Southwestern destinations offer smart meeting options and big-time family fun
Balancing work life and family can be tough, so combining business travel with quality family time just makes sense. Planners can capitalize on this trend by hosting meetings in family-friendly destinations. The Southwest offers many getaway locations to accommodate meetings and entice attendees to bring the family and stay longer.
Mesquite, Nev., in the Virgin River Valley is approximately 90 miles northeast of Las Vegas, off Interstate 15. With its convenient location near Las Vegas, Mesquite makes for an ideal family getaway or road-trip destination,” says Molly Castano, vice president of public relations and communications for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Whether it’s lounging poolside, playing a round on championship golf courses, meeting exotic animals at Camel Safari, or hiking through the stunning Virgin River Valley and Valley of Fire State Park, there is something for everyone. Mesquite offers families the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all in one trip.”
Nearby state and national parks offer elite-level outdoor recreation, including Valley of Fire State Park and Gold Butte National Monument, which has ancient petroglyphs.
Family-friendly events include the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival and Mesquite Motor Mania, both held in January at CasaBlanca Resort, Casino, Golf & Spa.
Transportation from Las Vegas to Mesquite is no problem, as a scheduled daily shuttle service operates from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. Visitors can also book charter transportation or rental cars.
Mesa, Ariz., offers a combination of adventure, arts and culture, family-fun experiences, and accessibility, says Alicia Boe, director of communications for Visit Mesa. As the first Autism Certified City by IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) and the first city worldwide to receive the Destination Verified Seal from Wheel the World, Mesa provides a welcoming experience for visitors of all abilities.
An array of meeting venues makes Mesa a great choice for those seeking adventure, culture, and/or culinary delights. With its proximity to the Sonoran Desert, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-roading, and water experiences. “Visitors have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Arizona’s wildlife, which includes the iconic Salt River wild horses that roam near the water¡¯s edge,” Boe says. “Mesa truly has something for everyone.”
In California, San Jose is the perfect blend of business and family fun, according to Frances Wong, director of marketing, communications, and global media relations for Visit San Jose. Public transportation options make it a breeze to explore the city. In the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a hub for cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial spirit where innovation thrives. “With a high concentration of educated and skilled residents, the city boasts a flourishing arts scene, world-class museums, and lively entertainment venues,” Wong says.
San Jose’s downtown meetings campus is walkable and connects entertainment and family activities easily from the convention center and hotels.
Nature lovers appreciate San Jose’s spectacular surroundings. “With the Santa Cruz Mountains nearby and easy access to beaches and outdoor activities, residents and visitors can enjoy year-round sunshine and adventure,” Wong says. “Whether hiking scenic trails or relaxing at the beach, San Jose is the perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.”
Boulder, Colo., is a welcoming and vibrant place for family-friendly meetings and events, according to Bailey Burrows, media relations and marketing manager for Visit Boulder. Stunning mountain views meet a walkable, charming downtown full of things to do for all ages.
Nestled at the foot of the Flatirons, Boulder offers access to outdoor spaces like Chautauqua Park and North Boulder Park, perfect for group picnics, teambuilding, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air. “Pearl Street Mall is a must-visit hub for shopping, dining, and people-watching, with street performers and kid-friendly spots around every corner,” Burrows says.
Thanks to the city’s compact layout and robust public transportation, hotels are just steps or a quick ride away from top attractions, restaurants, and outdoor adventures, Burrows says. “It’s all so close and connected, your stay will feel effortlessly all-inclusive.”
Outdoor gems include Eldorado Canyon State Park, Valmont Bike Park, the 5.5-mile Boulder Creek Park trail, and the Spring Brook North Trail taking hikers past the wavy-looking, exposed cliffs of Dakota Sandstone.
Cedar City, Utah, is ideally located amid the richest concentration of national parks in the world. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Kolob Canyons, and Grand Canyon North Rim are a leisurely drive away. Nearby mountains provide tranquil views and year-round outdoor activities. Plus, its convenient location between the major hubs of Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas makes the city easily accessible via I-15 and Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) serviced by Delta connections.
Cedar City has it all for hikers, mountain bikers, or anyone wanting to soak in nature’s beauty. The Cedar Canyon Walking Trail is a flat, stroller-friendly hike along manmade waterfalls, while Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead offers the adventurous Thor’s Hideout, Lookout, and Red Hollow hiking trails.
Cedar City is also a winter wonderland with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Brian Head Resort and ice skating at nearby Brian Head Ice and KJ’s Ice Barn in Enoch.
Farmington, N.M., offers a mix of recreation, culture, and helpful planning resources to host events in a setting families will enjoy.
“Farmington is an ideal destination for family-friendly meetings and events because it brings together adventure, culture, and welcoming hospitality,” says Chantalle Bacon, tourism outreach coordinator for Visit Farmington. “What sets Farmington apart is its unique combination of outdoor, cultural, and family-friendly adventures, all in an affordable and accessible location.” Add live performances, local art exhibits, and seasonal events, and Farmington delivers a well-rounded destination filled with opportunities to connect, explore, and make lasting memories, Bacon says.
