to a fascinating land of great vistas, outlandish rockscapes, cool mountain forests and deep canyons spilling out onto broad deserts. Because the road starts in the Lower Sonoran vegetative life zone and climbs to the high forests of the Canadian zone, it offers the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada in a short stretch of 27 miles.

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A ccommo d at i ons Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico a Heritage Hotel & Resort 1069 Camino Caralampi, Rio Rico, 85648 520.281.1901 • 800.288.4746 esplendor-resort.com 180 rooms / 56,000 sf meetings

Classic old world charm in the heart of the old west and only 45 minutes south of Tucson.

Offering spectacular indoor and outdoor meeting space for small and large meetings, special events, family reunions and company conventions. Indulge in recreational amenities like worldclass golf on the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed championship golf course, tennis on four lighted courts or bask in the Arizona sun poolside. Esplendor Resort offers a multitude of unique facilities. A member of Sterling Hotels, A Preferred Hotel Group partner.

Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort 10000 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, 85737 520.544.5000 • 800.325.8131 hiltonelconquistador.com/rfp 428 rooms / 100,000 sf meetings

Distinct…Natural…Inspiring! Offering 500 acres of colorful high Sonoran Desert terrain nestled in the picturesque foothills of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. Our surroundings and hospitable staff will maximize productivity, motivate positive and creative thinking and provide a memorable meeting environment allowing your attendees to feel focused, refreshed and energized. By providing expansive indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, diverse activities and exceptional networking opportunities, we’ve created a warm and inviting atmosphere that ensures successful events.

Hotel Tucson City Center 475 N. Granada Ave., Tucson, 85701 520.622.3000 hoteltucsoncitycenter.com 267 rooms / 10,000 sf meetings

Hotel Tucson City Center boasts over 10,000 sf of spacious and flexible meeting and ballroom space. Our ballroom is equipped with antique Waterford crystal chandeliers, 30-foot ceilings, a built-in dance floor and stage. Our space is perfect for any conference, convention, wedding, quinceanera or family gathering. We offer our own in-house catering with a wide variety of menu options and prices to make your event a special and memorable occasion.

Hyatt Place Tucson Airport 6885 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, 85756 520.295.0405 • 888.492.8847 hyattplace.com

Hyatt Place combines The Hyatt Touch® with stylish design, purposeful amenities and forwardthinking technology to provide a new kind of Hyatt for today’s relaxed lifestyle. Our spacious guestrooms feature a 42” flat panel HD TV, our signature Hyatt Grand Bed™ and free Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy a daily complimentary continental breakfast, and can purchase cafe quality food 24/7. We provide everything needed, from unique food and beverage options to cutting-edge equipment, and a Meeting Host dedicated to manage every last detail.

Tanque Verde Ranch 14301 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, 85748 520.296.6275 • 866.406.3833 tanqueverderanch.com 74 rooms / 3,867 sf meetings

This historic ranch/resort offers golf, horseback riding, spa facilities, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, and a variety of other activities on a daily basis. Our meeting and event planner will provide you with unparalleled personal service, making your meeting a stress free event! Enjoy our distinctive meeting and banquet space and personal service, reserve your meeting today!

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa 1 Otero Road, Tubac, 85646 520.398.2211 • 800.848.7893 tubacgolfresort.com 98 rooms / 7,608 sf meetings

Southern Arizona’s historical landmark resort and an honored member of the distinctive Historic Hotels of America is celebrating 50 years of service. This extraordinary, newly renovated 27-hole Golf Resort sits on 900 acres of the original Otero Ranch, and offers a boutique-style setting for meetings as small as 15 and as large as 150. Relaxation is easy in this thoughtful blend of modern day luxuries and amenities combined with the historic charm of its deep history. Enjoy new guest accommodations, a 17th century style Chapel for weddings and meetings, a hacienda themed full-service spa, salon, restaurants, shopping and more.

Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa 3800 E. Sunrise Drive Tucson, 85718 • 520.742.6000 westinlapalomaresort.com 487 rooms / 64,000 sf meetings

Plan unparalleled possibilities when you choose the Four Diamond premier meeting resort of the Southwest. Rated #1 in the world for meeting planner satisfaction for the past six years, this remarkable haven is completely full-service, beginning with an impeccably-trained staff – skilled in anticipating the needs of discriminating travelers and corporate parties – whether it’s a group of two or 2,000. Combined with world-class accommodations and spectacular setting, this site inspires an event that is memorable and caters to your group’s specific needs.

