In Greater Palm Springs, meetings unfold beneath swaying palm trees and endless sunshine. Here, mountain vistas and lush, colorful landscapes do more than set the scene—they rejuvenate and inspire. Whether networking poolside or teambuilding amid whimsical Joshua trees and desert landscapes, attendees will discover a destination where creativity thrives and connections flourish, transforming every meeting into an extraordinary experience.
It may sound like a mirage, but this meeting oasis is real. With seamless air access, world-class accommodations and one-of-a-kind attractions, Greater Palm Springs offers the perfect backdrop for events that leave a lasting impression.
Here are five reasons why your next conference or meeting belongs in Greater Palm Springs.
1. Effortless Air Access
While Greater Palm Springs is just a short drive from gateway cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, getting here by air has never been easier. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) offers over 30 nonstop flights across 12 airlines and connections to more than 500 destinations worldwide—including a new seasonal nonstop flight from Washington, D.C., making East Coast travel more convenient than ever.
With open-air walkways, lushly landscaped courtyards and a relaxed atmosphere, PSP ensures attendees arrive refreshed and inspired. It’s no wonder the airport was named one of the Top 10 Most Stress-Free Airports in America by SmarterTravel.com. Plus, a recent multimillion-dollar renovation has enhanced almost every aspect of the traveler experience, including new locally inspired food and retail options.
2. Exciting New Developments and Attractions
Greater Palm Springs is constantly evolving, offering fresh experiences and new spaces for memorable meetings. Recent highlights include:
- Thompson Palm Springs: This new downtown Palm Springs hotel features 168 luxury guest rooms and pays homage to the destination’s Rat Pack roots with a midcentury modern design. The hotel’s unrivaled amenities include a signature restaurant, an onsite Napa Valley tasting room and immersive views of the San Jacinto Mountains (especially from the two outdoor pools.)
- Riviera Resort & Spa: Nearby, the iconic Riviera Resort and Spa (formerly Margaritaville Resort) returns to its roots with a phased renovation expected to reach completion by mid-2026.
- Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas: Groups can step into a new era of luxury at the rebranded Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, where a $64 million renovation has refreshed guest rooms and meeting spaces and introduced two brand-new dining concepts, including Tia Carmen by renowned chef Angelo Sosa.
- Palm Springs Surf Club: This unique offsite venue features a state-of-the-art wave pool, lazy river and private event space—ideal for an unconventional meeting break or teambuilding activity.
- The Spa at Séc-he: Recognized among the nation’s top spas, this new wellness destination invites visitors to soak in ancient hot mineral spring waters estimated to be upwards of 12,000 years old. A full menu of state-of-the-art treatments and therapies makes it the perfect post-meeting retreat.
- Agua Caliente Cultural Museum: Located next to The Spa at Séc-he, the museum celebrates the history, culture and modern achievements of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Its event space and immersive exhibits make it a standout venue.
3. Year-Round Sunshine
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Greater Palm Springs guarantees blue skies for your event, no matter the season. Mild winters and warm, sunny summers call for poolside networking and evening receptions beneath clear, starry skies. And when it comes to inspiring ideas, what better setting than an open-air venue with palm trees swaying overhead?
4. Outdoor Venues & Activities
With all that sunshine, Greater Palm Springs takes outdoor meetings to new heights. Many resorts and hotels boast expansive patios, courtyards and lush lawns, allowing attendees to soak in the blue skies and beautiful views.
Unique outdoor experiences for groups include:
- Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures: The Jeep Riddle Rally & Scavenger Hunt combines trivia with a tour of the San Andreas Fault for the ultimate teambuilding challenge. Businesses can also book private dinners and events at Metate Ranch, a unique and intimate space nestled at the base of the Indio Hills.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Sometimes a change in latitude can allow teams to connect in new ways. Hop aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and climb more than 8,500 feet to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains for a group hike or a private event in one of their banquet facilities.
- BMW Performance Center: Add an adrenaline rush to your agenda with high-speed laps around the track before or after meeting in one of their three luxury meeting spaces.
- Empire Polo Club: Best known as the home of Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals, this sprawling venue can also host a variety of special events (big and small) and scores major points for fun teambuilding activities like golf cart polo.
- The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens: Group animal encounters are a must at this wonderfully “wild” attraction, where a grand event space overlooking a new lion habitat is in the works.
5. An Inspiring Convention Center
The Palm Springs Convention Center, steps from downtown’s incredible dining, shopping and cultural attractions, is an inspiring hub for conferences and large-scale events. Beyond its sleek mountain-view lobby, the venue offers:
- 120,000 square feet of carpeted exhibit space
- 21 breakout rooms
- Two spacious ballrooms
- 20,000-square-foot event lawn
Sustainability is also a priority. The Palm Springs Convention Center has implemented a food composting program that captures 98% of food waste, installed more than 2,700 solar panels on the roof and sources ingredients locally for onsite catering. Even small details, like using recycled paper products, reflect its commitment to a greener future.
For more reasons to plan your next meeting in Greater Palm Springs, visit www.meetingsinpalmsprings.com.
Sponsored by Visit Greater Palm Springs
