Arizona Sunbelt Chapter MPI 2014

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hen Cristin Barr, CMP, went to college, she was more interested in investor relations than guest relations.

“At The University of Texas I studied Investor Relations, which took me to New York City for my first professional job,” said the current president of the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (AzMPI).

“For the past 10 years, though, I’ve been traveling the world and enjoying the hospitality industry.”

Now director of national accounts at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Barr is working with the No. 1 hotel in Arizona, according to Travel + Leisure.

“I work with meeting planners to secure guest rooms and meeting space at the hotel for programs, including incentive trips, client events, annual meetings and board retreats,” Barr said.

Az Business caught up with Barr to talk about how the next year is shaping up to be a big one for the state’s tourism brand.

Raising the Barr

MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONALAzMPI president expects Arizona’s upcoming mega events to boost the state’s meeting and events industry By MICHAEL GOSSIE

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WHAt AttrACtEd yOu tO tHE HOSpItALIty InduStry?

The sales role in hospitality is a great mix of creative and analytical. On any given day, we have unique challenges that can be best solved with a combination of critical thinking and service-based creativity.

HOW HAS yOur MEMBErSHIp In MpI IMpACtEd yOu prOfESSIOnALLy?

MPI membership and CMP (certified meeting planner) certification give me a sense of personal achievement as well as recognition in the industry. The increased credibility among customers and prospects is invaluable.

WHAt kInd Of ECOnOMIC IMpACt dOES tHE MEEtInG And EvEntS InduStry HAvE On ArIzOnA?

Tourists bring almost $20 billion to Arizona each year, which can be seen in employment and tax base coming from lodging, food service, transport and recreation — just to name a few. But the benefits reach far beyond the hotels and golf courses. The economic impact is evident in important public services as well as in the businesses that open or relocate to our area.

HOW dO MEGA EvEntS LIkE tHE 2015 SupEr BOWL IMpACt ArIzOnA’S MEEtInGS And EvEntS (M&E) InduStry?

The economic impact of hosting a Super Bowl makes Arizona itself the clear big winner. A mega event places a spotlight much wider than just expenditures during the week of the game. There is no doubt that the M&E industry will benefit from incredible media exposure, generating future event bookings.

WHAt SHOuLd ArIzOnA’S M&E InduStry dO tO CApItALIzE On tHE 2015 SupEr BOWL?

We are lucky to have a very strong network of CVBs, offices of tourism and advocates that work year round to attract and assure successful meetings, conventions and events are held in Arizona. The Super Bowl will be a unique and exciting tool for continued messaging that Arizona is a premiere destination.

WHAt CurrEnt trEndS ArE HAvInG tHE BIGGESt IMpACt On tHE M&E InduStry?

Social media is interesting in that the content is often driven by stakeholders

rather than by the planners or the educators. Social media can help attendees engage before and after a meeting and provides opportunity to connect with a very broad audience or a narrow specific slice of the demographic. It’s easy, it’s inexpensive and it will continue to change the face of the industry.

WHAt ArE yOur GOALS AS AzMpI prESIdEnt?

2013-2014 was a hugely successful year for AzMPI in terms of promoting excellence in the meeting industry through education, certification, advocacy and business alliances. For the 2014-2015 year, we will focus on our key metrics with an emphasis on member satisfaction and financial management. We will also organize six monthly educational programs, the holiday party, awards gala, as well as a golf tournament that we do in conjunction with the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

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84 AB | July-August 2014

ZuZu | VH SPA | OH POOL BAR + CABANAS | OHASIS POOL6850 E. Main St . Scot tsdale, AZ 85251 | hotelval leyho.com | 480.248.2000

Your meetings need more awesome. How can you find it? Have your next meeting at Hotel Valley Ho. From indoor to outdoor, floor to ceiling, we’ve got the coolest spaces for whatever you need. Want Herman Miller executive chairs and the latest digital tech? You got it. Choose from four contemporary boardrooms, two ballrooms, and a full suite of media services. Want fresh landscapes and amazing views? No problem. Take five in the amazing Arizona weather and enjoy the patios that accompany many of our meeting spaces. Or, host a reception at our Sky Line Rooftop, where you get 360° views of Downtown Scottsdale and Camelback Mountain. At the hippest hotel in town, you’re made in the shade.

