In case you missed it, the southwest sprawl most commonly known simply as “Phoenix-Scottsdale” is an absolute booming metropolis. What may have been disregarded as a “western flyover” in the not-too-distant past is now the fifth most populous city and the 10th largest MSA in the United States, surpassing Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle-Tacoma near the top of the list. Indeed, Phoenix-Scottsdale metro is a force to be reckoned with - equal parts industrious hub, party hot spot, western throwback, and vacation town, in Phoenix-Scottsdale there is something for everyone, just as long as you like the sun.

Surrounded by geographical-megabrands like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Phoenix-Scottsdale found a unique way to blend the best of what SoCal and Sin City have to offer into a package that’s all its own. In fact, in many ways Phoenix-Scottsdale takes the cake as the perfect event destination with all of the good-weather-southwest-party-vibes and little to none of the muss and fuss of the Vegas strip or the LA freeway system. Indeed, Arizona today feels like a still relatively undiscovered gem that just might be having its greatest moment as we speak - a place with enough people and wealth to attract the highest quality purveyors of hospitality in all its forms, yet still down to earth, cost effective, and convenient.

In this southwest wonderland, the biggest decision you’ll need to make is whether you want the location or the land. When it comes to land, Arizona’s got plenty of it and it’s part of what makes the event venues out here so special. Boasting some of the largest amenity-rich properties anywhere, Arizona is home to a spectacular collection of luxury resorts, some in the midst of nature reserves, others set across acres and acres of manicured greens. In and around Phoenix-Scottsdale, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge will deliver a level of relaxation and serenity you could only find in such an open and spacious setting with endless amenities including epic spas that will send you straight to holiday heaven and keep you there in spirit long after your return home.

For the urban event lovers who can’t stand the thought of being more than a stone’s throw from all of the hottest restaurants and bars, there’s a venue for you too. The Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa and W Scottsdale are our two top picks for location-centered venues. More “resorty” than urban, the Andaz and W are more like desert oasis’ plopped in the middle of a vibrant and historic city core. For an even more boutique feel near the food and beverage centers, consider the Royal Palms Resort and Spa and the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.

Of course, why decide between two great things if you can have them both? Welcome to The Phoenician Scottsdale. Beset against the south-facing foothills of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician Scottsdale is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that doesn’t force you to choose between having open space and easy access to the very best day and nightlife - it has both in ample proportion.

Arizona’s growth isn’t stopping anytime soon, and as this boomtown continues to spread both out and up, it’s small-town convenience and charm will inevitably fade. For now, we’re going to soak it up just like the sun. Are you ready to taste all of the goodness Arizona has to offer?