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DESERT ENVIRONMENT THE PERFECT SETTING FOR MEETINGS & EVENTS BY IMANI SCOTT Arizona does not separate landscape from leadership. Its terrain, rugged, radi- ant, and precise, has informed a statewide culture of resilience and rein- vention. From Tempe to Tucson, institu- tions collaborate across sectors to host meetings that matter, not just logistically but politically and culturally. The state's investment in academic, aerospace, and bioscience hubs has made it a magnet for cross-disciplinary events. Black chambers of commerce in both Phoenix and Tucson are active partners for supplier showcases, DEI summits, and entrepreneurial expos. Meanwhile, cities like Mesa and Glendale are leveraging new venues and university partnerships to capture regional meetings with national scope. Arizona's meeting network is as faceted as its canyons, pairing LEED-certi- fied convention centers with luxury golf resorts and Indigenous-owned properties that honor land and legacy. Whether planning a policy forum or a wellness retreat, planners will find that Arizona delivers clarity, capacity, and cultural range in equal measure. • • PHOENIX • • Phoenix is a city built for convergence. As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., its combination of infra- structure, innovation, and desert beauty make it a year-round favorite for national conventions and regional retreats. The Phoenix Convention Center anchors the downtown corridor with nearly one mil- lion square feet of meeting and exhibit space, and it's walking distance from more than 3,000 hotel rooms, including the elegant Kimpton Hotel Palomar and the Black-owned boutique Clarendon Hotel and Spa. Major airlines service Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with nonstop routes from over 100 cities, giving plan- ners reliable access and reduced travel complexity. In addition, the city's invest- ment in green building, public transporta- tion, and walkable districts has made it a leader in sustainable event planning. Black history in Phoenix includes the Eastlake Park neighborhood, a former Civil Rights hub now experiencing a cultural and economic revitalization. Planners can incorporate walking tours and partner with local organiza- tions like the Arizona Informant or the Black Chamber of Arizona to create panels, sup- plier show cases, and civic events. Be sure to contact Lorne Edwards, chief sales officer at Visit Phoenix, if you are planning to bring a meeting to Phoenix. The Roosevelt Row arts district adds vibrancy with galleries, murals, and event-ready venues. For luxury offsites, Camelback Mountain and Taliesin West offer inspired alternatives. • • TUCSON • • Tucson leans into authenticity. With Sonoran Desert beauty, UNESCO-recog- nized cuisine, and deep Indigenous and Afro-Mexican legacies, it's ideal for groups seeking cultural immersion with executive polish. The Tucson Convention Center provides 205,000 square feet of combined meeting space and is centrally located near boutique hotels and muse- ums. Black history in Tucson includes the Dunbar Pavilion, a former segregated school now functioning as a cultural and event center. Groups can host receptions or workshops there while incorporating local historians and culinary vendors. University of Arizona spaces also expand meeting possibilities. The nearby JW Marriott Starr Pass offers full-service luxury with expansive ballrooms and desert views, perfect for incentive groups or wellness retreats. For planners seeking off-agenda activities, the region offers desert hiking trails, award- winning spas, art districts like Fourth Avenue, and guided culinary tours, all with striking views of saguaro-dotted landscapes and centuries-old traditions still alive in the local cadence. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Tucson – (800) 638-8350 www.visittucson.org 58 B M & T ••• September/October 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com AREA GUIDES A R I Z O N A • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Sheraton Phoenix Downtown 1,003 The Westin Phoenix Downtown 242 Hyatt Regency Phoenix 693 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Phoenix Convention Center Total Meeting Space 1 million sq. ft. Largest Hall 312,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 45,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 99 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Phoenix – (877) CALL-PHX www.visitphoenix.com Phoenix Convention Center photo credit: Phoenix C.C.