A ct i v i t i e s an d A ttract i ons Amerind Foundation Museum Dragoon, 85609 520.586.3666 • amerind.org

Travel only an hour east of Tucson and you’ll find the Amerind Foundation Museum and Art Gallery hidden amongst the balancing granite boulders in the spectacular Texas Canyon area. Just a mile south of I-10, the Amerind, founded in 1937, houses one of the finest private collections of Native American artifacts and art in the country. Open year round Tuesday through Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant 198 W. Cushing St., Tucson, 85701 520.622.7984 • cushingstreet.com

Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant is located adjacent to the Convention Center in an 1860’s Landmark adobe. Guests enjoy uptown comfort food, classic cocktails and live jazz while dining alfresco on garden patios or in 19th century interiors furnished with period antiques. The building was originally a country store and private residence. Party and meeting spaces accommodating 12 to 150 guests are available. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Family-owned since 1972.

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Snowshoeing in Flagstaff

Prescott’s Courthouse Square

Sedona Red Rocks

Hiking Grand Canyon National Park

Camping Lake Havasu

Central & Northern Arizona is every bit of America the Beautiful and then some. A quick hour-or-so drive north of Phoenix and you’re out of the Sonoran Desert and into a region of extraordinary and diverse scenery.

Obviously, the Grand Canyon is here (being one of the Seven Wonders it kind of speaks for itself). So is Sedona with its fanciful and mind-altering red rocks and people, Flagstaff with soaring mountains and college vibe, and Lake Powell which has more shoreline than the combined Pacific Coast states. If that weren’t enough, the region boasts numerous lakes, archeological sites, rodeos, cowboy and Native American history, spas, golf, shopping, stylish towns, and art. Yes, there are plenty of people who come here for vacation and never leave. ww w.AZMeeti ngs.c o m

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Gr a n d Canyon Nearly two billion years in the making and the only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in the United States, the Grand Canyon is one of the most written-about places in the world. This 277-mile long chasm that Mother Nature has made at least twice as deep as man has made any structure tall, envokes awe and chills in anyone who experiences it. Standing at Skeleton Point three-some miles down the South Kaibab Trail, gawping out and up More Info at the craggy, no-signs-ofGrand Canyon Chamber civilization-here North Rim & Visitors Bureau, and down at the outburst of (888) 472-2696, green fertility along the banks grandcanyonchamber.com of the Colorado leaves visitor’s speechless. Even if you snap some National Geographicworthy photos and are able to temporarily channel Longfellow’s poeticism when recounting the episode to friends you’ll only be part-way there.

There are numerous spots along both rims from which to gape at the grandiosity – at the South Rim we recommend the Yavapai Observation Station and, if you want to kill two birds with one stone, the El Tovar dining room; on the more isolated, only-open-in-summer North Rim, go for the Cape Royal Scenic Drive. Even better is to become part Grand Canyon National Park

of the scenery by descending into the canyon. It’s really a shame fewer than one percent of the five million annual visitors do it. (More people actually arrive at the South Rim via train, the Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, 65 miles south, than set foot on the banks of the Colorado.)

For overnight stays, meeting planners may choose from several hotels within the park, or opt to stay in Tusayan, just a few miles south of the Canyon. Tusayan offers a wide variety of guestrooms and meeting venues, including the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn which also offers the most meeting space.

Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitors Bureau, 888.472.2696, grandcanyonchamber.com

Flag staff After communing with nature, you’ll appreciate Flagstaff’s smart, small-town sophistication and hip history. But fear not, if it’s still nature you want, Flag’s got that too… the oft-snow-capped San Francisco Peaks just outside town are the highest mountains in the state.

It’s a toss up whether Flagstaff is best known for being the home of Northern Arizona University, the Lowell Observatory, and the Museum of Northern Arizona; a former hot spot along Route 66 and a current mountain biking Mecca; or for having more hometown microbreweries per capita than any other town of 60,000 (Beaver Street Brewery, Mogollon Brewing Company and Flagstaff

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Brewing Company). After a few hours here, you won’t really care what the biggest claim to fame is. You’ll like the town for its schizophrenia.

Experience a different kind of cool on Route 66. The More Info “Mother Road” has long-since Flagstaff Convention been replaced by Interstate 40, & Visitors Bureau, but it remains one of Flagstaff’s (928) 779-7611, main drags and a great way to flagstaffarizona.org step back in time. Interstate 40 converges with Interstate 17 at Flagstaff – Phoenix is a scenic two-hour drive south on Interstate 17. US Airways offers daily flights to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Flagstaff. And, the historic downtown train station in the heart of Flagstaff is an active Amtrak facility with twice-daily arrivals. While in town take advantage of the

Flagstaff Urban Trails System. This 33-mile interconnecting trail system makes neighborhoods, schools, museums and city buildings accessible through hiking, biking, jogging and even skiing.

This university town offers meeting planners a full range of options with all the amenities typical of more metropolitan settings. Flagstaff’s lodging facilities include approximately 5,000 guestrooms and many of the hotels offer a variety of meeting and conference space. The new High Country Conference Center and Hotel Complex at NAU has 42,000 square feet with a ballroom large enough to accommodate a banquet for 800 people, as well as additional conference rooms for break out sessions, a board room, and five additional meeting rooms at the Drury Hotel located on the campus.

Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau, 928.779.7611, flagstaffarizona.org

A ccommo d at i ons

WOODLANDS HOTEL

Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn 100 Highway 64, Grand Canyon, 86023 928.638.2681 • 800.622.6966 grandcanyonsquire.com 250 rooms / 4,744 sf meetings

The Canyon’s only resort hotel and conference center. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon just moments away from all the conveniences you expect.

Let our team help you make your meeting or event not just a success, but a treasured memory. Our amenities include sauna, Jacuzzi, outdoor seasonal pool, tennis, bowling, fun center, lounge & sports bar, restaurants, gift shop, concierge desk and more.

Grand Canyon Lodge Grand Canyon, North Rim 877.386.4383 GrandCanyonLodgeNorth.com 218 rooms / 2,200 sf meetings

Experience views of the canyon from a higher vantage, with seemingly unlimited vistas. Enjoy incredible sunrises and sunsets from the Lodge balcony’s rocking chairs or just relax and enjoy the solitude. Featuring in-park lodging and dining with access by hiking or mule rides into the canyon.

Little America Hotel 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, 86004 928.779.7921 • 800.713.1643 littleamerica.com/flagstaff 247 rooms / 10,000 sf meetings

Nestled on 500 acres of Ponderosa pine forest, Little America Hotel features graciously appointed large oversized guestrooms and versatile indoor and outdoor meeting space. We offer the perfect location for your conference, meeting or wedding. Fine dining restaurant, café, 24-hour deli, lounge, fitness center, outdoor pool, hot tub and large gift shop.

Mormon Lake Lodge One Main St., Mormon Lake, 86038 928.354.2227 mormonlakelodge.com 53 cabins / 6,000 sf meetings

Retreat to 300 acres of cool Ponderosa pines within the Coconino National Forest. Mormon Lake Lodge offers cozy cabins, flexible meeting space, famed open-pit Steakhouse and live music in an 1880’s-style Saloon. Explore miles of trails by horseback, mountain bike, ATV, cross country skis or snowmobile rentals. Year round events.

Radisson Woodlands Hotel Flagstaff 1175 W. Route 66, Flagstaff, 86001 928.773.8888 radisson.com/flagstaffaz/ 183 rooms / 6,000 sf meetings

Recently renovated hotel with spacious sleeping rooms including 15 parlor suites. Flexible meeting space with theme function capabilities in both menu and decoration. Great location for outdoor teambuilding events. Two excellent on-site restaurants, room service, lounge, fitness center, dry sauna, indoor whirlpool, business center and free high speed Internet.

A ct i v i t i e s an d A ttract i ons Arizona River Runners 602.867.4866 • raftarizona.com info@raftarizona.com

Arizona River Runners has been providing 3- to 13-day rafting adventures since 1970 in one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Choose from either an oar-powered or motor-powered trip and escape into the magic of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Come experience with family, friends or coworkers the adventure and tranquility of a Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip that for many is their “trip-of-a-lifetime.”

Grand Canyon Railway 800.843.8723 thetrain.com

Take the historic trip by rail to the Grand Canyon on restored passenger cars behind vintage locomotives. The trip to the canyon covers 65 miles of classic Old West territory, including high desert plains with endless vistas, small arroyos and the world’s largest Ponderosa pine forest.

Maverick Helicopters 702.948.1311 mcivetz@maverickaviationgroup.com maverickhelicopters.com

Maverick Helicopters operates state-of-the-art helicopters with airconditioning, voice-activated headsets and surround sound stereo. Personalized narration and DVD recording of each flight. Custom groups departing Grand Canyon and Scottsdale. Please contact Moon Civetz at 702.948.1311 or mcivetz@maverickaviationgroup.com. w w w.AZMeeti ngs .c o m

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S e do n a Sedona’s romanticism started when founder Theodore Carl Schnebly named the town for his wife Sedona, and is symbolized in the freakishly beautiful ochre rock towers shooting skyward out of fragrant scrub. Sedona sits on the high desert surrounded by the 1.8-million-acre Coconino National Forest and under the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau which forms the towering vistas – named Coffeepot, Cathedral, Bell and Snoopy for the resemblance to their namesakes – surrounding this unique community 110 miles north of Phoenix. At an elevation of 4,500 feet and protected by the Plateau, the area enjoys four mild, sunshine-filled seasons and More Info clean air, with average high Sedona Oak Creek Canyon temperatures in the mid-70s Chamber of Commerce, and lows in the mid-40s.

