More than 70 meetings properties at a variety of price points combine with a myriad of free and low-cost quality activities.
Of course, 330 days of sunshine doesn’t hurt either. All of this make it easy to see why Scottsdale is considered a value destination for all types of groups. Here are a few new and classic Scottsdale experiences to try.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Inspiring venues offer their own value, and this is certainly the case with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. The famed architect spent his winters in the now National Historic Landmark, nicknamed the “desert laboratory,” undoubtedly drawing creative inspiration from its position in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. The on-site school of architecture, combined with guided 90-minute tours and artful evocative spaces such as a lyrical sculpture garden, the hexagonal Cabaret Theater and underground Kiva room, named after the chambers once used by the Pueblo Indians during religious rites ceremony, are sure to inspire creativity, if not a sense of well-being, for up to 120 attendees. The property is also en route to becoming net-zero energy, producing only enough energy as it needs, thanks to a new massive solar field.
Art & Wine
Downtown Scottsdale has its own booty of spoils, as a new vine-to-table culture has emerged with the opening of four new tasting rooms. The latest to hit the scene brought varieties from the Carlson Creek Vineyard in Willcox to the city’s Arts District. Flanked by statues, bubbling fountains, tree-covered courtyards and the occasional horse-drawn carriage, Carlson’s 2,300-sf tasting room offers tastings and on-site seminars, and if you pop by on a Thursday, groups can combine these with an ArtWalk stroll of the city, a 40-year tradition highlighting the work of local artists.
Extreme Golf
Scottsdale’s diverse landscapes and consistent climate will inevitably beckon attendees outside, but for a real up close and personal encounter with Scottsdale’s greenery, groups should hit the golf courses. The 65,000-sf TopGolf at Talking Stick Cultural and Entertainment Destination offers lane-style golfing with certified pros for groups of all golf levels, along with point-based golfing games that use microchip technology. Groups staying at Talking Stick Resort can hop on golf carts and head to the Talking Stick Golf Club for 36 artfully-designed holes, including courses that honor the traditions of the O’odham (Pima) and Piipaash (Maricopa).
Another experience that is redefining Scottsdale’s golf scene is the recently renovated X-Golf, a world-class golf simulator experience for groups that want to get into the swing without the sweat. A comfy lounge and beer and wine bar is also available. The Kierland Golf Club at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa offers the best of both worlds, i.e., traditional golf mixed with outside the box features—whether Segway golf, golf bicycles, or the latest addition, the GolfBoard.
Voluntourism
Whether working with seniors and youth or maintaining nature trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, groups will find plenty of meaningful programs for giving back. Connect with the Experience Scottsdale team to brainstorm ideas, customize givebacks or arrange other Scottsdale experiences.
