Natural and beautiful landscapes can enhance creativity, encourage collaboration, and spark brainstorming sessions. Naturally, the awe-inspiring vistas of America’s Southwest make ideal settings for conferences, conventions, and business meetings.
Studies indicate exposure to nature boosts productivity. “Experiencing even small doses of nature at work improved the way employees felt in ways that fueled higher task performance and enhanced creativity,” according to a 2023 report published in Harvard Business Review.
Arizona
From amazing resort patios and outdoor venues to unique attractions and world-class museums, Arizona inspires visitors with new ideas for planning and showcasing its desert horizons. Keep an open mind, and the possibilities are endless for unique venues for corporate business, conventions, and meetings.
In Phoenix, the vast Sonoran Desert offers conventions and events in a setting that feels alive with possibility.
“Phoenix is a place where nature’s beauty and the human desire to connect come together like nowhere else,” says Chris Miller, corporate communications manager for Visit Phoenix. “Attendees can step outside state-of-the-art venues and immediately find themselves immersed in hiking trails, desert gardens, and unforgettable sunsets.”
The connection between the fifth-largest city in the country and its untamed nature creates an atmosphere of exploration and rejuvenation. “Phoenix is not just a backdrop; it is an awakening and your partner in shaping moments as rare and unforgettable as the place itself,” Miller says.
Among Phoenix’s natural venues is Desert Botanical Garden, which spans 55 acres and features the world’s finest collection of arid plants and flowers from deserts around the world. The garden offers several indoor and outdoor event venues; its largest venues, Dorrance Hall and Dorrance Courtyard, have 4,700 square feet, with a capacity of 350 people for receptions and 250 for banquets (indoor and outdoor). Other venues include Center for Desert Living, which seats 75 guests; Binns Pavilion, which seats 100; an amphitheatre with 100 seats; and other conference rooms seating 20. The maximum reception capacity, both indoors and outdoors, is 500.
The Farm at South Mountain offers an escape from the city. Rich in history, this agritourist destination invites guests to explore its two naturally beautiful venue spaces, pecan-tree canopies, organic-style gardens, three restaurants, retail shop, and retreat. The venue has a capacity of 5,000 people, both indoors and outdoors.
Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon Village is just seven miles from one of the seven wonders of the world. It offers four meeting rooms totaling 4,745 square feet, with flexible room setups to accommodate 35-250 guests. The resort also provides in-house catering for groups and events, a business center with full audiovisual capabilities, and discounted group rates for organized group excursions, such as hiking trails, Jeep tours, helicopter rides, and rafting expeditions for 5-50 people. With 322 rooms, four onsite food and beverage outlets, a bowling alley, and indoor and outdoor pools, Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon offers plenty for guests without leaving the resort.
Planners can easily schedule group excursions to nearby Grand Canyon National Park, including hiking, aerial tours, donkey rides, and whitewater rafting.
Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, a 34-acre property in Tucson, retains its historic charm with historic rooms, new casitas, and modern-day amenities. Its six meeting rooms have more than 7,200 square feet of meeting space and outdoor venues, so the resort can host small meetings or events. There are also onsite restaurants, a spa, and golf nearby.
Tanque Verde Ranch is an old-time cattle and guest ranch situated on 640 acres near Tucson. Guests can enjoy horseback rides, nature walks, a spa, and more. It boasts 14 event venues, including nine outdoor options.
Two venues in Cottonwood can accommodate smaller meetings. Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria has a new tasting room, with space inside and outside. The restaurant is surrounded by a 4.5-acre vineyard and offers a 270-degree view of Verde Valley. Housed in a transformed old church, Belfry Brewery in Old Town Cottonwood has meeting space downstairs and a large tasting room area. Many of the building’s historic features have been restored, including the belfry where a new bell can be heard across Verde Valley.
California
The amazing locations and natural beauty of California make it a top state for professional meetings and events. California has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, so it is a wonderful meeting place, whether planning a large convention or a teambuilding getaway. °Monterey Countys wealth of natural beauty and diverse range of venues for groups of 10-1,500 mean that every meeting is close to stunning views, fresh air, and outdoor experiences,” says Teresa Savage, senior vice president of business operations for See Monterey.