(928) 204-1123, Not only has Sedona visitsedona.com inspired Hollywood, there are more artists per capita here than anywhere else in the country. Raku pottery, handhammered wind chimes, fine jewelry, juniper furniture, oil paintings, bronze sculpture – they’re all imagined and made, and sold, here. To check out the latter, head to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Actually, art galleries are everywhere in Sedona, but at Tlaquepaque – it’s all conveniently, and very cutely, close. Modeled after a Mexican Village, you’ll want to spend the better part of a day wandering its maze of pedestrian paths and too-quaint alleys and restaurants.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

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Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

For art of another sort – say that created by none other than Mother Nature – head for Oak Creek Canyon. Hike the Eagle’s Nest Trail in Red Rock State Park. Channel your inner child sliding down slippery rock sluices (one 30 feet long) at Slide Rock State Park. Gawp at towering walls and absurdly abrupt abysses – preferably from the safety of an open air Jeep tour, courtesy of Pink Jeep Tours. Entertaining and informative guides captain tours for all levels of adventure including rugged terrain, stone pinnacles, sandstone arches, famous movie locations and the archaeological ruins. They offer customized special events to meet the needs of your group.

Meeting planners have more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space, and some 3,000 hotel rooms available to choose from. Sedona offers a range of choices, from moderately priced national brand hotels to luxurious world-renowned spa resorts, some of which rest on the scenic banks of Oak Creek and others located nearby in secluded canyons.

Golf is part of nearly every community in the state Sedona is no exception. Tee it up at the Sedona Golf Resort just steps from Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Located on the site of many classic western movies, it’s widely considered among the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences.

This popular par 71 championship golf course, designed

by Gary Panks, features emerald greens set amid towering crimson sentinels. With its spectacular 17,000-square-foot clubhouse, the facility offers an ideal setting for gatherings following a round of golf. Situated near beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, the newly renovated Poco Diablo Resort with its nine-hole golf course as well as tennis courts, is another great option.

Sedona Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce, 928. 204.1123, visitsedona.com

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Pr e s c o t t Starting with first things first, the pronunciation of Prescott isn’t quite as obvious as you might think. It’s “press-kit.” And no, we don’t know why. What we do know is that Prescott was founded in 1864 and soon thereafter, when Arizona became an official territory, was named the territorial capital. For much of the rest of the century, it More Info remained the most important, as well as the richest, city in the Prescott Area state. These are not the only Coalition for Tourism, top rankings Prescott holds (928) 445-2000, (800) 266-7534, that appeal to a vast array of visit-prescott.com visitors. Prescott’s Courthouse Square was named one of the “Top Ten Public Places” by the American Planning Association; the town was named one of Sunset Magazine’s “Dream Cities”; and for the outdoor enthusiast, Prescott was named one of the “Top Trail Towns” by Trail Runner Magazine.

Prescott’s wide range of accommodations includes some 50 hotels with over 1,300 rooms and over 27,000 square

Horseback Riding

feet of meeting space. Located just two blocks from Courthouse Square in the historic Whiskey Row district in downtown Prescott, Springhill Suites’ stylish suites are smartly designed for working, relaxing and sleeping, plus have great extras like free Wi-Fi and a desk with ergonomic chair. Prescott’s newest all-suite property, Residence Inn

by Marriott is located just off Highway 69 at the Prescott Gateway Mall, and offers upscale studio, one- and twobedroom suites and 1,700 square feet of conference space, making this one of Prescott’s finest hotels.

For those seeking outdoor activities, the 1.25-millionacre Prescott National Forest offers some 20 recreational facilities just a few minutes from the Courthouse Square.

The Forest has 450 miles of maintained trails in the tall ponderosa pines for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Area lakes offer fishing and boating with canoe and boat rentals available at Lynx Lake south of town and Granite Basin Lake, to the northwest, offers camping and fishing. Watson Lake and Willow Springs Reservoir, both inside the city limits, are surrounded by beautiful rock formations, referred to as Granite Dells.

Prescott Area Coalition for Tourism, 928.445.2000, 800.266.7534, visit-prescott.com

Watson Lake

A ct i v i t i e s an d A ttract i ons Pink Jeep Tours 204 N. Highway 89A, Sedona, 86336 928.282.5000 • 800.873.3662 pinkjeep.com groups@pinkjeep.com

Since 1960, Pink Jeep Tours has been providing the most talked-about off-road adventures in the Southwest. Have a group that wants to do something unique and fun?

Ask about Pink Jeep Tours special events. We offer Western barbecues, picnic lunches, company outings with teambuilding activities and much more.

GOLF Sedona Golf Resort 35 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona, 86351 877.733.9885 sedonagolfresort.com

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Perhaps no other golf course on earth provides a better combination of jaw-dropping beauty and exceptional challenge. Located in the heart of one of the most dramatically beautiful regions on earth, the thrilling 6,646-yard, par 71 course is widely considered among the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences. With its spectacular 17,000-sf clubhouse, the facility offers everything you’d expect from a world-class golf resort – the ideal choice for groups or intimate gatherings.