WHEN YOu MEET.TuRN uP THE HEATAzMPI MeMber ProfIle

Susie Molinich CMP SMMC

Molinich has been in the hospitality and meetings industry for more than 20 years. Most recently, she was in account management. Prior to that, she spent five years leading a meetings team that was dispersed throughout the western United States. She also held sales and conference services positions with several hotel companies.Attraction of industry: “While attending college, I had a part-time job at a local hotel, which prompted me to change my major to Recreation Management and Tourism, as I realized this was the industry for me,” Molinich said.Impact of MPI: “Getting back involved in the industry through MPI helps keep me informed of the trends taking place within our industry, as well as building strong connections,” Molinich said.

WhAt IS AzMPI?Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest and most vibrant global meeting

and event industry association. The organization helps its members thrive by building human connections through knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces. MPI membership is comprised of approximately 20,000 members belonging to 71 chapters and clubs worldwide. For additional information or to join, visitmpiweb.org

Active since 1979, the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter is MPI’s 13th largest chapter in the world. The organization is comprised of 350 members throughout Arizona, representing a mix of corporate, association, government and independent meeting planners, suppliers who provide a variety of products and/or services to the meeting and hospitality industry as well as student and faculty from our local colleges and universities. The local chapter offers members educational, networking, and community volunteer opportunities, plus industry certification and professional growth opportunities. For more information, contact Executive Director Joanne Winter, at 602-277-1494 or visit the chapter website at www.azmpi.org.

AzMPI’S 2014-15 boArd of dIreCtorSTop row, from lefT: rochell planty, CMp, CfE, rockin’ r Meetings & Events; James Eggimann, CMp, the ritz-Carlton, phoenix; Jill Longfellow, Enterprise Holdings; troy peters, video West; Lee Smith, Hotel valley Ho; Chip Headman, Williams and Associates; Joanne Winter, MpI Arizona Sunbelt Chapter. front row, from left: Lynne Wellish, CMp, CHSE, triage Meetings & Events; penny Allphin, CHME, Hassayampa Inn; Cristin Barr, CMp, the ritz-Carlton, dove Mountain; Melanie ravalin, CMp, M.y. Events; Susie Molinich, CMp, SMMC, American Express Meetings & Events; tiffany Higgins, the tiffany Event. not pictured: danielle Adams, kCA; Amy Miranda, Crowne plaza phoenix Airport; david rosenbaum, CHME, Carefree resort & Conference Center; rachele vincent, dave and Buster’s.

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85 AB | July-August 2014

ZuZu | VH SPA | OH POOL BAR + CABANAS | OHASIS POOL6850 E. Main St . Scot tsdale, AZ 85251 | hotelval leyho.com | 480.248.2000

Your meetings need more awesome. How can you find it? Have your next meeting at Hotel Valley Ho. From indoor to outdoor, floor to ceiling, we’ve got the coolest spaces for whatever you need. Want Herman Miller executive chairs and the latest digital tech? You got it. Choose from four contemporary boardrooms, two ballrooms, and a full suite of media services. Want fresh landscapes and amazing views? No problem. Take five in the amazing Arizona weather and enjoy the patios that accompany many of our meeting spaces. Or, host a reception at our Sky Line Rooftop, where you get 360° views of Downtown Scottsdale and Camelback Mountain. At the hippest hotel in town, you’re made in the shade.

WHEN YOu MEET.TuRN uP THE HEAT

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CALL US AT 520-796-4911 FOR A PERSONALIZED PROPOSAL.

Our Four Diamond property offers flexible meeting space, comfortable guest

rooms and a host of amenities. All just steps away from seven restaurants,

live entertainment, nightlife, and gaming.

Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community.

I-10 & Wild Horse Pass Blvd.WinGilaRiver.com 800-WIN-GILA

Where Business & Pleasure Meet

alling back into your boss’ arms to build trust is about as fresh as the “chicken dance.”

“We are moving into an era where people need to give trust by being 100 percent engaged with their co-workers,” said Todd Davis, founder of Fun Coach USA. “Statistics say only 30 percent of 100 million workers are engaged at work. The biggest challenge is who wants to

catch someone else when they are so busy they are tripping over themselves. We have so many diverse people, backgrounds and styles that today, the No. 1 way to build trust is to get to know each other better. It’s that simple.”

