Visit Phoenix

Leadership in Focus | Part VI What makes a city truly thrive? Is it the iconic skyline, the world-class events, or the endless sunshine? While all of those play their part, the heartbeat of Phoenix lies in something more profound: its people—and the way they connect, collaborate, and dream together. Enter Polly Phelan-Flachman, CDME, Vice President of Community Engagement and Membership at Visit Phoenix. Polly leads a team that’s more than just a bridge between stakeholders—it’s the vibrant core of Greater Phoenix’s success. Through collaboration, trust, and creativity, Polly’s team transforms membership into something extraordinary. It’s not just about joining; it’s about leveling up. This isn’t just a business model—it’s a movement that empowers members to achieve their dreams, reach their goals, and thrive in the communities that make Phoenix shine. Through Polly’s leadership, every member becomes part of a collective success story—one where the connections we build today pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Monday Member Spotlight! When it comes to crafting unforgettable experiences, Event Rents doesn’t just set the table—they set the standard. As Arizona's premier party rental provider, they turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary showcases of creativity and precision. But here’s the thing about Event Rents—they don’t just deliver; they outdo themselves. Case in point? Every Visit Phoenix Annual Meeting. Each year, they redefine what it means to create a seamless, stunning, and special event. From elegant linens to show-stopping settings, their dedication to detail ensures every piece fits perfectly, leaving us in awe (and maybe taking notes). Their philosophy is simple but powerful: “We do our job, so your event can be special.” And boy, do they deliver. Serving Phoenix and beyond, Event Rents is the steady resource you can trust to transform ideas into reality. Cheers to Event Rents for elevating events across Arizona and for helping us shine brighter every year!

Leadership in Focus | Part V What turns a good event into an unforgettable one? Meet Jane Vukovich, Director of Destination Services at Visit Phoenix, who answers that question daily. Her team is the dynamic other half of our convention sales operation, transforming plans on paper into immersive, seamless experiences that resonate long after attendees leave the desert. Jane and her team are event experts, relationship builders, and logistical wizards. From connecting meeting planners with Phoenix’s best member businesses to orchestrating the tiniest details, their work ensures every event feels effortless—though behind the scenes, it’s anything but. In the last year alone, the team facilitated over 300 leads to member businesses, distributed 7,500+ referrals, and hosted nearly 100 client site visits. Their ultimate mission? Turning events into memories, attendees into ambassadors, and first-time visitors into repeat guests. With Jane at the helm, Destination Services isn’t just a department; it’s a promise—Phoenix events aren’t just successful, they’re unforgettable.

Kicking the week off with another Visit Phoenix Member Spotlight! This week's shout out is to Form Floral! When it comes to turning events into unforgettable experiences, Form Floral doesn’t just deliver – they bloom beyond expectations. This boutique floral design studio, nestled in the heart of Phoenix, has been crafting one-of-a-kind floral magic for over a decade, redefining what it means to step outside the box. From stunning corporate retreats and jaw-dropping destination events to the most beautiful weddings and social gatherings, they know how to make a statement. And trust us, they always outdo themselves when it comes to Visit Phoenix’s Annual Meeting – transforming our spaces into breathtaking works of art. Looking to add a creative spark to your company’s next event? Let Form Floral take your vision and elevate it with the kind of beauty that only Phoenix blooms can inspire

Meetings mean business. And Phoenix is leading the way. In October, Phoenix stood atop the nation, leading all U.S. markets in meetings volume growth—a remarkable 19.7% year-over-year increase, according to Cendyn. National association events, alongside gatherings in technology, healthcare, and finance, drove this ascent. This isn’t just a statistic. It’s a testament. A testament to a city that knows how to convene, inspire, and propel progress. Here in the Sonoran Desert, we aren't just hosting meetings—we're setting the stage for the future of business and collaboration. Ours to share and a place for all to keep. https://lnkd.in/gXbPAQPc

