Arizona is
Open for Meetings
Arizona is truly one of the most spectacular travel destinations in the world and we can’t wait to share it with you. The state’s iconic natural beauty—such as the red rocks of Sedona, the untamed beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the majestic buttes of Monument Valley—inspire travelers from all walks of life. So plan with us and we look forward to welcoming your group of any size to our state for a safe and socially distanced event.
Current COVID Guidance for Planners
Private Event Guidance
On October 6, 2020 the Arizona Office of Tourism and the Arizona Department of Health Services released new Recommendations for Private Events, which enables the hosting of any private events NOT open to the general public such as weddings, funerals, conferences and meetings.
Public Event Guidance
Organized public events are currently allowed under Executive Order 2020-43, as long as they are under 50 people and include adequate safety precautions such as physical distancing and mask-wearing, must be implemented.
Organized public events of 50 people or more are currently prohibited unless approved by the local governing body. Those interested in hosting a public event with 50 people or more, should connect with the local governing body to understand their protocols. Public events are defined as those that are open to anyone or offer tickets for purchase to the general public. Further mitigation requirements for public events were issued under Executive Order 2020-59.
Special Event Licenses
The issuance of Special Events licenses from the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is also on hold as required by Executive Order 2020-43 but this is currently under review by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
COVID-19 Guidance for ALL Visitors
Whether here for business or leisure travel, travelers are encouraged to review the latest COVID-19 guidance for visitors.
Spread Out & Still Come Together.
Health & Safety During COVID
Planning your upcoming meeting may look a little different but Arizona's premier hospitality professionals are ready to accommodate those challenges and make your event safe and successful.
The Phoenix Convention Center, Tucson International Airport and several properties have earned their GBAC STAR Accreditation – considered the gold standard for safe venues – certifying that they have trained staff and are maintaining sanitation best practices. More Arizona locations to be added soon.
The Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association partnered with the American Hotel & Lodging Association to establish a unified standard for safety and cleanliness during 2020. The AZSAFE+CLEAN Hotel Guidance was developed to build upon various sanitation best practices and recommendations from national hospitality and public health experts and various hotel brands have been certified with more to be added every week. To see a full list of hotel properties that have committed to health & safety by joining this initiative, please view them HERE.
Wide Open Spaces & Unique Venues
Arizona's year-round exceptional weather make hosting outdoors our specialty. From amazing resort patios and outdoor venues to unique attractions and world-class museums, we are ready to inspire you with new ideas for social distanced meetings and showcase our desert horizons prime for outdoor hosting and unique venues. Keep an open mind and let us help you reenvision the future of corporate business, conventions, and in-person meetings.
Arizona's Unique Venues to Consider:
World-Class Museums
Phoenix Outdoor Spaces
Glendale's State Farm Stadium
Spring Training Facilities

Where to Plan
Cities
Northern Arizona
Flagstaff is situated in the heart of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest and just over an hour's drive south of the Grand Canyon National Park. Flagstaff is a great location for meetings and events and the perfect home base from which to explore northern Arizona.
Central Arizona
Near Scottsdale and surrounded by breathtaking views of the Red Mountains and the Sonoran Desert, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is an inspiring destination for business meetings and conferences. Resort-style amenities and a world-class conference facility seamlessly combine to create corporate gatherings that feel more like working vacations on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
Central Arizona
Glendale, Arizona has some of the largest, most comprehensive meeting and event facilities in the region within the charming slice of the Southwest.
Central Arizona
Visit Mesa, in partnership with Mesa hotels, has developed the Mesa Clean Stay promise assuring planners and their attendees that they can expect the highest standards of cleanliness and care when meeting in Mesa. Our surrounding Sonoran Desert playground, farm to table dining, and being named the best Arizona city for outdoor lovers makes Mesa a top spot for groups.
Central Arizona
Phoenix is home to a 900,000-square foot convention center, located in the downtown core and less than 4 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The city also boasts an array of hotels and resorts that can accommodate an event of any size. With an abundance of local restaurants, a thriving arts and culture scene and plenty of outdoor venues, Phoenix is ready to host your next event in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
North Central
Plan your next event or business meeting in Prescott and invite your attendee's into our historic community with a charming small-town feel. Enjoy the clean air, the backdrop of mountains surrounding downtown, and the independent storefronts during conference downtime.
Central Arizona
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Located near Scottsdale, the Salt River Indian Community has all the offerings of the big city, with the heritage and hospitality of a small-town community. Take a break from your usual meeting to enjoy: breakouts in hi-tech poolside cabanas, golf with spectacular mountain views, post-meeting relaxation in a culturally-rich spa, a penguin, sloth or reptile as they mingle with your guests at the largest aquarium in the southwest, outstanding mountain views from the suite, deck or field at Arizona’s “best spring training facility."
Central Arizona
The stirring beauty of the Sonoran Desert with year-round sunshine in top-tier accommodations with state-of-the-art meeting facilities and hassle-free transportation in the air and on the ground make Scottsdale an amazing meeting destination.
North Central Arizona
Where soaring red rocks surround an array of resorts, spas, art galleries and boutique wineries. Located less than 30 miles from Flagstaff, nearly 120 miles from the bustling desert city of Phoenix, Sedona is a paradise that offers groups the perfect meeting venue with views guaranteed to impress.
Central Arizona
Tempe is a vibrant urban destination for meetings with 10 to 500 attendees and is minutes from Sky Harbor Phoenix International Airport. With a unique blend of indoor and outdoor venues, arts and cultural activities, exciting nightlife, shopping, sweeping desert vistas and green space – as well as a spirited college town vibe, thanks to Tempe's resident Arizona State University campus. Tempe’s central location, easy airport access, great weather and top-notch facilities are a few reasons to add Tempe to your list of host cities.
Southern Arizona
Tucson hosts thousands of meetings annually due in part to its high-end resorts, full-service hotels and unique venues. Add in outstanding service from Visit Tucson’s sales team, outdoor adventure in the surrounding desert and national parks, and exquisite cuisine from local restaurants that contributed to Tucson being named the nation’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and you have the ingredients for an ideal meetings destination.
Additional Resources
New Study:
Researchers with the Aviation Public Health Initiative, a project of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, released phase one of their “Gate-to-Gate” report, looking at strategies and practices to reduce health risks while flying during the pandemic.

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