Experts in the meeting and events industry said they see new opportunities for fun and exciting ways for meeting attendees to connect, get to know each other, have fun and build a stronger team. One of the directions Davis said planners are taking is creating events that combine elements of team building and humanitarianism so the events serve a dual purpose — giving back to the community while getting to know others and learning to trust them.

“A current trend is creating philanthropic events that make a difference in the local

communities,” said Elijah Hernandez of Event Team, one of the premier team-building companies in Arizona. “Everywhere we turn, companies get much better feedback from their employees when the activity they do at a meeting or event is positively impacting a child in need or enriching the environment.”

Hernandez said the positive reaction doesn’t just stay with the event, the philanthropic exercise builds employee loyalty and increases workplace production.

“The employee leaves the event with the belief that the company takes care of them and the community that they do business in,” Hernandez said. “Since most companies want to prove they are one with the community, Arizona charities benefit every time a corporate group visits our beautiful state.”

Hernandez said it’s important that companies recognize corporate philanthropy doesn’t always mean spending money or organizing a drive.

“You can simply schedule time with a local nonprofit,” Hernandez said. “Organize shelves and warehouses or let your employees offer extra hands at a soup kitchen. These activities prove that you care.”

Experts said it’s important to remember that the best team-building activities are not just simple tasks to build trust. Team-building activities need to be interactive and focused

Meeting and event planners create altruistic activities to help team-building projects leave a dynamic impact By MICHAEL GOSSIE

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CALL US AT 520-796-4911 FOR A PERSONALIZED PROPOSAL.

Our Four Diamond property offers flexible meeting space, comfortable guest

rooms and a host of amenities. All just steps away from seven restaurants,

live entertainment, nightlife, and gaming.

Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community.

I-10 & Wild Horse Pass Blvd.WinGilaRiver.com 800-WIN-GILA

Where Business & Pleasure Meet

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elIjAh hernAndez

AzMPI MeMber ProfIle

Troy J. Peters, CTSStrategic accounts executiveVideo West, Inc.

Peters has worked in the entertainment, production, staging and event industry for more than 15 years. He started out in the motion picture industry as a lighting director with Fox Television, Disney, and Paramount Studios working on the “X-Files,” “Battle in Seattle,” “Rumble in the Bronx,” as well as concerts with Chris Isaak and Sarah McLachlan. Attraction of industry: “In 2008, I sold my lighting company and moved into the event management world with an international nonprofit,” Peters said. “I embraced the industry immediately and pursued the collaboration of technology and meetings as far as I could take it.”Impact of MPI: “Through (MPI’s) education and involvement opportunities, we’ve been able to go from being an unknown to being an industry leader,” Peters said. “The culmination of our efforts resulted in our winning the 2014 Rising Star Award.”

and engage employees in an event that facilitates full cooperation from your group, Hernandez said. In turn, the team learns to trust each other and work together without the grind of their actual job, but in synchronicity with the activity in which they are participating.

“People need to consider the outcome or process of team-building events as much as they consider the type of experience they will have,” Davis said.

Davis divides team-building events for groups into two types.

For Fun: “These are events where the group gets out, connects, cooks, hikes or shares an experience,” Davis said.For added value: “These are events that involve more problem solving, communication and planning,” Davis said. “These events may also be about giving back to the community through a group-based project.”

Going a step further, Davis offered these five ways to create, maintain and strengthen a team-based corporate environment:

1. Team communication: “Create a process that allows for group input so people want to go to the meeting. Activities that focus on verbal communication will help this value.”

2. Team collaboration: “Create experiences where multiple teams must work together to achieve a group goal, while understanding the need to compete, but be available for others.”

3. Connect the I in team: “Examine individual contributions to an activity as a way to get to know all the individuals in the group better.”

4. Creative problem solving with planning: “Give the group time to develop a strategy, then a game plan before having the fun desired in the outing. I do see some old-fashioned ‘low ropes’ type of experiences coming back as long as they aren’t being lectured on trusting each other. Solving the problems and developing a game plan where people precede performing and productivity will be essential.”

5. Community service: “Programs where it takes some planning and teamwork to achieve the goal along with a celebration of the finished project is perfect. Remember that it is good to remind people how volunteering helps them in life, not just who they help at the event.”

The most important element to remember, experts said, is that team-building needs to remain an evolving activity, not a once-a-year proposition.

