El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort has 76,543 total event space, including an 11,000 sf conference center with breathtaking views of Pusch Ridge.

Arizona can be a study in contrasts for association groups planning an event — renowned for its outdoor wonders and adventures but also home to the most-populous state capitol in the nation and endless urban enticements. It really is a unique setting where the Old West has a presence, but there’s no shortage of modern wonders and amenities as well.

The state is also host to plenty of outstanding event venues, from the sprawling Phoenix Convention Center to numerous meetings-friendly resorts and hotels. Regardless of your group size or type of event, Arizona makes it easy to forge unforgettable events for association groups.

Here’s a look at some of Arizona’s major meeting meccas, with input from several expert planners on making the most of the state’s never-ending event offerings.

Tucson’s Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is a desert sanctuary offering over 83,000 sf of meeting and event space and amenities such as two 18-hole championship golf courses. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Rosbrook, Framing You Productions

TUCSON

Temptations in Tucson for groups and planners include a compelling cowboy culture, budget-friendly rates (especially in the off-season) and natural scenery ranging from mountains to waterfalls. Unique group outings, impressive offsite venues and a gamut of stellar lodgings add to the allure.

Kathi Bretcko, executive director of the Independent Laboratory Distributors Association (ILDA), benefited from all of those during ILDA’s annual event recently. It was held at Tucson’s Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, where a group of 162 attendees enjoyed the lodging’s fabulous pool area, top-tier golfing and other amenities.

“The venue was awesome,” Bretcko says. “So many of my members were blown away by the view. The food was fabulous, and the service at the Loews was impeccable. The group that golfed loved the courses and said they were some of the best courses they played.”

She also gave a big shout-out to Visit Tucson for their support with event planning and execution. “Brooke from Visit Tucson was outstanding, providing invaluable assistance during my site visit,” says Bretcko. “She proved to be an excellent ambassador for the city and arranged for a number of amazing offsite experiences for my group. I also worked with Renee, who assisted with recommending transportation companies for our group and kindly organized the delivery of gift bags to the hotel for our board members. The CVB further supported us by helping to identify a charity for our group to support, introducing us to the remarkable Ben’s Bells organization.”

She highly advises other planners considering the locale for an event to reach out to them, and also graciously offered her own expertise to others planning a meeting there.

“For other planners considering Tucson as a meeting destination, I strongly recommend visiting the city and working directly with the Visit Tucson group. Before my initial visit, I was accustomed to holding meetings in Scottsdale and had limited expectations for Tucson,” she explains. “However, the city’s welcoming small-city atmosphere and the friendliness of its residents made a lasting impression. I am happy to speak with anyone interested in organizing an event in Tucson. Notably, this is the first venue my group has expressed a strong desire to return to in the coming years.”

The Arizona Biltmore, in Phoenix, is a perfect venue for large meetings, as it offers 200,000 sf of event space with a variety of ballrooms and meeting spaces to choose from.

PHOENIX

The state’s capital and largest metropolis, Phoenix has been a hive of events for many years — with an appeal that continues to grow.

Phoenix showcases more than 500 hotels and resorts and the expansive Phoenix Convention Center, located just minutes away from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Meeting planners can pick and choose from a wide range of meeting venues, from luxury resorts with championship golf courses to unique desert settings that inspire creativity and connection.

Attendees will enjoy year-round sunshine and a robust wealth of activities between sessions. Options range from hiking at Camelback Mountain and exploring the Desert Botanical Garden to urbane explorations of vibrant downtown districts filled with dining, nightlife and cultural attractions. The city’s blend of business infrastructure and leisure appeal makes it easy to balance productivity with memorable downtime experiences.

With vigorous support from Visit Phoenix and a reputation for hospitality, Phoenix stands out as a dynamic hub for conventions, corporate gatherings and incentive travel.

Vanessa Mobley, CMP DES, senior manager of meetings and events for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), welcomed thousands of medical professionals to downtown Phoenix this past March for the organization’s Annual Scientific Conference. With the Phoenix Convention Center serving as the event’s bustling hub, attendees found themselves immersed not only in education and networking, but also in the walkable, energetic atmosphere of the city.

When asked whether any lodgings or dining spots stood out, Mobley pinpointed the group’s lively engagement with the downtown scene. “We used 11 hotels in downtown Phoenix with the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel and the Hyatt Regency Phoenix as the main hotels. This is a very social group, and attendees were out and about every night downtown enjoying the bars and restaurants. It was nice that they are all walkable and that Phoenix has the ambassadors on the street to help direct attendees to their destinations,” she says.