Peavine Trail Bicyclist - PACT

Downtown Prescott

A ccommo d at i ons Amara Hotel, Restaurant & Spa 100 Amara Lane, Sedona, 86336 866.370.9902 amararesort.com info@amararesort.com 100 rooms / 5,500 sf meetings

The 100-room Amara Hotel, Restaurant & Spa offers a creekside oasis with more than 5,500sf of indoor/outdoor meeting space, full AV and Wi-Fi. Hosting meetings and events, with our team that will cater to your every need, is effortless. Relax in contemporary accommodations, be pampered at Serenitē Spa and savor delicious dishes at Hundred Rox restaurant. Call now to enjoy this Four Diamond hotel and its unique vibe.

Comfort Suites Prescott Valley 2001 N. Crownpointe Dr. Prescott Valley, 86314 928.771.2100 comfortsuites.com/hotel/az299 100 rooms / 1,179 sf meetings

Envelop yourself with the best panoramic views in the Prescott area. This brand new all-suite property features a state-of-the-art meeting room with the capacity for up to 100 people, heated pool and hot tub and close proximity to many outstanding golf courses.

Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa 90 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona, 86351 928.284.4040 • 877.273.3762 hiltonsedona.com 219 rooms / 25,500 sf meetings

Sedona’s only full service golf and spa resort offers more than 25,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Relax in the spaciousness of one of our 219 exquisitely appointed suites and deluxe guestrooms. Private patios or balconies offer panoramic views of golf, surrounding canyons and plateaus.

The resort is located ninety minutes north of Phoenix and two hours south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

L’Auberge de Sedona 301 L’Auberge Lane, Sedona, 86336 800.905.5776 info@lauberge.com • lauberge.com 89 rooms / 14,000 sf meetings

Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Sedona’s Red Rocks at L’Auberge, a Four Diamond creekside resort in the most beautiful place in America. L’Auberge offers an ideal location, unparalleled views, spectacular scenery, first-class service, delicious dining/catering, and guestrooms and cottages that are a match for the extraordinary setting. Condé Nast Traveler rates this newly enhanced property as one of the top 50 hotels in the United States. L’Auberge’s meeting space also features state-of-the-art technology.

Prescott Resort 1500 Highway 69, Prescott, 86301 928.776.1666 • 800.967.4637 prescottresort.com 160 rooms / 16,000 sf meetings

The Prescott Resort and Conference Center is one of Northern Arizona’s largest conference facilities with high-speed Internet throughout the resort. The newly remodeled luxury guestrooms and suites offer spectacular mountaintop views and feature queen or king beds, HD LCD TV, refrigerator, microwave and coffee makers. Amenities: Thumb Butte Restaurant, Eagle’s Nest Lounge, Urban Grind & Gallery serving Starbucks Coffee, fitness center, casino, salon and spa.

Poco Diablo Resort 1752 State Route 179, Sedona, 86336 928.282.7333 • 877.282.5755 PocoDiablo.com 137 rooms/ 8,500 sf meetings

Poco Diablo Resort is the perfect location for all your conference needs. Located in the heart of Sedona’s Red Rocks, with eight acres of lush landscaping, full service dining (indoor & outdoor patio dining), lounge, tennis, golf, massage, concierge, walking trails and more. The perfect choice for meetings, retreats, weddings and social events. Call or go to our website for more information.

Residence Inn by Marriott 3599 Lee Circle, Prescott, 86301 928.775.2232 marriott.com/prcri 93 rooms / 1,700 sf meetings

Prescott’s newest all-suite Marriott hotel. Located just off Highway 69 at the Prescott Gateway Mall, the Residence Inn offers upscale studio, one- and twobedroom suites with full kitchens suitable for long-term stays. An outdoor pool, large outdoor patio area with fireplaces, business center, exercise facility, evening social events and conference space makes this one of Prescott’s finest corporate and relocation choices.

Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa 2250 W. State Route 89A, Sedona, 86336 928.203.4111 Sedonarouge.com 77 rooms / 5,000 sf meetings

Sedona’s newest hotel and spa features 77 guestrooms, a destination spa, REDS Restaurant & Bar and over 5,000 sf of meeting and special event space that includes the Andalusia Conference Room, the Observation Terrace, the Column Garden and the Poolside Fireside Oasis. This AAA Four Diamond awarded boutique hotel offers an intimate atmosphere and lends itself perfectly to a mix of business and pleasure. Guest amenities include wireless high-speed Internet, 32” LCD flat screen televisions, Nautilus Fitness room and concierge service.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott 200 E. Sheldon St., Prescott, 86301 928.776.0998 marriott.com/prcsh 105 rooms / 900 sf meetings

Downtown Prescott’s Marriott hotel, offering studio and one-bedroom fireplace suites, complimentary breakfast and free wireless Internet. With meeting space and a comfortable business library for breakfast, this is a perfect downtown location for small meetings and training seminars. Meeting planners can earn Marriott Rewards for their company for booking group rooms and meeting space through our unique program, Marriott’s Rewarding Events.

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NORTHERN Arizona

T h e C o l o r ado Ri ve r a n d A r iz o na’s Lake s Arizona can thank the mighty Colorado River for countless stunning locales and bringing the beauty of water to the desert. Not only is the Colorado to thank for the immenseness of the Grand Canyon, but numerous dams on the river have created some of the most pristine lakefront property in the Southwest.

The feat of engineering that is the Hoover Dam, More Info the second highest dam in the U.S., is responsible for Navajo Tourism, some of the most notable of (928) 871-6436, discovernavajo.com these lakes. Built between 1931 and 1936 in the Black Page Lake Powell Canyon of the Colorado Tourism Bureau, (888) 261-7243, River, the Hoover Dam, pagelakepowelltourism.org designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985, today gives tours to nearly one million people every year.

Lake Mead, the 110-mile-long lake-in-the-middle-of-theMojave created by the Hoover Dam, was so unique as to require the federal government to come up with an entirely new designation: Lake Mead was named the country’s first National Recreation Area in 1964. The Lake Mead NRA also includes 67-mile-long Lake Mojave, created when David Dam went up. Launch at the Hoover Dam and take your group on a float down the Colorado River with Black Canyon/Willow Beach Adventures for a memorable day with knowledgeable tour guides and breathtaking scenery.

Lake Havasu, London Bridge

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Lake Powell

Lake Havasu is home to the world’s largest antique, the London Bridge, which was moved here brick by brick from its original home spanning the Thames. Lake Havasu has 400-some miles of coastline and marinas renting everything from jet skis to houseboats. The city offers several venues with meeting space to accommodate groups up to 1,000 people. Some 25 hotels and resort properties provide a full range of resort accommodations, with over 2,500 rooms, offering everything from economy to full-service amenities.

The London Bridge Resort & Convention Center offers over 10,000 square feet of meeting space and a unique lakefront option for meeting planners.

Lake Powell, the ebbing and flowing heart of this area, is the second-largest man-made lake in the country and has nearly 100 side canyons flowing into it, a good map is a great idea though. The most popular activities on Lake Powell are houseboating, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, and kayaking and canoeing, although there is also scuba diving and snorkeling. (Antelope Point Marinas rent a variety of watercrafts.) Camping is allowed anywhere – isolated side canyons are prime spots – and although there are no designated hiking trails along the lake, it is possible to walk most of the shoreline. One of its main attractions, Rainbow Bridge, a natural bridge tall and wide enough for the U.S. Capitol Dome to sit beneath it, is either an hours-long hike or a comfortable two-hour boat ride. Outfitters in Page rent mountain bikes you can take onto the NRA’s backcountry roads, and official tours of the dam that impressively controls all Lake Powell’s water, the 710-foot tall Glen Canyon Dam. Navajo Tourism, 928.871.6436, discovernavajo.com, Page Lake Powell Tourism Bureau, 888.261.7243, pagelakepowelltourism.org

A ccommo d at i ons Black Canyon/ Willow Beach River Adventures Lake Mead 800.455.3490 blackcanyonadventures.com

Spend an inspirational afternoon aboard a smooth-water rafting tour. Launch at the base of magnificent Hoover Dam. Knowledgeable tour guides. Float 12 miles down the Colorado River. Enjoy extraordinary scenery and wildlife viewing.

Relax and enjoy the breathtaking journey amidst nature’s wonders. Just 30 minutes from Las Vegas.

London Bridge Resort 1477 Queens Bay, Lake Havasu City, 86403 928.855.0888 • 800.238.8808 londonbridgeresort.com 122 rooms / 12,000 sf meetings

Provides a compelling alternative to larger, convention-oriented hotels. Intimate boardroom, private lounges, meeting rooms and outdoor function areas throughout and beautiful patios, lawn and garden locales. Add to the mix exquisite catering, professional staff, and the possibilities begin to emerge.

Whatever the event, the London Bridge Resort and Convention Center is the connoisseur’s choice for small to large sized engagements.

Temple Bar Resort & Marina 1 Main St., Temple Bar Marina, Lake Mead, 86443 800.255.5561 TempleBarLakeMead.com

Known for its namesake massive rock formation and its 20-mile-long unobstructed water-ski runs, it’s ideal for renting houseboats and watercrafts of your choice. Relax and soak up the solitude – or run on waves for hours – or try your luck fishing.

A ct i v i t i e s an d A ttract i ons Antelope Canyon Tours 22 S. Lake Powell Blvd., Page, 86040 928.645.9102 • 866.645.9102 antelopecanyon.com

A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers. Come with our Navajo guides to see Mother Nature’s work of art.

