Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau

Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau
Name	Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau
Type	Nonprofit
Founded	19XX
Headquarters	Phoenix, Arizona
Region served	Maricopa County
Leader title	President & CEO

Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. The bureau promotes Greater Phoenix tourism, conventions, and leisure travel, coordinating with hospitality, transportation, and cultural institutions across the Phoenix metropolitan area. It interfaces with event organizers, hotel operators, and municipal entities to attract meetings, trade shows, and sporting competitions to venues such as the Phoenix Convention Center and area resorts.

History

The bureau emerged during the 20th century amid rapid growth following the expansion of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the postwar development of Maricopa County. Early partnerships involved resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona and civic leaders from Tempe, Arizona and Mesa, Arizona. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries the bureau restructured alongside initiatives tied to the Super Bowl XLIX, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, and bids related to Major League Baseball spring training in the Cactus League. Key turning points included collaborations with the Arizona Office of Tourism, local chambers such as the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and economic development authorities like the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Organization and Governance

The bureau operates as a member-driven nonprofit with a board composed of executives from entities including major hotels, convention centers, and sports franchises. Stakeholders have included companies such as Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and regional operators of resorts in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona. Governance intersects with city and county officials from the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, plus partnerships with transit agencies like Valley Metro and aviation regulators associated with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The leadership works with associations including the U.S. Travel Association, the Meeting Professionals International chapters, and the International Congress and Convention Association.

Services and Programs

The bureau offers convention sales and services, bid development, and site selection assistance for organizers of conferences such as those from American Medical Association, National Education Association, and Society for Human Resource Management. It provides customer service for attendees at venues including the Phoenix Convention Center, advisory programs for hospitality staff in hotels like those of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and visitor information for attractions such as the Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, and Phoenix Art Museum. Educational programs have included workforce training coordinated with institutions like Arizona State University and hospitality curricula linked to Gateway Community College. Business intelligence services supply data to partners including hotel owners, airline route planners at American Airlines, and convention organizers such as Reed Exhibitions.

Marketing and Events

Marketing campaigns target regional, national, and international audiences through partnerships with media outlets such as The Arizona Republic, travel publications like Travel + Leisure, and broadcasters including ESPN for sports promotion. The bureau collaborates on major events including the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Fiesta Bowl activities, and spring training games of the Cactus League to draw attendees to venues like Chase Field and resort properties in Scottsdale. Co-marketing relationships extend to arts festivals including Phoenix Film Festival and cultural partners such as Southwest Folklife Alliance and Arizona Opera. Trade show relationships include organizers such as Informa and technology conferences with associations like CES exhibitors and SXSW-style delegations.

Economic Impact and Statistics

The bureau compiles metrics on visitation, room night generation, and direct spending, contributing to regional reports alongside the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity and academic studies from Arizona State University. Key statistics often cited include annual visitor counts to Greater Phoenix, total hotel revenue in Maricopa County, and tax receipts affecting county services overseen by the Maricopa County Treasurer. Economic impact assessments are used by event promoters such as Live Nation and sports leagues including National Football League planners to evaluate bids and legacy benefits, informing decisions by convention clients like American Society of Association Executives.

Facilities and Partnerships

Primary facilities promoted include the Phoenix Convention Center, major hotels operated by chains like Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Marriott, and resort complexes in Scottsdale, Arizona. The bureau partners with municipal venues such as Talking Stick Resort Arena operators and cultural institutions including the Musical Instrument Museum and Arizona Science Center. Transportation and logistics partners include Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport authorities, Valley Metro Rail operators, and ground transportation firms used for shuttle services at conventions hosted by associations like the American Bar Association. Strategic alliances extend to tourism bodies such as the Visit Phoenix network and statewide entities like the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Category:Organizations based in Phoenix, Arizona