Although Mobley wasn’t the one who initially chose Phoenix as the host city, she expressed absolute confidence in the choice. “Unfortunately, it was chosen before I was on staff at ACFAS, but if I had to guess, I would say it was based on location — warm weather in the spring. We rotate between west, east and midwest. I’m glad we signed a two-year deal, and we’ll be back in 2028,” she says.

Beyond the convention center, the group enjoyed memorable offsite experiences that showcased Phoenix’s character. She explains, “We held an offsite site event at Palma and Châm Pang Lanes. It was a great venue — walkable from downtown, the staff was great to work with, and the food and drink were delicious. The attendees enjoyed the vibe between the two connected venues.”

Mobley also emphasized the value of local support in executing a seamless large-scale event. “Use the CVB!” she says. “The staff at Visit Phoenix was involved the entire process — contract signing until we were packed up and out of the building. It has been a while since I had a CVB that vested in the entire process.”

And, of course, the sprawling convention center itself is a meetings magnet matched by few event hubs anywhere. “The Phoenix Convention Center is beautifully laid out, easy to navigate and offers natural sunlight, wide concourses and spaces that elevate the attendee journey,” says Sandy Chapin, CEM, show director at SEMICON West. “For large and growing events, the ability to expand your footprint, use outdoor areas and integrate unique spaces like 3rd Street activations allows you to build an experience not just a floorplan.”

Chapin praised her event partners, as well as the city’s general appeal, for the big event that drew more than 37,000 attendees and delegates from 52 countries.

“From the beginning, we took a new approach,” she says. “By partnering with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Visit Phoenix, we ensured SEMICON West wasn’t just hosted here, but woven into the economic and cultural fabric of the city.”

Chapin adds that event highlights included Canyon on Third — Closing Third Street for a festival-style evening of live music, Arizona-inspired food and networking lounges — and a Legends & Leaders Gala at the Heard Museum — “a powerful evening of recognition and inspiration,” according to Chapin.

“Great weather, outdoor spaces, restaurants, arts & culture districts and nearby resorts create an atmosphere that balances business and lifestyle,” she says about Arizona’s capital. “People want to come to Phoenix and they return.”

Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton, which just underwent some enhancements to its award-winning golf courses, offers unique spaces for events.

SCOTTSDALE

Nestled in the scenic Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale pairs natural splendor with cosmopolitan flair. Downtown Scottsdale is alive with galleries, boutiques and fine dining, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or golfing at world-class courses. The city also has a healthy reputation for wellness and relaxation — reinforced by award-winning spas — making it a balanced retreat.

Scottsdale is also renowned for its ability to blend business with pleasure; attendees can network in modern facilities by day and enjoy cultural festivals, culinary tours or desert adventures by night. This compelling combination of sophistication and Southwestern charm makes Scottsdale a standout choice for group travel and events.

Jenna Hummell, manager of meetings & education for the Medical Professional Liability Association (MPLA), brings her organization to Scottsdale each year for a pair of high-level gatherings that draw top executives and board leaders from across the industry. As she explains, “We are in Scottsdale every March for our CEO/COO Meeting and Board Governance Roundtable — events designed for our top executives and board directors. We are an industry trade association of representing insurance companies that provide medical professional liability insurance to doctors, dentists, nurses, hospitals and other medical professionals and facilities.”

When it comes to selecting a host destination, Hummell says Scottsdale continues to win over attendees for both logical and lifestyle reasons. “Our attendees love it. They love the ease of the airport lift and proximity to the resorts. They like the golf, spas, shopping, warm weather and the ability to go to spring training baseball games.”

The group’s home base has varied over the years, offering a mix of classic Scottsdale resort settings and new luxury options. “We are most often at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, but in 2025, we were at Caesar’s Republic Scottsdale, a Hilton Hotel.” In the more distant past, she says that they have been at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. “Our attendees sometimes go to the spring training baseball games — organized by our sponsors — and in 2025, a few went to the Waste Management golf tournament, however we didn’t organize any official events.”

For many participants, the ability to connect with peers in the open desert air remains a highlight. As Hummell comments, “They really love being able to network with their fellow attendees outdoors, surrounded by the beautiful Scottsdale landscape.”

She also credits the local destination experts for helping ensure smooth and successful gatherings each year. “We never hesitate to reach out to Experience Scottsdale if we need anything. We love working with the CVB and they are a great resource.”

And for planners considering Scottsdale during peak season, Hummell offers one simple piece of advice: “If you’re booking in March, book early!”