With easy access from most major U.S. cities, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) greets visitors with sweeping coastal views of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary before they even land,” Savage adds. “Knowing our pristine landscapes is what sets us apart, and sustainability is top of mind for many of our hotels and venues,” Savage said. “Whether your meeting is held in one of our beautiful state parks or at the LEED-certified Monterey Conference Center, Monterey County’s many unique experiences, well-established culinary offerings, and ethos of sustainability combine for an unforgettable meeting for all.”
Only steps from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey Conference Center offers 85,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. There are 1,200 nearby rooms available, including the adjoining Monterey Marriott and Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay.
The renovated 192-room Monterey Beach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located along Monterey State Beach, and offers panoramic beach views in all event spaces. The hotel can accommodate meetings and events of up to 480 guests.
Asilomar State Beach & Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove has 30 buildings, made up of 312 guest rooms and 28 meetings spaces that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The venue offers 65,000 square feet of event space, including a 650-seat lecture hall.
Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has varied meeting venues, like Santa Lucia Room, which can accommodate groups of 10-80; an outdoor patio just off Santa Lucia Room offers additional event options.
Homestead Restaurant’s outdoor patio can accommodate groups of 10-75, and it offers beautiful views of majestic redwoods and the Big Sur River.
The Camp at Carmel Valley offers space for intimate groups of five up to a total camp buyout for 125 people.
Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina, nestled between Marina Dunes Preserve and Marina State Beach, is a quick 10-minute drive to Fort Ord Dunes State Park. The beautiful beachfront property can accommodate intimate gatherings to grand ceremonies for up to 150 guests.
In Soledad, the family-owned Inn at the Pinnacles is a five-minute drive from Pinnacles National Park. The bed & breakfast is located in the Brosseau Vineyard at a 1,600-foot elevation, offering scenic views of the vineyard and surrounding hills. The great hall/dining room in the main house and patio areas are available for private events of up to 80 guests.
Colorado
Colorado excels at providing outdoor access, so it’s not hard to find venues where participants can break out of the meeting room and step into nature. Meeting planners love the long list of activities, no matter the season—from snowboarding, skiing, and sleigh riding in winter to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and parasailing in the summer.
In southwestern Colorado, Durango offers an exceptional backdrop for meetings or conferences, with world-class outdoor activities, historic streets, and plenty of attractions. The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes passengers on a ride through the canyons of Colorados San Juan National Forest.
The lower Animas River provides opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and tubing.
Denver is home to several venues, including Tivoli Quad, a four-acre park on the Auraria Higher Education Center campus. The iconic Tivoli Student Union offers multiple spaces, including a tiered patio, a multipurpose natural grass quad, and seating areas. With its location adjacent to downtown, historic appeal, easy accessibility, and parking availability, Auraria Campus is an ideal place to hold an event.
Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street offers extraordinary rental sites with tropical plants, exotic blooms, rare and native species, and water displays across a 24-acre campus. It can accommodate up to 300 for receptions and 200 for banquets.
Chatfield Farms in Littleton takes pride in its 750 acres of exemplary nature preserve and gardens, with such picturesque sites as display gardens, a historical farm with a rustic barn, an open-air chapel, and indoor and outdoor spaces.
Hudson Gardens & Event Center encompasses 30 acres of natural beauty, offering indoor and outdoor venues with rustic, elegant, and business-professional décor. Guests can enjoy walking trails, teambuilding activities, or biking along Mary Carter Greenway Trail.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison is an iconic attraction, just 15 minutes from downtown Denver. Its 30,000-square-foot Visitor Center is perfect for hosting a meeting, conference, or other special event. The 3,600-square-foot Rock Room, built around one of the famous Red Rocks formations, features sliding glass doors for groups to take in the scenery. It accommodates 152 for banquets and 250 for receptions. For spectacular views of the Denver skyline and Red Rocks formations, The Upper Terrace can host 1,000 for banquets and 2,000 for receptions.
Colorado has several resorts with spectacular views and meeting spaces.
The newly renovated, 193-room Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa in Avon has 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, breathtaking mountain views, and the largest ballroom in Vail Valley, filled with natural light.