“Any fun, high-energy activity will bring excitement to the workforce,” Hernandez said. “Giving a moment for your team to enjoy themselves throughout the year always proves that you care about them and not just the bottom line.”

Todd dAvIs

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play


Unforgettable meetings & events, affordable luxury

Four Seasons is your local resource for planning events of every size. Talavera and Proof signature restaurants are the ideal venues for memorable events, featuring innovative, chef-driven cuisine, and indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for every occasion. From intimate boardrooms, ideal for retreats, to spacious ballrooms for marquee corporate events, Four Seasons is the perfect spot for all your event-planning needs.

to learn more, contact Catering Manager Chelsa Christensen at (480)513-5266 or [email protected]

In sports, success can be measured in wins and losses. Increasingly, the same can be said about business meetings and events.

“As our industry strives to meet ever-changing demands on strategic business objectives,

the dynamic has shifted to require even more measurable outcomes,” said Cristin Barr, director of national accounts at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, and president of the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. “This includes what was previously known as meeting attendee ‘free time.’ For many groups, free time has developed into elaborate and organized events that often have an educational or a team-building component.”

Often, Barr said, that requires meeting-goers to strap on their game faces.

“Team-building is an important program component for many of my clients,” Barr said. “Whether the group is geocaching, horseback cattle penning or golfing, the planners hope to provide for attendees a memorable and engaging experience with a splash of competitive fun.”

While hotels are generally the perfect spot to host business meetings and corporate gatherings, many meeting and event planners have seen a shifting dynamic in the demands for off-site events for groups.

“The groups seem to be looking for more unique, interesting options to keep attendees engaged in the event and each other,” said Angela Prestinario, general manager of Stratum Laser Tag & Event Headquarters in Mesa. “Many of the corporations are looking to incorporate their meeting, training and a team-building program into a one-day event.”

More and more convention groups are also looking for options and alternatives to having all their meals in the hotel ballroom.

“Many planners are finding that an effective dining experience enhances their meetings,” said Peggy Traister, director of sales for Rustler’s Rooste in Phoenix. “Groups are looking for an ideal venue that will generate excitement. They want a venue with a history and culture of the region they are visiting. Dining can be a

Improving economy creates increasing demand for dynamic off-site events for groups By MICHAEL GOSSIE


Chip HeadmanVice president of salesWilliams & Associates

Do you ever wonder where all of those trade show bags or where all those pens and jotters for your meetings — also known as swag or chotskies — come from? Headman had the same question until he became a leader and innovator in that business.Attraction of industry: “In looking for a good professional group to align my services with, the M&E industry was an obvious choice,” Headman said. “I had no idea I’d end up being associated with so many great people and so many different types of meetings and events.”Impact of MPI: “The education I’ve received has benefitted my business life as well as my personal life,” Headman said. “The organizational skills and event management — along with fantastic resources — have all helped me to obtain insight into the needs of the M&E market.”

Pay toAzMPI

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Unforgettable meetings & events, affordable luxury

Four Seasons is your local resource for planning events of every size. Talavera and Proof signature restaurants are the ideal venues for memorable events, featuring innovative, chef-driven cuisine, and indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for every occasion. From intimate boardrooms, ideal for retreats, to spacious ballrooms for marquee corporate events, Four Seasons is the perfect spot for all your event-planning needs.

to learn more, contact Catering Manager Chelsa Christensen at (480)513-5266 or [email protected]

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key element for a successful meeting and is often rated as the most memorable. The goal — using a combination of informative meetings and dining entertainment — is to provide a positive business outcome this year while building enthusiasm and anticipation for the following year.”

The increased expectations for dynamic off-site events have corresponded with the improving economy, which has given many businesses the ability to go big at their corporate gatherings, event experts said.

“The biggest change that we have seen is the amount of money that groups now have to spend on events,” said Chelsey Keller, corporate event and group sales coordinator for Desert Botanical Garden. “They are upgrading their rentals — chairs and linens — and opting for a plated dinner versus buffet dinners. We have also seen more groups choosing to buy out the entire garden.”

Keller said most groups today are looking for a truly unique experience, something that they cannot get anywhere else, especially if they are visiting from another state.

“They want their attendees to remember

the event for years to come,” Keller said.Beyond building memories, experts said

the positive energy that is created during off-site events can boost a company’s bottom line.