MESA

The state’s third-largest city, Mesa serves as a gateway to both urban convenience and outdoor exploration, including proximity to the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest — and opportunities for hiking, biking and desert tours. Within the city, Mesa boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, including the Mesa Arts Center, local Native artist showcases and endless live performances. Dining ranges from farm-to-fork experiences to Southwestern flavors and everything in between, ensuring groups have eclectic culinary options.

For planners, Mesa is often a value-driven choice with versatile venues that run the gamut from modern hotels and resorts to unique desert-inspired spaces. The city has a big focus on effortless event planning, providing support through Visit Mesa’s destination specialists, who help tailor experiences to various budgets without sacrificing authenticity.

The bottom line is that Mesa appeals to groups by combining Arizona’s natural beauty with accessible and professional event services, ensuring memorable gatherings that smoothly blend productivity with discovery.

Ray Casey, president of Military Reunion Planners, LLC, chose Mesa as the setting for a memorable gathering last spring. The event brought together more than 500 members of a Motorcycle Club, all housed at a Holiday Inn.

When asked why Mesa stood out as the right choice, Casey explains, “It was less expensive than Phoenix or Tempe or Chandler. We appreciated getting incentive money from Mesa to help lower meeting rental fees for the group to make it all work.” That mix of affordability and local support made Mesa an unbeatable option compared to neighboring cities.

For attendees, the highlight for the bikers wasn’t a flashy excursion or elaborate program. It was the simple joy of bonding and community. As Casey put it, “Just being together in one hotel was great!” The shared space fostered camaraderie and connection, and highlighted the value of Mesa’s accessible lodging and welcoming atmosphere.

Looking back, Casey is quick to encourage other planners to consider Mesa for their own events. His advice is straightforward yet enthusiastic: “Give it a shot!”

TEMPE

Tempe’s central location in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro area means easy travel logistics, while its diverse meeting spaces suit gatherings from 10 to 500 participants. Options range from modern downtown conference centers and rooftop pool venues to offbeat settings close to Arizona State University. The city’s very walkable downtown is filled with restaurants, breweries and entertainment — presenting infinite opportunities for networking and social events away from organized sessions.

Groups also appreciate Tempe’s blend of professional amenities and leisure activities. Attendees can enjoy the scenic Sonoran Desert backdrop, hike “A” Mountain or paddle a kayak on Tempe Town Lake. The city additionally hosts cultural attractions such as the ASU Gammage theater and Desert Botanical Garden nearby, adding noteworthy doings to any itinerary.

With full-service and boutique hotels, a supportive tourism office and booking incentives for planners, Tempe delivers both practicality and excitement for organizations seeking a destination that boosts attendance and offers a seamless meeting experience.

Jason C. Wong is the founder and president of Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders (ACEL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander professionals through leadership development, networking and community engagement. He has led the organization of a few recent Tempe events for ACEL, including the group’s Leadership Conference and associated Awards Gala, with both functions taking place at The Westin Tempe.

Wong praised Tempe Tourism for their assistance and gave glowing praise to the Westin for their hands-on support throughout the planning process.

“The Westin Tempe has a centralized location, and they have nice venues on top of that,” he remarks. “They have great service and the person there that was introduced by Tempe Tourism is a wonderful sales manager. What I enjoyed the most with this process is that we did not get passed down to another person and another person; we really got to work with the same person who helped us through the sales process throughout the entire event planning; that’s something that we hadn’t experienced.”

Wong and his group especially savored a festive dinner event at the Westin’s popular restaurant Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits, focused on Southwestern fare; and they also enjoyed some offsite gatherings in the area, including an outing at a hip brewery known as Hundred Mile Brewing Company.

One factor in Wong’s selection of Tempe was his appreciation for its emphasis on culture and diversity, and that was particularly reflected in a vibrant networking mixer honoring Asian American Pacific Islander month last spring. Co-sponsored by Tempe Tourism and hosted at the inviting Fotch Café & Bistro, the lively affair was a hit with attendees, driven by the colorful setting, endless networking opportunities and delicious dining.

The final word? Arizona’s diverse destinations make it a premier choice for meetings and events of just about any scale. From Tucson’s welcoming cowboy charm to Phoenix’s world-class convention facilities, to Scottsdale’s blend of luxury and leisure to Mesa’s affordability and cultural richness, to Tempe’s energetic downtown, the Copper State offers planners unmatched variety. With year-round sunshine, breathtaking desert landscapes and strong support from local CVBs, groups can balance productivity with unforgettable experiences.

Whether it’s networking under the stars, enjoying Southwestern cuisine or exploring iconic outdoor adventures, Arizona delivers a seamless mix of business and pleasure that keeps attendees coming back. | AC&F |