Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
22 B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com ARIZONA Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona's most distinguishable landmark — a natural wonder you must see to believe. What if you could bring your group to the "Grand Canyon State" and see for yourself? Arizona is made up of destinations like Flagstaff, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tucson and Tempe all within a short distance of the states largest city, Phoenix. Each destination possessing their own flavor, making planning a visit to the state much more flexible. If you are a Meeting Planner or simply a leisure traveler planning for your next group trip, this destination allows you to choose from the highest concentration of luxury four- and five- star resorts in the U.S., as well as a variety of conference cen- ters, event spaces and venues perfect for hosting both large and small groups, and enjoy a setting unlike any other. Round out your agenda with inspired dinners, wellness- themed activities, and group outings within the "Grand Canyon State's" iconic landscapes. Phoenix More than $5 billion in downtown investments. The #8 best convention center in the U.S. A vibrant, walkable urban corridor teeming with culture. Sonoran Desert inspi- ration shining throughout every square foot of flexible meeting space. High-tech and healthcare intellectual capi- tal at the ready. The "Valley of the Sun" has everything your client needs to have the most successful event. Discover why Greater Phoenix has risen in meeting and convention rankings, and how to elevate your next event. Whether a supersized mega event or a more intimate cor- porate gathering, the state is prepared to accommodate your groups needs. Inspired by the red-rock walls and turquoise waters of the Grand Canyon, the Phoenix Convention Center includes nearly 1 million sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space including a 312,500 sq. ft. main exhibit hall and a 45,600 sq. ft. ballroom, 99 meeting/breakout rooms, a 2,312-seat Symphony Hall and an Executive Conference Center. When time permit explore outside the board room and discover the vibrant culture of downtown Phoenix – all within steps from the Phoenix Convention Center. Live music, sports, museums and more await your col- leagues and clients after hours. From the boutiques and galleries to cheering on professional athletes, there's no shortage of ways to blend work and play. One of the community's favorite things to share is the ever-growing collection of street art in Phoenix. While work by many talented artists decorates the streets of the city, countless noteworthy pieces have added Black narra- tives to the landscape in the past couple years. As part of Black History Month, nearly 30 walls in downtown and central Phoenix received meaningful makeovers. For each day in February, a mural celebrating Black heroes, icons, activists, athletes, musicians and more, was added to the city's vibrant collection of street art. Tucson The soul of the Sonoran Desert. The flavor of the Southwest. Tucson means wide open spaces and plenty of room to unplug, explore, and free yourself. The next time you decide to plan your next gathering consider Tucson. The city has got what you need. Tucson International Airport (TUS) has nearly 60 flights a day arriving from 17 major U.S. airports and is just a one-stop connection away from more than 325 destina- tions around the world. For guests traveling by car or coach, Interstate-10 passes right through the heart of town. Tucson has top-rated destination resorts and full-ser- vice meeting properties and a wide range of other event venues to choose from (including new and renovated prop- erties). Meeting interest in downtown Tucson has been growing steadily with new development and planned new hotels. Thanks to upgrades at the Tucson Convention Center, more than 200,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space can hold sports competitions, concerts, meetings, and other large groups. The arrival of the 136-room AC Hotel Tucson Downtown—downtown's first new hotel in nearly half a century—comes complete with a small meetings venue itself. The city is home to a wide range of museums, historic sites, hiking trails, golf courses, and some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world, giving visitors plenty to do during their visit. Tucson-Convention-Center Downtown Phoenix