Its beautiful landscapes offer an incredible range of outdoor activities.
“Families can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring trails along the Animas River, as well as nearby adventures like Bisti Badlands and Lake Farmington,” Bacon says. “As the adventure basecamp of the Four Corners, Farmington offers easy access to stunning natural landscapes like the Bisti Badlands and the ancient Aztec Ruins National Monument.”
Lake Farmington and Bisti Bay Water Park provide a welcome respite for those who enjoy water sports.
Indoor fun
It’s not all outdoor fun, however. These cities offer a plethora of cultural sites and indoor attractions.
In Mesquite, visitors can enjoy artworks from regional creatives at Mesquite Fine Arts Center and Gallery, which has children’s programs, or visit the historic Lost City Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Pueblo artifacts.
Virgin Valley Heritage Museum pays tribute to early pioneers, while Donkey History Museum chronicles the historical and cultural contributions of donkeys.
The bowling center at Virgin River resort offers cosmic bowling with neon lights and an arcade featuring old-school favorites like skeet ball and air hockey.
Mesa’s museums offer diverse and engaging experiences, including Arizona Museum of Natural History, idea Museum, Mesa Historical Museum, and Mesa Arts Center.
Downtown Mesa’s light rail provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Organ Stop Pizza is a can’t-miss attraction, home to a massive 1927 Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. The pizza joint attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors with its theatrical performances, complete with a light show, dancing cat puppets, a disco ball, and bubbles.
In San Jose, top family-friendly attractions include the Winchester Mystery House, a historic Victorian mansion and former personal residence of Sarah Winchester, widow of William Wirt Winchester and heiress to a large portion of the Winchester® Repeating Arms fortune; The Tech Interactive family-friendly museum focused on technology and society; the modern San Jose Museum of Art; and San Jose Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.
A key draw for San Jose visitors is live entertainment at the Center for the Performing Arts and historic California Theatre. For sports fans, SAP Center is home to the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.
Other fun options include downtown’s Urban Putt indoor miniature golf and restaurant venue, The Escape Game, and Bowlero bowling and arcade.
In Colorado, families can explore interactive attractions like Museum of Boulder, Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado Boulder, and the National Science Foundation’s National Center for Atmospheric Research.
“Boulder stands out from other destinations with its unbeatable access to nature, a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, and a culture that values creativity, wellness, and sustainability,” Burrows says. “It is a place where you can start your morning with a hike, spend your afternoon in a gallery or meeting space, and wind down with a locally sourced meal and live music—all in one day.”
The Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in Cedar City features exhibits and interactive displays to bring the city’s history to life. Kids can imagine themselves as a stagecoach driver steering his team across the Old Spanish Trail, a pioneer woman crossing the plains in a covered wagon, or a steam shovel operator digging ore in an iron mine.
Southern Utah Museum of Art, located at Southern Utah University (SUU), is a free museum featuring rotating regional and national exhibits.
In Farmington, N.M., the E3 Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young visitors. Escapology provides challenging and immersive escape room adventures for groups, and Fly High Adventure Park features trampolines, obstacle courses, and active play spaces.
“Combined with live performances, local art exhibits, and seasonal events, Farmington delivers a well-rounded destination filled with opportunities to connect, explore, and make lasting memories,” Bacon says.
Where to meet and stay
Planning a meeting or conference requires a meeting venue and accommodations, and these sites deliver on both counts.
Mesquite offers a range of options to suit any budget, with 1,559 rooms and several meeting facilities.
CasaBlanca Resort, Casino, Golf & Spa offers 70,000 square feet of event space and onsite catering. Eureka Casino Resort’s ballroom is a flexible space with a stage, a basic lighting package, and two drop-down screens with full audiovisual hook-ups. The ballroom accommodates up to 150 guests. Hampton Inn & Suites Mesquite offers 4,000 square feet of meeting space.
Other accommodations include Best Western Mesquite Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Masters Villas Resorts at Paradise Canyon and Mesquite Vacation Rentals, and Montego Bay Hotel Casino Resort.
In Mesa, the 180-room Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West provides 20,888 square feet of meeting space, just eight miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and next door to the Sloan Park, the Chicago Cubs’ spring training stadium. Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa and the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa also offer flexible meeting spaces.A unique venue is The Post, Mesa’s first post office circa-1937 that now offers 5,750 square feet of open space and conference rooms.
For an unusual stay, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch in Tonto National Forest is a collection of rustic cabins. “Guests can enjoy horseback riding, kayaking, and stunning views of the Bulldog Cliffs,” Boe says. “The ranch provides an authentic Old West experience, making it a perfect getaway or unique corporate retreat.”In California, San Jose McEnery Convention Center and the four historic performing arts venues collectively known as the San Jose Theaters create a walkable downtown meeting campus to accommodate any size event.