The Ridgeline Hotel in Estes Park, at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, provides an inspiring backdrop for corporate events or conferences. Offering 147 guest rooms and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the property features endless mountain vistas. Amenities include a movie theater, an onsite pool, a hot tub, and outdoor fire pits. Latitude 105 Alehouse onsite restaurant and bar offers American fare and local brews.
Colorado has nine state parks within an hour’s drive of Denver, all of which can accommodate small groups indoors and larger groups outdoors.
Nevada
“Wide-open and seemingly endless” is a fitting description for Nevada. With 60 million acres of public land, the state offers a variety of landscapes and one-of-a-kind adventures. From the “cowboy country” of northern Nevada to the rugged Silver Trails region in the central part of the state to the breathtaking vistas of the Las Vegas region, Nevada has many off-the-beaten-path places to serve as a unique conference site for groups.
Travel Nevada recently released its Top 10 “Out There” Experiences—a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, including mountain biking, mining for gemstones, and rock climbing.
“Nevada’s public lands are home to some of the nation’s most diverse landscapes and exhilarating outdoor activities, and there is something extraordinary waiting for everyone,” says Tracie Barnthouse, chief communications officer for Travel Nevada.
Several resorts put visitors smack dab in the middle of the adventure.
Springs Preserve, a registered National Historical Place, was the original water source for Native Americans who first inhabited the area. Since 2007, this 180-acre historic place has catered to the Las Vegas community while preserving its history and resources. The preserve features museums, galleries, botanical gardens, an interpretive trail system, and an outdoor amphitheater. Spaces can accommodate 20-2,000 people for events and meetings and are digitally equipped for all types of entertainment. Annual events include Black History Month Festival and the venue’s own Haunted Harvest.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park in Clark County features 520 acres of land and historic buildings with a manicured lawn for events, activities, and relaxation for visitors to enjoy its neighboring view of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The park offers a large amphitheater-style area, which can accommodate groups of up to 200 people. Annual events include Super Summer Theatre and living-history programs. This space is also available for special events throughout the year, like Yoga on the Lawn and Paint with a Ranger.
Genoa Town Hall in the Carson Valley is a historic hall built in 1886. In recent years, the community has donated renovations and repairs to help restore the hall and ensure its continued use. It can host 240 people for community events and meetings. Genoa is a quaint community and National Historical District in the Carson Valley, with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Hall is a short walk to Mormon Station State Historic Park and is across from the state’s oldest bar, Genoa Bar and Saloon.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and inspired menus make it an ideal choice for event planners. Consider Albuquerque, with the towering Sandia Mountains to the east, ancient volcanoes to the west, and the scenic Rio Grande running through its center.
“The citys diverse landscapes create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor meetings and gatherings,” says Brenna Moore, director of communications and public relations for Visit Albuquerque.
One of Albuquerque’s biggest advantages is its mild, four-season climate. With more than 310 days of annual sunshine and low humidity, outdoor events can be comfortably held in many different settings.
“Additionally, Albuquerque provides an opportunity to infuse events with unique local experiences, such as flavorful regional cuisine and world-renowned festivals like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta,” Moore says. “These elements give planners the ability to create memorable, immersive experiences for attendees while also showcasing the vibrant spirit of the city.”
ABQ BioPark provides an excellent outdoor venue, combining natural beauty and family-friendly fun. The ABQ BioPark Zoo’s lush grounds and diverse wildlife create an engaging environment for outdoor events, while the ABQ BioPark Botanic Gardens offers even more peaceful spaces with themed gardens. “The proximity to the Rio Grande also adds an extra layer of natural beauty and tranquility,” Moore says.
Nestled on the western edge of the city, Albuquerques Open Space Visitor Center is a stunning venue, blending nature with modern amenities. This site features a beautifully designed outdoor space with access to hiking trails and expansive views of the bosque (cottonwood forest) along the Rio Grande and the majestic Sandia Mountains. The center offers indoor and outdoor event spaces, making it an excellent choice for planners wanting to mix in a bit of nature with more structured meeting sessions. Nearby trails and outdoor spaces provide opportunities for guided walks, bird watching, and teambuilding activities.
