Meeting Planners
Look West
 Impress with your next event by heading to Glendale and Arizona’s West Valley
It is the place where the sun sets and nights begin.
It is wild and at the same time full of an undeniable allure that begs for discovery and adventure.
It is opportunity surrounded by breathtaking views and horizons. And it is also a place established on the ideals of perfection in hospitality.
Welcome to Arizona’s new West—a region ripe with sweeping vistas, traditional charm and romantic tales of chivalry as well as the cosmopolitan and chic touches of the urban modern world. It is more than a perfect blend of the old and the new, the wild and the tame, the luxurious and the rustic. Arizona’s West Valley is, without question, a little bit of everything. Come see how we can be everything to you!
Business. Meet Pleasure.
Who says it has to be all work and no play? Work in a few of these ideas to make your destination business meeting or conference one they’ll all want to attend.
In town on business? Why not mix a little pleasure with the work. Glendale, Arizona and the surrounding West Valley is ripe with outings perfect for wowing colleagues and wooing potential partners. Here are a few business outing itineraries just to get you started. Mix, mingle and muse your way to a successful event.
Dinner, Drinks and a Show
Looking for a walkable outing for your conference guests? Take the team out for dinner at one of Westgate’s many fine restaurant offerings. From grill greats to the best in brewery delicacies, Westgate’s menus are full of variety. Plus, you’ll be in the heart of Glendale’s Sports and Entertainment District, meaning a walk to the award-winning Jobing.com Arena for the latest blockbuster show is within minutes (everyone from Pink to Coldplay to Madonna have made stops here). Cap off the night with some drinks on the patio at Hell’s Half Acre or Margaritaville.
Bond Over a Big Game
If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to score tickets for your business crew to one of the big games taking place at the state-of-the-art Glendale NFL facility, University of Phoenix Stadium. Home of the Fiesta Bowl and BCS Championship Game, this sporting showplace really knows how to wow a crowd. Even if you can’t swing entrance into one of these events, the stadium is packed with NFL action most Sundays during football season as the home of the Arizona Cardinals. Glendale can foster competitive bonding year-round, too, with an NHL Coyotes game at Jobing.com Arena or a little afternoon sun in the spring with Cactus League play at the new Dodgers and White Sox Spring Training facility, Camelback Ranch. Top off the business trip with 18 holes out on any of the West Valley’s amazing golf courses, full-throttle action out at Phoenix International Raceway or a champions match out at the Paseo Racquet Center.
Make It a Family Affair
Looking to entertain meeting attendees and their families? Then you’ll love Historic Downtown Glendale. With walkable access to a wide range of boutique shops and ethnic eateries, the family will love loading up on unique buys while you’re in business sessions. Then, toast to a great conference with some of the state’s best German food (and brews) at favorite Haus Murphy’s. And, if you’re in town during the holiday season, be sure to stick around when the sun goes down as the downtown comes alive with more than 1.5 million twinkling lights for the city’s annual Glendale Glitters holiday festivities. Travel west for family fun at Westgate City Center, which boasts dozens of shops, restaurants and dazzling water displays. Family fun can also be had at many of the West Valley play spots, like Polar Ice Skating Arena, Wet ‘N Wild Waterpark or the Pioneer Living History Museum.
Get Cultured
Glendale is a city that prides itself on its history and culture. Let your meeting guests stretch their legs one morning or afternoon with a walkable tour of some of the city’s most historic locations (walking maps and guides are available through the Glendale Visitor Center). There are a few biggies that you must fit in to the schedule, including the Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area, which boasts turn-of-the-century ranch houses where stately peacocks frequently walk the grounds among the guests. Glendale is also home to some fantastic works of public art, including a Dale Chihuly that is sure to stun and inspire. Check out the city’s online sampling before you head out to take in your favorites at www.glendaleaz.com/arts.
Take it Outside
One thing Glendale has over those East Coast locations – our weather rocks! Soak up the sun and feel what a 70-degree winter day can do to your soul by taking a break during your business meeting with a little group hike or bike ride through Thunderbird Conservation Park. The views are sure to inspire. The trails span 1,000 acres and are the only desert-mountain preserves in Glendale. After you are through with hiking, there are some great picnic spots to stop off for a bite to eat. Picnic areas are located in desert washes shaded by Palo Verde and Ironwood trees. If you love plants and animals these trails are perfect for you, too. Critters and wildlife tend to visit. Animals you can see on trails include jackrabbits, squirrels, lizards and 19 species of bird.
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