Antelope Point Marina Navajo Route 22B, Page, 86040 800.255.5561 AntelopePointLakePowell.com

Discover over 92 major canyons and the majestic Rainbow Bridge National Monument aboard a houseboat. Soak up the solitude – or run on waves for hours with watercraft rentals of your choice. Not to mention its unsurpassed guest services and amenities. Your houseboat awaits.

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T o u r s & TRA NS P ORTATION

Southwest Desert Adventures

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ALL ABOARD AMERICA! 480.222.6940 • 800.848.4728 allaboardamerica.com lesleigh@allaboardamerica.com

ALL ABOARD AMERICA!, family-owned since 1936, prides itself on superior customer service and professionalism. We are Arizona’s largest tour and charter company. Our fleet consists of fully-equipped late-model mini, full size, sleeper, executive, and entertainer coaches. ALL ABOARD AMERICA! your gateway to the scenic Southwest, Mexico, and North America. Proud recipient of the 2006 IMG Operator of the Year Award and 2005 UMA Motorcoach Industry Achievement Award.

Arizona Outback Adventures 480.945.2881 • 866.455.1601 aoa-adventures.com theadventureteam.net

We offer exciting and educational half-day and full-day guided adventures throughout the Sonoran Desert including: hiking, mountain biking, road biking, kayaking and teambuilding events. We also offer bicycle rentals with free delivery and have 300+ bikes in our fleet ranging from comfort hybrid bikes to high performance road and mountain bikes. Multi-day trips throughout the Southwest including our private Basecamp in the Grand Canyon are available as well.

Individuals and groups are welcome.

ARIZONA SHUTTLE 520.795.6771 • 800.888.2749 arizonashuttle.com

ARIZONA SHUTTLE provides easy and cost-effective shuttle transportation to/from Tucson, Flagstaff and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. We are the leading shared-ride airport shuttle service in Tucson and Northern Arizona. ARIZONA SHUTTLE also provides charter service to/from Tucson, Flagstaff or Phoenix Sky Harbor airport to regional sights. Our charter service provides transportation for convention groups, corporate retreats, business seminars, family reunions, public and private functions, alumni gatherings, and so much more. Visit our website at ArizonaShuttle.com or contact us at 1.800.888.2749 for all your transportation service.

Arizona Soaring/Estrella Sport 520.568.2318 • azsoaring.com

The largest and safest glider ride provider in the U.S., Arizona Soaring Inc. calls upon its 41 years of experience to provide your clients with an amazing experience they’ll always remember.

Coach America 602.437.3484 • 800.777.3484 coachamerica.com april.saloman@coachamerica.com

Home of the most trusted and reliable ground transportation provider in the nation. Our full range of charter, shuttle, and sightseeing focus on the total rider experience. We have 32 modern motorcoaches that seat from 24-55 passengers.

All have air conditioning, VCRs, reclining seats and restrooms. When it comes to your ground transportation needs, your carrier should be the least of your worries. Have a seat – we’ll go the extra mile for you.

Desert Rose Limousines, Inc. Phoenix and Scottsdale 480.502.0570 • 623.780.0159 602.256.7200 • 800.716.8660 desertroselimousines.com

A new standard for service excellence, “always on time.” Personalized service is our specialty, featuring new state-of-the-art limousines, sedans, 15-passenger vans, 12- and 14-passenger excursion limousines, mini buses and buses. We specialize in airport transportation, special occasions, meetings, conventions, and weddings for small and large groups. Desert Rose Limousines is dedicated to making your occasion a memorable and enjoyable experience.

DETOURS of Arizona 480.633.9013 • 866.438.6877 detoursaz.com

DETOURS of Arizona offers guided tours of the entire Southwest, with departures from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff. DETOURS’ custom vans carry only 10 guests in leather captains chairs for the most comfortable ride and a personalized tour experience. Unique itineraries and exclusive tours have made us a favored tour partner with the area’s top resort properties. Half- or full-day to 14-day itineraries are available.

The Driver Provider – Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation 602.453.0001 • 800.700.2687 800.207.3979 – Group Events Dept. driverprovider.com

A recognized leader in transportation services, offering a modern fleet of vehicles that are wholly owned and immaculately maintained. Through the dedicated group programs department, your client needs will be personally coordinated from manifest creation to departure with extremely competitive rates. In fact, The Driver Provider provides highly professional, personalized service with a fresh approach – every staff member is courteous, trustworthy, and knowledgeable about the area. Call for a customized proposal or to arrange dependable, reliable chauffeured transportation services worldwide.