“The ultimate goal of any off-site event is to create a fun experience that the entire group will enjoy,” said Jennifer Castro, director of event sales at TopGolf in Scottsdale, one of the most unique new venues in the Valley. “Shared experiences enhance relationships among co-workers and with clients.”

Scott Sanders, founder and president of Octane Raceway in Scottsdale, which does more than 1,000 corporate events each year, echoed the importance of off-site team-building events.

“Companies are looking to mix business with pleasure and accomplishing their business objectives at a venue that can provide professional meeting capabilities as well as deliver engaging activities,” Sanders said. “In the end, companies want their employees to feel appreciated and engaged. Their investment in an off-site event helps show their commitment to the employee’s overall job satisfaction.”


Christina Tzavellas, CMPbusiness and strategy developmentCtZ and Associates

As a business strategist in meetings, conventions and trade shows, Tzavellas is recognized for developing progressive business tactics. She is acclaimed for creating new, non-traditional business alliances, including an exclusive industry alliance with Celine Dion and Dragone Entertainment Group. She is a 21-year Certified Meeting Professional. Attraction of industry: “The marriage of business with the art of stimulating the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and feel to achieve business goals,” Tzavellas said. “It’s exciting.”Impact of MPI: “MPI catapulted my career into the international arena,” Tzavellas said, “giving me a global perspective of how much our industry drives local to worldwide economies.”

jennIfer CAsTro Chelsey Keller AngelA PresTInArIo

Peggy TrAIsTer

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whether you’re a meetings and event professional or the CEO of a company who is trying to organize a one-of-a-kind event for your employees, it’s time to think outside the hotel box. Arizona offers a variety of non-hotel options for meetings, conferences or off-site events and activities that may have never crossed your mind.

Imagine your company’s next meeting being held behind the wheel of a race car. Why not see who can last the longest on the “Widowmaker,” a mechanical bull? Or instead of spending the day in the office trying to boost your bottom line, what if your entire office was trying to save the lives of the residents of a Caribbean island?

Before you book your next event, here are 20 off-site, offbeat options to consider:

Casino del SolThe experience: In addition to its 18,000-square-foot ballroom that divides

into five smaller rooms to allow meeting planners to hold multiple events side-by-side throughout their stay, Casino Del Sol Resort offers its corporate visitors world-class gaming, a Ty Butler- and Notah Begay-designed golf course, scenic hiking trails, mountain bike trails and horseback riding.

Information: casinodelsolresort.com

Challenger Space Center The experience: During Operation Montserrat, your group will be entrusted

to save the lives of the residents of the Caribbean island of Montserrat, home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Based on a real life scenario, this team building program will have your group tracking the lava flows of the volcano, estimating the path of a Category 5 hurricane, and devising a plan to get the residents out of harm’s way, while communicating with a command central to make the rescue operation run smoothly.

Information: azchallenger.org

Arizona offers a variety of interesting alternatives for off-site meetings, conferences and team-building events By MICHAEL GOSSIE

Unconventional venues

Bob Bondurant School of High performance Driving

The experience: How fast do you want to go? You’ll be the one driving. For more than four decades, Bondurant has been hosting corporate and group events and team-building exercises that make for a lasting impact on employees or friends. So buckle up and hold on for the ride of your life.

Information: bondurant.com

PHOTO BY BOB BONDURANTSTArT YoUr eNGINeS: the Bob Bondurant School of High performance driving can customize any program for your group or organization, no matter how big or small.

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Clubhouse at Tonto VerdeThe experience: With two distinctly

different and challenging 18-hole golf courses, Tonto Verde is a desert gem with recognition for its charm and playability and views in every direction. Guests may recharge on its 18-hole natural grass putting course, a fun alternative team building event for golfers and non-golfers alike. The facility offers indoor and outdoor event space with customized programs to meet any taste or budget.

Information: tontoverdeweddings.com

Desert Belle The experience: Originally launched

in 1964, the Desert Belle has been plowing Arizona’s waters for more than 40 years and allowing passengers to see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls, and dramatic desert vistas. The Desert Belle is a unique way to create a memorable office party or meeting.