“Attending a conference while bringing your family along has never been easier, with the convention center anchoring the downtown meetings campus where theaters, restaurants, and attractions are just steps away,” Wong says. “Exciting attractions like The Tech Interactive, Children’s Discovery Museum, and dining hub San Pedro Square ensure families enjoy their time while attendees focus on meetings.”
Visitors can unwind on a private balcony at Hotel Valencia Santana Row while enjoying the lively atmosphere of its high-end shops and restaurants. Accommodations also include Best Western Lanai Garden Inn & Suites, LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Silicon Valley, and Springhill Suites by Marriott.
Boulder’s unique venues include Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse; Dairy Arts Center, with 1,500 square feet of meeting space; and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts, with its ample 4,283-square-foot space. The city offers several dozen creative spaces to bring a Boulder flair to any meeting or event.
Downtown accommodations include the luxurious Hotel Boulderado and Basecamp Boulder, which offers a rustic Colorado experience. Moderate budget hotels include Comfort Inn & Suites Boulder, Courtyard by Marriott Boulder, and Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder.
Cedar City has more than 2,200 lodging rooms and more than 1,000 short-term rentals, including Holiday Inn Express & Suites by IHG, Hampton Inn Cedar City, Courtyard by Marriott Cedar City, and Best Western Plus Cedar City. Iron Springs Adventure Resort includes a lodge, cabins, an RV park, and a spacious event center.
Other meeting venues include the 1,000-seat Heritage Center Performing Arts Theater downtown and several facilities at SUU: Haze Hunter Conference Center; Sharwan Smith Center, with a 10,000-square-foot ballroom; and SUU Mountain Center, located 10 miles up the canyon, adjacent to Dixie National Forest.
The 24,542-square-foot Farmington Civic Center offers flexible spaces, including a 7,285-square-foot banquet hall, a 1,200-seat performing arts theater, a 4,096-square-foot lobby, six rooms, an outdoor amphitheater, and a full-service catering kitchen.
The 125-room Courtyard by Marriott Farmington along the scenic Animas River Walk has more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space, while TownePlace Suites Farmington offers more than 2,907 square feet of meeting space and spacious rooms with fully equipped kitchens.
The 49,500-square-foot McGee Park Convention Center at the San Juan County Fairgrounds can seat 5,000 people theater style. San Juan College’s James C. Henderson Fine Arts Center offers a 750-seat performance hall and several meeting rooms.
“Together, these venues and accommodations offer planners a wide variety of choices to create memorable, family-friendly meetings and events in Farmington,” Bacon says. “Due to its role as the retail hub of the Four Corners, Farmington has amenities found in a larger community but still embodies smaller city charm. This provides attendees quick and easy access between meeting venues, hotels, and attractions.” Bacon adds, “Smaller destinations offer the amenities of larger cities, such as great restaurants and attractions, but with a friendly, walkable environment.”
Take Advantage of Discounts & Planning Assistance Local convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) are great resources for planners and attendees, often providing complimentary planning assistance, recommendations for family activities, For pre- or post-meeting stays in Mesquite, Nev., the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority assists in planning group events and booking adventures and golf excursions. In Arizona, Visit Mesa is a resource for planning a family stay, finding local attractions, and discovering exclusive deals. Visit Mesa offers recommendations and insights to help create memorable experiences for attendees and their families, including special discounts on family-friendly activities, dining, and excursions. In California, Visit San Jose’s parent company, Team San Jose, is the venue management organization of San Jose Convention McEnery Convention Center and the San Jose Theaters. “This unique structure cuts through a lot of red tape that normally comes with event planning so that planners are working with the same group of contacts from planning to load-out,” says Frances Wong, director of marketing, communications, and global media relations for Visit San Jose. “With San Jose’s vast partnerships, this allows for a family-friendly experience to be catered to each event, depending on time of year.” Visit Cedar City Brian Head in Utah offers help with facility and housing selection, negotiating group rates, and planning activities for meeting attendees and their families. The CVB offers deals and discounts on local attractions, including ski-lift tickets and an Adventure Pass redeemable for prizes. Visit Farmington provides a range of services to make event planning easier and more affordable. “Visit Farmington offers free meeting services that take the burden off and often eases the budget of meeting planners and conference organizers,” says Chantalle Bacon, tourism outreach coordinator for Visit Farmington. “These services include assistance with meeting planning and site selection, pre-meeting mailings to help generate attendance, and providing brochures on local attractions and activities.” Visit Farmington also offers detailed information on local entertainment and restaurants, and assists with compiling hotel rates and availability. “We are also happy to serve as a liaison between meeting planners and Visit Farmington members to explore the possibility of special group rates, discounts, or added experiences available for attendees,” Bacon says. “We are also happy to offer recommendations for family-friendly activities to enjoy during downtime.” |