Southwest Desert Adventures 480.962.6620 • 877.962.6620 yellowjeeps.com

Groups can experience the rugged beauty of Arizona with Southwest Desert Adventures. Enjoy desert 4x4 Jeep tours with our fun and friendly “Cowboy Guides.” Explore the Sonoran Desert with guided hiking, horseback trail rides, Eco tours and mountain biking. Water activities such as parasailing, fishing, kayaking and more. Group specialty events including teambuilding scavenger hunts, photo/ GPS rallies, Cowboy Cookouts, Cowboy games, and live music entertainment. Ask about combo specials! Arizona’s favorite adventure team at your service.

Stargazing for Everyone, LLC 623.979.1393 stargazingforeveryone.com

Wow your audience with a real out of this world experience. Bring the universe to your next party, corporate conference or meeting. Let our Professional Stargazers guide you through the night sky, viewing the wonders of the universe through powerful GPS-computer assisted telescopes. We bring the universe to you!

Stellar Adventures 602.402.0584 stellaradventures.com

The Sonoran Desert – let Stellar Adventures help you experience this hidden treasure of the Southwest. We offer Arizona’s most unique off-road adventure tours. Tame the rugged landscape on one of our unstoppable Hummer or guided ATV adventures. Knowledgeable guides will show the capabilities of these amazing vehicles and teach you about the secrets of the Sonoran Desert.

Combo Tours available. Teambuilding and catering available. Serving the Valley of the Sun since 1997.

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ADVERTISERS INDE X Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico, a Heritage Hotel & Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66, 67 Forever Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Fountain Hills Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 33 Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Grace Inn Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Gainey Suites Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Grand Canyon Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71, 77 Grand Canyon Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 71 Great Events Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Hampton Inn & Suites Gilbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hampton Inn-Phoenix/Midtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Heard Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hilton Phoenix/Chandler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas . . . . . . . . . . . 45, 46 Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, IBC Hilton Suites Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hotel Tucson City Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 66 Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66, IBC Hyatt Place Phoenix/Gilbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 49 Hyatt Place Phoenix North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 49 Hyatt Place Scottsdale/Old Town . . . . . . . . . . 46, 49 Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 49 Hyatt Place Tucson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49, 66 Inn at Eagle Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa . IFC, 48 L’Auberge de Sedona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Little America Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 London Bridge Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Mastro’s Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Maverick Helicopters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Mesa Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54, 55 Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . 9, 37 Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47, 48 Mining Camp Restaurant & Trading Post . . . . 38, 50 Mormon Lake Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71, 77 Old Town Tortilla Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50, 51 Party People Rentals & Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53, 55 Peter Jordan Photography, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Phoenix (Greater) Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 25 Phoenix Symphony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Phoenix Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 54 Pink Jeep Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 74 Poco Diablo Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort . . . . . . . . . . 48, IBC Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort . . . . . . . . 48, IBC Prescott Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Radisson Hotel Phoenix/City Center . . . . . . . . . . 48 Radisson Woodlands Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Rancho de Los Caballeros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 49 Rancho Manana Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 54 Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . 41, 52, 54 Residence Inn by Marriott – Prescott . . . . . . . . . . 75 Roaring Fork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Rustler’s Rooste Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . 9, 29 Scottsdale Luxury Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Sedona Golf Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 74 Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Seville Golf and Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 54 Sleep Inn Phoenix Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Southwest Desert Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Speedway Raceway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Prescott . . . . . . . 75 Stargazing for Everyone, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Starz Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Stellar Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 The Stockyards Restaurant & 1889 Saloon . . . . . . 52 Talking Stick Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 48 Tanque Verde Guest Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . 9, 35 Temple Bar Resort & Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Tonto Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Tubac Golf Resort and Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66, 67 Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . 9, 59 Westin Kierland Resort & Spa . . . . . . 48, Back Cover Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . 61, 66 West Valley Events Coalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42, 54 Wildfish Seafood Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Windemere Hotel & Conference Center . . . . 48, 49

Monument Valley

5-0 Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 All Aboard America! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Amara Hotel, Restaurant & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Amerind Foundation Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 66 Antelope Canyon Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Antelope Point Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Arizona Diamondbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Arizona Outback Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 78 Arizona River Runners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 ARIZONA SHUTTLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Arizona Soaring Inc/Estrella Sport . . . . . . . . . 26, 78 AV Dimensions Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 BC Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn . . . . . . . . . 71 Black Canyon/Willow Beach Adventures . . . . . . 77 Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . 50, 51 Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41, 54 The Buttes, A Marriott Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Cibola Vista Resort & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 44 Coach America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Comfort Suites Glendale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 44 Comfort Suites Goodyear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Comfort Suites Prescott Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 54 Cork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort . . . . . . 44, 47 Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Desert Rose Limousines, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 DETOURS of Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort . . . . . . . . . 44, 45 The Driver Provider – Worldwide . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Eddie V’s Prime Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50, 51 Embassy Suites Airport at 24th Street . . . . . . . . . 44 Embassy Suites Biltmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Embassy Suites Hotel Phoenix Airport at 44th Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Embassy Suites Phoenix North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Embassy Suites Phoenix-Scottsdale . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Embassy Suites Tempe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46