Arizona has its fans. Just ask Tucson-resident David Kliman, Event Leaders Exchange co-founder and Kliman Group president.
“Arizona offers much that is genuinely unique for meeting professionals and attendees, and the year-round weather allows for outdoor activities,” he said. “Even in the summer, mornings are typically very comfortable and allow for outdoor activities; the venues are varied and cost-effective, and the gastronomy is world-class.”
Looking ahead to 2025, there are even more reasons to love the Grand Canyon State, from public/private partnerships to new developments and innovative ways to incorporate local culture.
Academia Advantages for Meetings in Arizona
One of the main drivers for meetings and conventions throughout the state is the presence of Arizona State University.
“ASU’s expansive downtown Phoenix campus serves as a cornerstone of this partnership, with its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere enhancing the city’s appeal for meetings,” said Chris Miller, corporate communications manager at Visit Phoenix. “From hosting symposiums in state-of-the-art venues to leveraging ASU’s globally renowned expertise in sustainability, healthcare and technology, the collaboration provides meeting planners with resources few cities can rival.”
For this reason, he added, “We continue to see revered healthcare, technology and bioscience groups and conventions make Phoenix their home for their biggest events, and ASU is an undeniable anchor in securing that business.”
Even for groups without a connection to academia, access to the latest research, insights and expertise from faculty and students alike turns Phoenix-based events into catalysts for real-world solutions.
In addition to obvious cerebral advantages, having a significant student presence for most of the year makes it possible for independent restaurants and attractions to thrive.
“The massive university and military presence combine to create a diverse vibe and a vibrant gastronomy community which was awarded by UNESCO (now in its 10th year),” Kliman said.
[Related: Desert Destinations Deliver Contemplative Group Outing Options]
Indigenous Arizona Experiences
Arizona is home to 22 Native American nations, including members of the Navajo, Apache, Hopi and Tohono O'odham tribes. This proximity gives meeting groups remarkable access to rich indigenous culture, for which Tucson’s Arizona State Museum at ASU and Phoenix’s Heard Museum are great starting points and unique event venues.
“Phoenix’s relationship with local Indigenous groups,” Miller noted, “is a cornerstone of its commitment to fostering authentic cultural connections and promoting inclusivity. Attendees can engage with Indigenous traditions through interactive workshops, performances and storytelling.”
"A group might want to include a Native American blessing to open their general session,” added Mo Olivas, communications manager for Visit Tucson, but other local culture is also on the table: “For example, have a Mexican fiesta for one of their lunches. Cowboy culture, Indigenous culture and Mexican heritage are big experiences people are seeking here in Tucson.”
New Developments in 2025 in Arizona
In terms of developments, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2025.
Two resorts will open in the Greater Phoenix area this year: the 20-acre Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie, featuring a 14-room spa that also overlooks Camelback Mountain and a 400-foot dazzling pool, and the 1,200-room VAI Resort, which will include Live Nation concerts and entertainment, 13 dining options, a hot air balloon experience and a 20,000-square-foot spa. Also, the new 141-room Global Ambassador, featuring five dining options, a wellness center, a spa and more, has been named one of the first Michelin Key hotels in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Tucson went on a recent resort refresh-a-thon that will greet visitors in 2025: The 487-room Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa renovated guest rooms and opened La Luz Restaurant and Casa 71 Tequila lobby lounge in 2024, while the 130-room Omni Tucson National finished a complete resort renovation, including the main lobby, spa, restaurants, luxury suites and meeting space.
[Related: Downtown Tucson Is Building Success for Meetings and Conventions]
Arizona F&B Trends
Before the events industry, the original meaning of a symposium was a drinking party or banquet. “In vino veritas” coined the intimacy sparked by food-and-drink-fueled conversations, although Arizonans might think of it more as “in tequila veritas.”
But many New Year’s resolutions generally endorse a “dry January” and other sober aspirations. How long those resolutions last is a personal matter. But in Arizona’s top meeting cities, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson, everyone can imbibe their own way.
Visit Tucson reports that mocktails are at the forefront of group trends. This reflects not only a seasonal preference, but it’s also indicative of Gen Z’s predilection for spiritless spirits. Tucson beverage merchants and watering holes abound with local offerings like local brewer Pueblo Vida’s NA Vida Spritz (featuring a trio of hops) available at dozens of Tucson bars and restaurants.
At True Food Kitchen, created by wellness guru Andrew Weil, mocktails are a part of incorporating wellness, mindfulness and health into conviviality. The eatery not only mixes signature drinks with top NA brands, it makes its own gin.
According to Olivas, “Healthy meal options that use ingredients known to boost brain function are all trends we’re seeing get bigger as time passes.”
In Phoenix and Scottsdale, a lively mixology culture and Arizona’s tequila heritage are the foundations for many innovative cocktails that use desert ingredients. One example is Quartz, where a bar within a bar creates an intimate experience.
Miller said the Cave at Quartz Bar is a more private experience.
“Guests are invited into a mirrored, rose-gold crystal hallway flanked by private booths to sip desert-themed cocktails. In-house mixologist Maxwell Berlin and Beverage Director Paul Waxman came together to curate drinks and inspire the community,” he said.
Each June, Phoenix holds a competition among mixologists to create the city’s official cocktail. This year, Nicole Long won the competition by combining Reposado tequila, lemon juice, hot Chiltepin mesquite honey syrup and prickly pear syrup with grapefruit bitters to produce “The Phoenix,” which can be enjoyed at Santo Arcadia and the Bluehound Kitchen & Cocktails.
