Visit Phoenix

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!

Leadership in Focus | Part II From the 2024 Visit Phoenix Annual Meeting stage to your screen, our Leadership Video Series returns—this time, with our Marketing Director, Steven Totten, in the spotlight! As Director of Marketing, Steven has been the linchpin in our strategic transformation of how the world views our city and region. Through a myriad of content efforts, he has masterfully told the story of Greater Phoenix, bringing its essence to life in a way that resonates with locals and visitors from around the global. With that, his role extends far beyond campaigns and content; alongside our exceptional Marketing team, Steven has been the heartbeat behind several of our city’s most high-profile moments, from the Super Bowl, to the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the WNBA All-Star Game, the Spirit of Phoenix Cocktail Competition, and even through the bold undertaking of an organizational rebranding. Why does this matter? Because we’re not just selling a destination—we’re sharing an experience, one that Steven and the Marketing team have elevated through their creative vision, strategic insights, and genuine passion for the Sonoran Desert. They are the masters behind campaigns that capture not just our skyline and sunsets but the pulse and pride of the community that calls Phoenix home. Remember, if anyone asks, tell 'em the desert made you do it. (and because it bears repeating, yes, visitphoenix.com generated over $90 million in economic impact!)

Monday Member Spotlight! This week, its our bff's at Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Company, Inc.! Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Phoenix, Arizona, or a local seeking a fresh experience, Rainbow Ryders has got the perfect solution for the best Phoenix view! ? Take a hot air balloon ride and soar above the serene Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Capture stunning moments with your camera as you witness native wildlife, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, majestic mountain ranges, and the iconic saguaro cactus on this unforgettable adventure. ? Check an item off of your bucket list with Rainbow Ryders any time of the year in this sun state as we offer sunrise flights year round and sunset flight seasonally! ? Founded in 1983, Rainbow Ryders holds a proud legacy of over 40 years, including a remarkable sixteen-year span dedicated to offering hot air balloon rides in Phoenix! Having flown over 750,000 passengers and with our pilots accumulating 100,000+ combined flight hours, we take pride in offering one of the best bucket list experiences in Phoenix.