Words From The Wise

Former City of Phoenix Mayor, Phil Gordon

“You’ll love this place. People from all over the nation and the world come to Phoenix. And they come here for the same reason their grandparents came to America – because all people, all races, religions and cultures are welcome here… Our door is always open. To everyone.

Phoenix, now the fifth largest city in America, would be proud to host you. We appreciate your faith and your commitment to those around you.

And you’ll love what you see here. Our brilliant new convention center is the best anywhere. Your families will enjoy attractions like water parks, museums and sporting facilities. Our growing downtown is safe, clean and welcoming. In Phoenix, you will see the Southwest at its very best -- which is why I love this place so much.

By the way, some say the weather isn't too bad either.”

City of Phoenix Councilman, Michael Johnson

"I am proud to say that Phoenix is a place where diversity flourishes. With so many different religious cultures and denominations dwelling here, Phoenix is the absolute best place to host your convention. In addition to our expansive culture of faith, we have a brand new, beautiful convention center that has been heralded in its early months of operation as second-to-none. The convenience factor alone is noteworthy. It is in the heart of several family-oriented attractions such as the Arizona Science Center, the Arizona Center Plaza, the Herberger Theater and several museums. Come and visit and you’ll see why Phoenix is simply the best of the Southwest."

North American Christian Convention

"The Phoenix Convention Center and GPCVB exceeded our expectations. Your professional touch to our national event combined a great facility with a flexible and accommodating event planning staff, a service-oriented management team, and all mixed with outstanding Phoenix hospitality. You met every challenge. Read More ... The Hyatt and Wyndham Hotels were also superbly gracious and supportive of our special events and secondary meeting needs. All combined, our attendees came away with a great (and memorable) convention experience. Phoenix will always be a FUN location to visit, because of new friends we made there."

Larry D. Collins
Managing Director and Meeting Planner
North American Christian Convention

The Christian & Missionary Alliance

"The City of Phoenix provides a spectacular downtown package of hotels, convention center, and sporting venues all within walking distance. The beauty of the southwest, convenient and reasonably priced venues and great service. What more can a meeting planner hope for in a destination. Well, I could ask for world class golf courses and resort options, but Phoenix has all of these and more."

Robert J. Sanford
Director for Marketing and Events
The Christian & Missionary Alliance

Unitarian Universalist Association

We visited Phoenix as a possible site for our General Assembly in 2012. As our meeting is held the end of June, we were concerned about the heat and weren't too excited about Phoenix. We were stunned by what we found there! A new state-of-the-art convention center, three hotels within two blocks providing over 2200 rooms, (including a new Sheraton opening Fall of 2008), and a downtown newly invigorated by a light rail system, a downtown ASU campus and residential growth. But what sold us on the city was their Faith in Phoenix team. They got us! They knew what was important to our group (e.g., affordability, environmental sustainability) and they worked to meet our needs. They gave us a welcome the likes of which we have never seen!! The UUA will be in Phoenix in 2012. As for the heat - one of our local ministers said, "you prepare for it the same way as for the cold - limit your exposure, dress appropriately, wear skin protection and stay hydrated."

Janiece J. Sneegas, Ph.D.
Director, General Assembly and Conference Services
Unitarian Universalist Association

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