from other guest areas,” True says. “It’s set up with needed technology, including good internet connectivity. All of the guest rooms and dining facilities are immediately accessible. The western décor and outdoors environment adds significantly to the overall enjoyment.” Team-building activities are central to the experience at White Stallion Ranch. “A great enhancement for attendees is the great and varied activities,” True adds. “These range from the usual horseback riding, hiking and swimming pool to recently added options of e-bike rides, pistol/rifle target shooting and rock climbing.” All are available on an a la carte basis or as part of the ranch’s inclusive Adventure Package, and evening entertainment and a weekly rodeo are also offered. “The White Stallion Ranch is not a typical hotel,” True says. “It has a very down-home feel and the family members who work and live right there make it a wonderful, individualized experience, no matter the age of the guest.” But it is the Phoenix-Scottsdale area where most of the meeting and development news is found, and last year Marriott International acquired the area’s largest hotel, the 1,000-room Sheraton Grand Phoenix, from the city for $255 million. A significant renovation of the 10-year-old hotel began in June this year, and will include updates to the 77,000 sf of meeting space. The hotel remains open during the work, expected to be completed by early 2020. The Arizona Republic reports that Sheraton execu-
D N O Y E B M O O R L L A B THE PHOTO BY AN PHAM / 2019 HILTON
tives hope the Sheraton Grand Phoenix will be the chain’s “jewel box” to display the concepts they’ve envisioned for the entire brand. In Scottsdale, The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, completed its most extensive renovation since the 643-room hotel opened in 1988. A redesign of guest rooms and common areas was completed in 20162017, while last year saw the opening of a new athletic club and three-story spa facility. The Phoenician Golf Club was also redesigned and re-routed from 27 to 18 holes, a 10-month project completed last November. The Phoenician boasts approximately 160,000 sf of signature indoor and outdoor space including the Grand Ballroom, which hosts up to 2,500 for gala celebrations.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT TUCSON
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INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT
At El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, attendees can watch the Native American Evening Ritual.
Last year, the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa unveiled its new, 15,000-sf Paradise Ballroom, along with another 20,000 sf of outdoor and pre-function space. The additions bring the resort’s total meeting and event space to 95,000 sf. Floor-to-ceiling windows radiate natural light and provide views of Mummy Mountain, and the ballroom is the first in Marriott’s portfolio to display artwork from the personal collection of J. Willard “Bill” Marriott Jr. The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is in the midst of celebrating its 90th anniversary. The historic resort, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, has been a time-honored destination for presidents, dignitaries and celebrities alike, as well as meetings and conferences. The resort has more than 200,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including the 24,576-sf Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom, one of Arizona’s largest. I & FMM
See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2021 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account.
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The annual Fiesta de los Vaqueros rodeo, held in Tucson since 1925, was created to draw more visitors to Tucson during the mid-winter months.
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