Arizona

This Western resort is your gateway to the Grand Canyon and an adventure-filled getaway.

From San Diego to Sonoma County, Palm Springs to the Sierra Nevada foothills and across the California border into Las Vegas, Reno and Scottsdale, Arizona, gaming destinations abound. In California alone, there are 69 Indian casinos, 13 with hotels and other resort amenities. These destinations and properties off er a boon to planners in terms of both accessible amenities and aff ordability. Think free parking, multiple dining and entertainment options under one roof, accomplished catering and technical crews, and often room rates that beat what you’d get at a standard convention hotel.

Scottsdale, Arizona is the proverbial hop, skip and jump from California. Dozens of daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco or Sacramento will get to you the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in two hours or less. From there, it’s a quick 8 miles from the airport to downtown Scottsdale and a scenic drive to the surrounding areas.

This year, the Arizona Office of Tourism created a “Grand Pitch” contest; the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Sedona Secret campaign was recognized for the best marketing presentation. The prize was $100,000 in in-kind marketing funds.

The Arizona Office of Tourism said the contest supports destination marketing efforts and increases the economic benefits of tourism activity across over the state.

These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has?