SOUTHERN UTAH
GreaterZion.com; @GreaterZionUtah—Nestled in the southwest corner of Utah, Greater Zion includes a number of vibrant communities, including St. George, Springdale, Hurricane, and Ivins. “Greater Zion is more than a place for meetings,” says Joy Schroeder, meetings and convention sales manager for Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. “This is a place that strikes a chord in your very being. Our facilities and hosting capabilities are impressive, and what lies beyond the walls of our conference rooms will resonate with your attendees for the rest of their lives.”
Greater Zion is easily accessible, with access points via the I-15 corridor and located just six miles southeast of St. George Regional Airport (SGU). The airport offers nonstop flights to and from Denver, Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth, and other major U.S. cities. “St. George Regional Airport is currently expanding its terminals and hospitality offerings to further accommodate the increasing demand for travel to Greater Zion—one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Census,” Schroeder says. “More transportation options can be found via shuttle services to and from the Las Vegas and Salt Lake City airports to St. George.”
The Dixie Center is Greater Zion’s largest meeting and convention space. Located in St. George, the facility features more than 100,000 square feet of space and can accommodate anywhere from 10 to more than 5,000 attendees, depending on event setup. The convention center also includes a 46,000-square-foot column-free exhibit hall; 32,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; 25,000 square feet of pre-function space; 19 breakout rooms; and two boardrooms. In addition, the convention center offers a rotunda, an atrium-style garden room, indoor/outdoor lobby, and five hospitality suites.
The Dixie Center is within walking distance of several hotels, including: Hyatt Place, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, Staybridge Suites, Comfort Inn at Convention Center, TRU by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and more.
Meeting planners can select from five conference hotels in Greater Zion. Hilton Garden Inn, Best Western Abbey Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Red Lion Hotel, and Springhill Suites by Marriott each offer approximately 5,000 square feet of meeting space, which can be used to host trade shows, banquets, retreats, conventions, and other events. For smaller meetings or offsite receptions, more than 25 additional hotels and properties offer flexible space.
The Advenire, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel is located in the heart of historic downtown St. George. With its world-class amenities and modern aesthetic, it makes an ideal location for a boardroom-style meeting.
The Grafton Building, located in Hurricane, offers 19,000 square feet of pillar-free exhibit space. Planners needing a little more space can choose the adjacent Harmony Building, offering 18,000 square feet of space. Also nearby is Washington County Regional Park. Though the park is a premier equestrian facility, it offers a 23,000-square-foot indoor arena, which can also be utilized for offsite events and trade shows.
Greater Zion offers a variety of unique activities for groups to explore. Zion National Park is the second-most-visited national Park in the country, encompassing more than 229 square miles and offering more than 35 hiking trails. With cliffs more than 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, it evokes an overall awe-inspiring beauty. “This world-renowned destination attracts millions of eager visitors every year, each leaving inspired by the majestic scenery and emboldened by the endless adventure,” Schroeder says. “This profound impact makes Zion National Park the perfect addition to your meeting itinerary. Whether it serves as a backdrop, teambuilding activity, or the meeting venue itself, incorporating Zion National Park and the surrounding communities of Greater Zion into your conference is a sure way to create an unforgettable event.”
In addition to Zion National Park, Greater Zion offers four other state parks: Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches—each with outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing. Groups can explore Bloomington Cave— the only cave in Greater Zion and the fifth-largest cave in the state. Bloomington Cave is a 1.43-mile-long tectonic cave, with six distinct levels and a maze of passages.
Golf is always a crowd pleaser, and Greater Zion offers 14 courses within a 20-mile radius. “No matter where you swing a club, you will be amazed by the picturesque scenery and immaculate greenery,” Schroeder says.
Planners hoping to schedule cultural experiences while in Greater Zion can look to Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Set amid Greater Zion’s red-rock backdrop of the Padre Canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheatre features Broadway-style musicals, seasonal concerts, and other special concerts in its outdoor venue, which features an 80-foot stage. Seating was expanded at the venue earlier this year, and it can now accommodate up to 2,500.