TEN 3 Restaurant in Albuquerque, accessed by the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, offers elevated dining at more than 10,300 feet. The restaurant offers international fare with a New Mexico twist, coupled with breathtaking views in every direction.
Further south, the mountain village of Ruidoso is set amid tall pine trees in Lincoln National Forest. Ruidoso’s walkable, charming town center makes it easy for visitors to nosh on local fare, taste New Mexico wine, and peruse galleries and boutiques.
Outdoor adventure—including hiking, horseback riding, skiing, paddling, and disc golf—is just a quick drive from town, says Nicole Barker, media relations manager for New Mexico Tourism Department.
In northern New Mexico, the mountain town of Red River offers four-season outdoor pursuits backdropped by alpine scenery. “With a welcoming vibe, this easily navigable town offers great meeting facilities and easy access to nature and adventure,” Barker says.
Utah
When looking for natural attractions, Utah does not disappoint. From its five national parks—Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Zion, the second-most-visited national park in the country—to private ranches and outdoor amphitheaters, the state offers breathtaking settings.
Then there are the state parks—46 in all—that highlight Utah’s natural beauty, which includes mountains, high plateaus, deserts, and the Great Salt Lake.
Antelope Island State Park, for example, offers amazing views of the Great Salt Lake, along with 28,000 acres filled with wildlife, including American Bison, deer, bobcats, coyotes, and many varieties of birds and waterfowl. Its location on the lake, complete with white sand beaches, provides plenty of recreation opportunities, including kayaking, sailing and boating. In addition, there are lots of hiking, biking and horseback trails.
In the Greater Zion area, the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and Great Basin each provide a spectacular backdrop for conferences and offer plenty of outdoor recreation for attendees to enjoy.
Zion National Park stretches more than 229 square miles, with more than 35 hiking trails and cliffs towering more than 2,000 feet above the canyon floor. Hiking, biking, stargazing, horseback riding, rock climbing, and other adventures await at Zion National Park. Zion National Park is just the beginning. Greater Zion also offers four state parks and a multitude of year-round recreational lands for mountain biking, off-highway vehicle adventure, 14 top-rated golf courses, and world-class cultural performances at Tuacahn Center for the Arts—set in a stunning outdoor natural amphitheater. Greater Zion’s communities of St. George, Springdale, Hurricane, Ivins, and towns in between offer a wide range of lodging options, dining experiences, and access to outdoor pursuits through local outfitters and tour companies. St. George, Washington, and Ivins are within a 45-minute drive of the park, with any of those cities a perfect home base for an event.
Dixie Convention Center in the heart of St. George has 100,000 square feet of meeting space, an in-house catering team, top-of-the-line audiovisual capabilities, and hybrid meeting capabilities. The 46,550-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall accommodates more than 5,000 people for a receptions or classroom style and 2,000 for banquets. The facility also includes six ballrooms, which can hold 700-1,500 depending on conference requirements, along with several smaller meeting spaces, an auditorium, and other spaces. “Our region is not only a breathtaking destination but also a place where meeting planners can find a premier location in the Dixie Convention Center,” says Joy Schroeder, meetings and convention sales manager for Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. “We offer meeting planners easy accessibility, state-of-the-art facilities, and wonderful cultural offerings, in addition to the natural beauty of Greater Zion. We are also happy to customize experiences for individual needs.”
This year, Dixie Convention Center will complete renovations, including a refreshed lobby area with a bright, modern color scheme, new carpet and paint in meeting spaces, and flexibility to create a ballroom-like atmosphere in the Exhibit Hall. The center will also feature guest-services kiosks throughout the lobby areas, designed to resemble the white rock patterns seen in Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park, topped with brilliant white quartz for a striking effect.
Holmstead Ranch Resort, a unique venue located approximately 45 minutes from St. George, has a pavilion with seating up to 160, onsite cabins, camping, and glamping.
The 73-room Sand Hollow Resort near Sand Hollow State Park can accommodate groups of up to 5,000. Quail Creek State Park and Snow Canyon State Park are also within 16 miles of the all-inclusive resort.
Bryce Canyon Conference Center at Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn has a 5,300-square-foot meeting/banquet room and four breakout rooms for groups of up to 300. Located in Bryce Canyon City, the inn and conference center sit at the gateway of the national park.
