Welcome
to Arizona!Welcome
Welcome
to Arizona!
CLICK HERE to download a copy of the
registration form.
CLICK HERE
to download a copy of the Entertainment Booklet.
CLICK HERE
to download a copy of the
convention brochure.
Welcome to Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. We sincerely hope that your stay with us will be most enjoyable. Phoenix is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Arizona and the county seat of Maricopa County, as well as being the largest state capital in the United States by population. It is the largest city in the American Southwest and the Mountain Time Zone as well as the second largest city in the West after Los Angeles. It is also the region's primary political, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is located along the banks of the now normally dry Salt River, and was incorporated as a city on February 25, 1881. Residents of Phoenix are known as Phoenicians.
The city's estimated population as of 2006 was
1,512,986, making it the fifth largest city in the
United States. At 515 square
miles (1,330 km²), its
city proper is the 10th largest land area for a city in
the United States, resulting in a lower population
density. As of 2007, the Phoenix Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA) was the 13th largest in the
United States, with an estimated population of
4,179,427.
The convention and related events will all take place
at the J. W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. This
Resort provides luxury, unparalleled service, endless
recreation and exquisite dining. This desert mountain
luxury hotel has Arizona's largest ballroom, a
pampering spa, outstanding restaurants and
championship golf courses. The expansive grand
lobby displays splashing fountains, stunning floor-to ceiling
windows, sparkling waterways and majestic
palm-lined pathways observed from bedroom
balcony or patio.
Click here for a Slideshow of the resort.
FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT
Our tour packages are designed to keep your days full prior to the beginning of the convention with numerous tours around the area and the state. For example:
The Majestic Red Rocks...Sedona
Sedona is a Mecca for lovers of nature, arts, crafts and photography, and is truly a unique, special place – from its canyons to the creeks and sculptured red rocks to the many well-designed homes nestled along the roadway that wind through sandstone spires. Featuring the wonder of what Native Americans consider the spiritual vortex of the Southwest and absolutely sublime red rock formations, Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon challenge many national parks in their beauty.
One of The Seven
Natural Wonders...
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World" and one of our planet's most astounding accomplishments. The sheer majesty and beauty of the scenery found here is beyond belief. Pictures don’t do it justice. To really appreciate it, you have to see it with your own eyes.
The Canyon is 277 miles long. It averages 10 miles in width from rim to rim, with the greatest distance being about 18 miles and the least being about 5 miles. Its depth measured from the north rim is slightly more than a mile or about 5,700 feet. The south rim is approximately 1,200 feet lower than the north rim. The area of the park includes over a million acres of land.
San Xavier Mission & Tubac
The fabled "White Dove of the Desert", San Xavier Mission, was founded by Father Kino, a Jesuit missionary, in the early 1700’s. Regarded as the best example of Spanish Moorish architecture in the United States, San Xavier was completed by local Indians under the direction of Franciscan friars. Standing stark white on the desert landscape, the Mission still serves as an active spiritual center and resides on the Tohono O’odham Indian reservation. According to archaeologists and anthropologists, people of many cultures have dwelled along the Santa Cruz River for perhaps 10,000 years. The Hohokam Indians were here between 300 and 400 A.D. The Pima and Papago Indians arrived in the 1500s.
Tubac which was established in 1752 as a Spanish
presidio (fort) became part of the United States thanks
to the Gadsden Purchase. This village is rich in art and
history, and with over 80 unique businesses and
working studios, Tubac offers a wide variety of
shopping possibilities. From sterling silver, western
apparel, gourmet gifts, Native American jewelry and
crafts, to original fine art and prints by popular
southwestern artists.
Heard Museum and Phoenix Highlights.
Visit the leading exhibitor of Indian heritage and history at the Heard Museum. You'll trace the development of the culture of the Southwestern Indians through the many displays of American arts, including kachina carvings, silversmithing, rug weavings, pottery, and basketry, to name a few. Look in on a Southwestern Indian craftsman as he creates an original work of art, and browse through the gift shop, offering one of the finest selections of original Indian crafts available in the Valley. We’ll also tour some of the highlights of Phoenix, such as St. Mary’s Basilica and the downtown corridor.
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Climate:
The climate in Phoenix in August can only be described as hot! The average temperatures in August range from 77 degrees in the morning to 103 degrees in the afternoon. Average humidity ranges from 53% in the morning to 24% in the afternoon. For outdoor activity be sure to wear loose clothing, sun block and drink plenty of water. The lower humidity can cause dehydration quickly.
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Co-Chairs,
Michael Kingman, PSD
Larry Costanzo, PSD