Information: desertbelle.com

Desert Botanical Garden The experience: The spectacular

surroundings of the Desert Botanical Garden are ideal for unique and beautiful events. From open-air pavilions, scenic courtyards and historic settings, the Garden offers an unforgettable experience for groups of all sizes. With its Southwestern appeal, this enchanting location is the natural choice for your event.

Information: dbg.org

Hard rock Cafe phoenixThe experience: Sophistication

infused with funk, the Hard Rock Cafe offers stellar service and rock star experiences. Day or night there is something to fit every mood and satisfy every impulse. Hard Rock Phoenix specializes in events everyone will be talking about. “Whether you have a group of 15 or 300, we serve it up with a dramatic flair, only reserved for rock royalty,” says Rochelle Barton, sales and marketing manager for Hard Rock Cafe Phoenix. “From breakfast, dinner, after hours or live music events, our staff will be on hand to anticipate and fill every need. Come party like a Rock Star.”

Information: hardrock.com/phoenix

Hot Air expeditionsThe experience: Arizona is known

for its beautiful weather, wide open spaces and The Sonoran Desert. When you see it from a hot air balloon, you are experiencing it all. Whether it’s a team building meeting, a wedding in the air or a corporate group, it’s an event that the passengers walk away from remembering for a lifetime and many checking an item off their bucket list.

Information: hotairexpeditions.com

mesa Convention Center & mesa Amphitheatre

The experience: Featuring 15 meeting rooms, and a 19,000 sq ft exhibit hall, the Mesa Convention Center offers the largest meeting space in the East Valley. The 5,000 capacity Mesa Amphitheatre is a fun, unique outdoor venue for events, festivals and concerts. The facility also boasts 15 flexible meeting rooms with 19,000 square feet of meeting space and an additional 19,000-square-foot exhibit hall. Hohokam Stadium and Dobson Ranch Golf Course can also be booked with the Convention Center for off-site events and activities.

Information: mesaamp.com or mesaconventioncenter.com

musical Instrument museum The experience: The Musical

Instrument Museum offers a stunning and unique setting for events, with world-class service, scrumptious cuisine, magical entertainment, and incomparable musical and cultural exhibits. Displaying more than 15,000

PHOTO BY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

STrIKING A CHorD: Musical Instrument Museums’s collection of more than 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects includes examples from nearly 200 countries and territories, representing every inhabited continent.

musical instruments and artifacts from around the world, MIM provides a one-of-a-kind event experience for seated dinners, cocktail receptions, corporate meetings and other special events.

Information: mim.org

PHOTO BY DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

DeSerT eXperIeNCe: Centrally located in the heart of papago park, the desert Botanical Garden is a naturally beautiful setting for special meetings or events.

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octane racewayThe experience: Companies can do a couple races per

person with a catered breakfast, lunch or dinner. Off-track activities that can supplement the experience include a rock wall, Phoenix International Raceway Pit Crew Challenge, Segway course and other games. Expect to pay just $30-$60 per person or go all out and do the Octane Olympics for $100 per person.

Information: octaneraceway.com rawhide western Town & Steakhouse

The experience: Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse is the valley’s premier western venue offering groups a unique journey back in time. Take a ride back in time on Rawhide’s Butterfield Stagecoach to get a real feel of old West transportation in a classic Arizona environment that can host a private event whether you are a group of 10 or 10,000.

Information: rawhide.com

rustler’s roosteThe experience: Looking for an “authentic” Arizona

location for your next roundup, look no further than Rustler’s Rooste. Horney the Bull will meet you at the entrance of the mine shaft, a hostess will greet you with a view of the saloon and the whole Valley, then on to the waterfall walkway over to the tin slide into the main dining room. The Rooste can accommodate 30 to 1500 guests in a spectacular mountain-top setting. Whether you choose a scenic outdoor patio, the spacious Crystal Barn or the novel Branding Iron Room, you will find the Rooste offers a big helping of western hospitality and an eye for detail.

Information: rustlersrooste.com

Stand Up liveThe experience: Is there any better way to create a

memorable event than with laughter? Stand Up Live is the perfect venue for private parties, receptions, luncheons or any other special occasion that needs a unique backdrop. Stand Up Live is available during daytime or nighttime and a comedian from Stand Up Live makes a great addition to any special event.

