The Center’s central position makes it a prime location for fan-focused mega events like the Super Bowl and the NCAA Men’s Final Four. These kinds of events frequently yield record-breaking numbers in terms of economic impact and attendees. When local events are factored in it becomes clear that the Phoenix Convention Center isn’t just a venue; it’s a cornerstone and catalyst for growth and a vibrant reflection of the city it serves. The Phoenix Convention Center actively promotes its extensive spaces, state-of-the-art amenities, and numerous benefits through a multifaceted approach. “We work very closely with Visit Phoenix, but we’re also in the marketplace. We’ll travel to trade shows and conferences and even visit clients on the ground at their destination. We also have an agency on record that helps us put out paid advertisements, which is rare for a convention center,” explains Deputy Director Sarah Field. However, while the Center undertakes its marketing efforts, its close collaboration with Visit Phoenix is paramount. As the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Phoenix’s 70-strong team is dedicated to increasing visitor numbers, with a significant focus on driving demand for the Convention Center. “We’re a Top 10 destination in the U.S., so it’s important for our local economy that we continue to grow that,” says Visit Phoenix CEO Ron Price. With approximately 4,000 hotel rooms within walking distance,Visit Phoenix works hand-in-hand with the Convention Center team to attract meeting planners and conference organizers, with a specialized group solely focused on securing convention business. “We also have another group focusing on sporting and other events, and going after mega events is another focus. We’re always on the lookout for the next convention to fit in some of our open dates. Being a top 10 destination means there’s a lot of demand for us, so we’re already booking into the 2030s,” Rice confirms. 4 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 06
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx