The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes its newest members who joined in March and April 2012.

Cask 63 American Eatery & Wine Bar (Dining/American): Located at the Shops at Gainey Village, Cask 63 is a contemporary restaurant with eclectic American cuisine and a distinctive wine menu.

Event Team Inc. (Convention & Group Services/Team Building): The staff at Event Team can organize a variety of team building events from cook-offs to charity events.

Howard Johnson Scottsdale (Accommodations/Hotels & Resorts): Located along Indian School Road, the recently renovated hotel offers 65 guest rooms.

Journey Arizona (Desert Exploration/Ground Tours): Journey bike tours combine comfort and ease with adventure and excitement taking guests on well-maintained trails through the Sonoran Desert and the city on electric bikes.

Main Street Galleries Scottsdale (Arts & Culture/Art Associations): Works from more than 1,000 artists can be found at the galleries on Main Street in downtown Scottsdale. The Main Street galleries also are home to the Scottsdale ArtWalk, which takes place every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse (Attractions/General Attractions; Convention & Group services/Event & Meeting Facilities; Dining/Steakhouses): Rawhide is Arizona’s largest western-themed attraction offering the Steakhouse & Saloon, unique shops and a variety of attractions and entertainment.

Spa & Salon Lamar & Yoga-Kamala (Spas & Wellness/Day Spas): This 14,000-square-foot oasis offers traditional services like mud wraps, massages and facials, as well as hair and nail salons, a yoga studio, a gallery featuring local Arizona artists, and an event space that seats up to 100.

Travelodge Scottsdale 5th Avenue (Accommodations/Hotels & Resorts): Located in downtown Scottsdale, the Travelodge features 92 guestrooms, free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast.

May 3, 2012 | Tags: Cask 63 American Eatery & Wine Bar, Event Team Inc., Howard Johnson Scottsdale, Journey Arizona, Main Street Galleries Scottsdale, members, Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse, Spa & Salon Lamar & Yoga-Kamala, Travelodge Scottsdale 5th Avenue | Category: Member News | Leave a comment

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the U.S. Travel Association’s “Vote Travel” bus, which was at Biltmore Fashion Park April 25 for a stop in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area as part of a coast-to-coast, 37-city tour of the United States to boost the visibility of travel and tourism.

The bus’s one-hour appearance was attended by Arizona Office of Tourism Director Sherry Henry, Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Johnson, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, Scottsdale CVB President & CEO Rachel Sacco, and Greater Phoenix CVB President Steve Moore. Each of these officials offered brief remarks, and the public was invited to tour the bus, pick up a free “Vote Travel” t-shirt, and sign the Get America Moving pledge.

To learn more about how you can get involved in supporting the U.S. tourism industry, visit www.VoteTravel.org.

Photos courtesy of the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau.

April 26, 2012 | Category: CVB News & Events, Industry News & Resources | Leave a comment

During this 11-minute video, part two of a two-part series taped at the Scottsdale CVB’s March 13 Quarterly Update Meeting, you’ll hear from the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association (AzLTA) President & CEO Debbie Johnson about the organization’s legislative focus for the coming year. Plus, you’ll hear from Senator Michele Reagan and Representative Michelle Ugenti about what kind of support tourism, including funding for the Arizona Office of Tourism, has in the state legislature, and how our members can support the efforts of AzLTA and our representatives.

Part 1 included Senator Reagan, Representative Ugenti and Representative John Kavanagh sharing their legislative priorities and the potential impact upcoming legislation could have on Scottsdale and Arizona’s tourism industry.

To contact your legislators, visit www.azleg.gov.

March 28, 2012 | Tags: Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, Debbie Johnson, Quarterly Update Meeting, Representative John Kavanagh, Representative Michelle Ugenti, Senator Michele Reagan | Category: Scottsdale Tourism News, Valley & State Updates | Leave a comment

During this 13-minute video, part one of a two-part series taped at the Scottsdale CVB’s March 13 Quarterly Update Meeting, you’ll hear from Senator Michele Reagan, and Representatives Michelle Ugenti and John Kavanagh about their legislative priorities and the potential impact upcoming legislation could have on Scottsdale and Arizona’s tourism industry.

Part two, which will be available next week, includes comments from the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association (AzLTA) President & CEO Debbie Johnson about the organization’s focus for the coming year, as well as what kind of support tourism, including funding for the Arizona Office of Tourism, has in the state legislature, and how our members can support the efforts of AzLTA and our representatives.

To contact your local legislators, visit www.azleg.gov.

March 22, 2012 | Tags: Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, Debbie Johnson, Quarterly Update Meeting, Representative John Kavanagh, Representative Michelle Ugenti, Senator Michele Reagan | Category: Scottsdale Tourism News, Valley & State Updates | Leave a comment

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes its newest members who joined in January and February 2012.

Andreoli Italian Osteria (Dining/Italian) Authentic Italian food is served to diners at this grocery store that specializes in sandwiches, antipasta and salads.

Carol Dillon with HomeSmart Real Estate (Accommodations/Relocation Services) Carol Dillon answers all of your real estate questions, whether you are a buyer or seller.

Jimmy Woo’s Sushi and Asian Bistro (Dining/Asian & Pacific Rim) This restaurant combines Japanese culinary classics with other Asian influences to bring diners fresh sushi, unique cocktails and fiery wok cooking.

L’Auberge de Sedona (Accommodations/Statewide Accommodations) Located on 11 acres with stunning red rock views, this resort has multiple prestigious titles, creekside cottages, a luxury spa and an award-winning restaurant.

MMPR Marketing (Allied/Business Services) This company specializes in strategic public relations and new media marketing, whether it’s spreading ideas traditionally through newspaper and TV or through modern ways like social media.

Scottsdale Horse and Carriage (Attractions/Ground Tours) Travel through Old Town on a horse-drawn carriage as the driver narrates the colorful history of the area.

Sky Blue Helicopters (Attractions/Air Tours) Fly high above the Sonoran Desert as you tour scenic Arizona from the sky in guided helicopter tours.

Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club (Nightlife/Bars & Lounges) Lounge by this resort-like pool as you sip cocktails from the bar. This club also is open for private parties and corporate events.

Stingray Sushi (Dining/Asian & Pacific Rim) Diners can enjoy a Latin-influenced cuisine of Japanese libations and delicious sushi at this contemporary hot spot.

The Eldorado (Accommodations/Hotels & Resorts) Located in the heart of Old Town, this garden-style boutique resort is a “home away from home” for many guests.

March 8, 2012 | Tags: Andreoli Italian Osteria, Carol Dillon with HomeSmart Real Estate, Jimmy Woo’s Sushi and Asian Bistro, L’Auberge de Sedona, MMPR Marketing, new members, Scottsdale Horse and Carriage, Sky Blue Helicopters, Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club, Stingray Sushi, The Eldorado | Category: Member News | Leave a comment

A total of 95 Scottsdale CVB members and industry partners gathered Feb. 8 at the Saguaro hotel’s Old Town Whiskey. Thank you to our host and all of our members who came out to enjoy a great evening at this newly renovated downtown Scottsdale property. Here are some photos from the event:

February 10, 2012 | Tags: Network Night, Old Town Whiskey, the Saguaro | Category: CVB News & Events, Member News | Leave a comment

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes its newest members who joined in November and December 2011.

Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila (Dining/Mexican & Latin American) Come enjoy one of their 100 tequilas along with timeless Mexican dishes in a Southwestern atmosphere.

Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Salt River (Accommodations/Hotels & Resorts) This LEED-certified hotel is the first on US Tribal Land and houses 5,000 square feet of meeting space, 158 rooms, a Starbucks and full bar.

Desert Splash Seaplane Adventures (Desert Exploration/Hot Air Ballooning & Aerial Adventures) Fly above Apache Trail before landing on water in this plane that departs Scottsdale five times a day.

Firehouse (Nightlife/Bars & Lounges and Dining/Sports Bars) Party the night away at this nightclub complete with DJs, drink specials, and the biggest outdoor patio in Scottsdale.

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsdale Riverwalk (Accommodations/Hotels & Resorts) Located within minutes of downtown Scottsdale, this hotel is convenient for any visitor wanting to stay near Old Town.

HelmsBriscoe (Convention & Group Services/Local Meeting Planners) The largest meetings procurement company will help companies find the best hotel and price based on a client’s need.  

Narcisse Champagne & Tea Lounge (Dining/American and Nightlife/Bars & Lounges) The combination of afternoon non-traditional tea and a wide selection of champagnes will delight visitors.

Old Town Candy & Toys (Shopping/Gift & Specialty Shops) This store is reminiscent of the old days with a stock of old-fashioned bottle sodas and treats, as well as toys such as porcelain dolls and pedal cars.

Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites (Accommodations/Hotels & Resorts) Located in the Airpark Business District, this hotel has 120 deluxe two-room suites, Silver Wings restaurant and a large meeting space.

Semper Fidelis All American Bowl (Events/Sporting Events) Watch 100 of the nation’s elite high school football players go head to head at Chase Field.

Tour de Tavern (Attractions/Group Activities) Up to 16 people can jump on this pedal-powered bus and tour downtown Scottsdale and enjoy great specials at local eateries.

Ventana Fine Properties (Accommodations/Relocation Services) This boutique neighborhood real estate firm provides marketing and brokerage services to home sellers and buyers.

January 9, 2012 | Tags: Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila, Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Salt River, Desert Splash Seaplane Adventures, Firehouse, Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsdale Riverwalk, HelmsBriscoe, Narcisse Champagne & Tea Lounge, new members, Old Town Candy & Toys, Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites, Semper Fidelis All American Bowl, Tour de Tavern, Ventana Fine Properties | Category: Member News | Leave a comment

During this 13-minute video, you’ll hear from representatives of our top equestrian events about the short- and long-term impact the WestWorld improvements will have on Scottsdale, their vision for WestWorld’s future, and information about who attends their events.

This video, Part 3 of a three-part series taped at the Scottsdale CVB’s Dec. 6 Quarterly Update Meeting, includes comments from each panelist from the Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show, Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, and Scottsdale Classic Futurity & Quarter Horse Show.

The panel was moderated by Rachel Sacco, the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s President & CEO.

Part 1 included Brian Dygert, general manager for WestWorld of Scottsdale, sharing construction plans, funding sources and implications of the plans to expand and enclose the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center on retaining current events and attracting new ones.

Part 2 included comments from the panel about how plans to expand WestWorld will impact their future event operations as well as visitation to Scottsdale.

January 6, 2012 | Tags: Arabian Horse Show, Brian Dygert, equestrian event, Scottsdale Classic Futurity & Quarter Horse Show, Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show, WestWorld | Category: CVB News & Events, Industry News & Resources, Member News | Leave a comment

During this 8-minute video, you’ll hear from representatives of our top equestrian events about how plans to expand WestWorld will impact their future event operations as well as visitation to Scottsdale.

This video, Part 2 of a three-part series taped at the Scottsdale CVB’s Dec. 6 Quarterly Update Meeting, includes comments from each panelist from the Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show, Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, and Scottsdale Classic Futurity & Quarter Horse Show.

The panel was moderated by the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s President & CEO Rachel Sacco.

Part 1 included Brian Dygert, general manager for WestWorld of Scottsdale, sharing construction plans, funding sources and implications of the plans to expand and enclose the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center on retaining current events and attracting new ones.

Part 3, which will be available next week, includes comments from the panel about the short- and long-term impact the WestWorld improvements will have on Scottsdale, their vision for WestWorld’s future, and information about who attends their events.

January 3, 2012 | Tags: Arabian Horse Show, equestrian event, Scottsdale Classic Futurity & Quarter Horse Show, Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show, WestWorld | Category: CVB News & Events, Member News, Scottsdale Tourism News | Leave a comment