Leadership in Focus | Part IV In this week’s edition of Leadership in Focus, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Maria Lourdes Delgado, our Director of Tourism, whose team is shaping the way the world experiences Greater Phoenix. Under her guidance, the Tourism Sales department has become the ultimate ambassador of our city, capturing the hearts of travel professionals and sparking curiosity about the Sonoran Desert. From travel agents to tour operators across the globe, Maria and her team bring Phoenix’s story to life – inviting visitors to move beyond a quick trip and instead dive deep into the fifth-largest city in the country. Through every meeting and every interaction, the Tourism Sales team is creating connections that bring Phoenix closer to the world. With each trade show, sales mission, and FAM trip, they’re shaping Phoenix’s landscape into a scene that captivates and beckons, revealing layers of beauty waiting to be discovered. They’re not just selling a destination; they’re inviting travelers to experience a city where every sunrise paints a new canvas, and every evening unfolds with warmth and wonder. These connections don’t just fill hotel rooms; they shape journeys, encouraging visitors to explore deeper and stay longer, immersing themselves in Phoenix’s diverse experiences. Join us in celebrating the tireless work of Maria and her team as they bring the world to Phoenix, one visitor at a time!

Attention, Phoenix cocktail connoisseurs and adventure-seekers! The wait is finally over – Carry On, the “Mad Men” era, plane-themed bar from Pretty Decent Concepts, is cleared for arrival and ready to transport you to a time when travel was the epitome of elegance. Starting Nov. 15, buckle up for a one-of-a-kind experience in Downtown Phoenix. Phoenix has long held its spot as a rising star in the world of craft cocktails, and Carry On is set to elevate the scene yet again. This immersive lounge promises all the sophistication of a golden age flight, minus the turbulence – think vintage aviation-inspired decor, cocktails served with a nod to classic air travel, and an ambiance that transports you far beyond the tarmac. https://lnkd.in/gSc8Qzqd

It's Tuesday and you know what that means...our Visit Phoenix Member Spotlight! In the heart of downtown Phoenix, where the city’s pulse beats with vibrance and possibility, the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues stands tall as a beacon of innovation, connection, and growth. Recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 10 Convention Centers in the U.S., PCC is more than a meeting place; it’s a catalyst of economic dynamism that fuels our city's evolution and draws visionaries from around the globe. Each year, PCC welcomes thousands of delegates, conference-goers, and exhibitors to Phoenix, transforming our city into a hub of inspiration and collaboration. The PCC’s presence has long been an anchor in the meetings and conventions industry—a key driver of Phoenix's economic surge. As these events unfold, they breathe life into local businesses, bolster our reputation on the world stage, and propel Phoenix forward as a premier destination for major gatherings. This isn’t just a building; it's a testament to Phoenix’s unstoppable momentum and the power of connection.

Leadership in Focus | Part III From the 2024 Visit Phoenix Annual Meeting stage to your screen, our Leadership Video Series returns—this week, we shine a light on Chief Sales Officer, Lorne Edwards and the Convention Sales team! This team doesn’t just book events; they’re weaving a legacy of connectivity, community, and unforgettable moments that make Phoenix a one-of-one destination. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to placing Greater Phoenix on the global stage as the destination for meetings and conventions. With every citywide event and each filled seat, they’re breathing excitement and vitality into not only downtown, but all neighboring communities, transforming them into a vibrant nexus of ideas, energy, and opportunity. Each event booked at the Phoenix Convention Center and our city’s hotels and resorts strengthens the local economy, fueling growth for businesses and elevating Phoenix as a world-class convention city. With more than 520 meetings secured and a forecasted $600 million in direct spending for Phoenix, Lorne and his team are writing a story of ambition and purpose. They’re redefining what it means to be a city of connection, one event at a time. This week, we celebrate their dedication and their passion for making Phoenix a canvas for dreams and discovery. Phoenix: Ours to share and a place for all to keep.

This week's Member Spotlight is Vermilion Events by David Twigger! Vermilion doesn't just create events—they craft experiences that linger, that spark curiosity, that defy the expected. A master of transformative design, David has spent over 20 years shaping the world of luxury events and corporate gatherings, bringing his precision to every detail. Each event with Vermilion tells a story and illustrates a vision. Not only a creative powerhouse, David is a community advocate, dedicating his expertise to local nonprofits and industry boards like Society for Incentive Travel Excellence and Aunt Rita’s Foundation. His portfolio spans intimate VIP dinners to massive conferences, and he’s one of the rare talents who blend destination management services with unique venue selection, offsite events, and team-building activities. As one of the few Planner/DMC combinations in the industry, Vermilion Events stands out for its personalized approach—treating each client not as a customer, but as a creative collaborator. Ready to redefine your next event? David and Team Vermilion are here to bring it all to life, and you can count on no two events ever being the same!