Information: standuplive.com

NeeD for SpeeD: Octane raceway offers a complete, turnkey, out-of-the-box entertainment and meeting destination with kart racing and off-track activities that can accommodate up to 500 people.

rUSTler’S rooSTe: the legend says the original site, atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain, was a hideout for cattle rustlers.

TASTe of THe weST: Guests can enjoy rawhide Western town & Steakhouse’s authentic western ambiance and on-site amenities with the shows put on by the Arizona roughriders in the Six Gun theater.

AzMPI

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Stratum laser Tag The experience: Stratum specializes in “meetings

with a mission;” out-of-the-box programs with an out-of-the-ordinary and affordable setting. Teams will incorporate their meeting message, team-building effectiveness, entertainment, camaraderie and fun along with upscale food and bar packages, all at a lower cost than a hotel and within a unique setting.

Information: stratumhq.com

The Clayton on the parkThe experience: A hidden jewel located in the heart

of downtown Scottsdale, The Clayton on the Park is a full service private event venue which includes the first floor Clayton Room, second floor Gallery and our private outdoor patio. Both floors feature floor-to -ceiling windows with stunning views over the park.

Information: theclaytononthepark.com

The Venue Scottsdale The experience: The Venue Scottsdale is one of

those rare event venues that is so flexible that it can transform itself into anything. The Venue Scottsdale can accommodate day meetings, with our built in stage and production or live entertainment. The facility can do team building activities, incredible food stations, formal dinners and The Venue’s retractable roof allows it to offer and indoor/outdoor atmosphere.

Information: thevenuescottsdale.com

TopGolfThe experience: TopGolf is a golf entertainment

complex that can be enjoyed by all ages, all skill levels, all year round. It offers events for groups of 12 to 1,200. TopGolf offers private banquet rooms, A/V equipment, food prepared from scratch, golf lessons, games, music and, of course, top-notch hospitality.

Information: topgolf.com

wild Horse pass Hotel & CasinoThe experience: With 12,000 square feet of flexible

meeting space, Wild Horse Pass offers a great option for memorable meetings, epic events and special celebrations. Its showroom features amazing production possibilities for a general session for up to 1,400 people or a meal for up to 300. The venue also boasts five unique spaces from swanky lounges – including the popular AiRIA Unplugged — to a sports bar.

Information: wingilariver.com

wrigley mansionThe experience: The Wrigley Mansion is a

breathtaking landmark built in 1932 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. as a 50th anniversary gift to his wife. The Wrigley Mansion offers a historical venue that specializes in meetings, conferences and every milestone celebration for a sit-down event for 20 to 300 or a reception-style event for up to 1,500.

Information: wrigleymansionclub.com

PHOTOS PROvIDEDTAG, YoU’re IT: Stratum Laser tag & Event Headquarters offers special events, corporate incentive events and team-building programs that can be hosted at Stratum’s facility or at other off-site locations.

Tee IT Up: topGolf is an entertainment complex that merges a driving range, a game of darts and a pub. Guests rent a driving range bay by the hour; each bay includes a lounge-like area where visitors can order food and drinks.

THe VeNUe: the venue Scottsdale’s spacious, multi-level, newly-renovated interior is perfect for corporate events that can be elegant, casual, professional or festive.

AzMPI

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*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. APYs accurate as of 1/14/2013 Rates may change after account is opened.

JOB #: 9215-1_TSR_HolidayParties_AzBsnsMag · Client: Talking Stick Resort · Agency: RIESTER Trim: 7.125 ̎ x 4.75 ̎ · Bleed: N/A · Live: N/A̎

Color: CMYK Pub: Arizona Business Magazine · Insertion Date: 09/01/14 · Contact: Bill Robbins · [email protected]

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JOB #: 9215-1_TSR_HolidayParties_AzBsnsMag · Client: Talking Stick Resort · Agency: RIESTER Trim: 7.125 ̎ x 4.75 ̎ · Bleed: N/A · Live: N/A̎

Color: CMYK Pub: Arizona Business Magazine · Insertion Date: 09/01/14 · Contact: Bill Robbins · [email protected]

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PHOENIXCONVENTIONCENTER.COM | 800-282-4842 |

THE FLEXIBILITY TEST:CHOOSE A SPACE THAT FEELS L IKE

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Home of the Arizona WildcatsHome of the Arizona Wildcats

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Documents

Arizona Sunbelt Chapter MPI 2014