Phoenix, Arizona, America's sixth-largest city is the heart of the Sonoran Desert and the gateway to the Grand Canyon, and its history is a testament to the spirit of puebloans, ranchers, miners and visionaries. Phoenix is Arizona's urban heart and America's sunniest metropolis.

The 98th ICMA Annual Conference will be held in Phoenix/Maricopa County, Arizona. Maricopa County is the most populous county in the state and one of the largest counties in the United States by area having a land area greater than that of seven states, covering 9,222 square miles with a population of nearly 1.4 million. The county seat is Phoenix, which is Arizona's largest city and capital. Phoenix is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, which is widely considered the most ecologically diverse desert in the world. Arizona is home to 23 reservations representing 22 different Native American tribes. There are five Indian reservations located in the county. The largest of these are the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (east of Scottsdale) and the Gila River Indian Community (south of Phoenix). The  average temperature is 85 degrees in October.

The city of Phoenix has won numerous National and International awards and recognitions including

• The prestigious, Carl Bertelsmann award for being the best-run city government in the world.
• A best-managed city in the country designation by Governing Magazine.
• Being named an All-America City five times by the National Civic League.

Our conference location is situated in the heart of the Phoenix Convention Center with great entertainment just a short walk away. Outstanding shopping, dining, and nightlife are nearby at CityScape, which is a mixed retail environment including restaurants, bowling, comedy clubs, and new urban and boutique shops.

Experience the culture by visiting museums and attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and the Heard Museum offering unique Southwestern experiences, while Phoenix Art Museum and SMOCA appeal to contemporary art types. The Phoenix Zoo is also one of the top-rated in the country, and the native animals section includes snakes, javelina and coyotes. Exotic animals, birds and reptiles from around the world also take up residence at the Zoo.

Dependable sunshine and warm temperatures make outdoor activities a way of life in Phoenix. Horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are popular Phoenix activities. The Phoenix area is not just surrounded by mountains and Sonoran Desert, but the desert lives within the city as well. Hiking either the Echo Canyon or Cholla trails on Camelback Mountain, the most iconic outline on the horizon, is not to be missed. Piestawa Peak in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve is another signature vista, and numerous trails surround the acres of preserve. South Mountain Park and Preserve is the largest municipal park in the United States, and mountain bikers love the 50 miles of trails it provides.

For a special experience, hop in a hot air balloon to see the city and the saguaros from up high, or check out the desert with a Jeep or Hummer tour, lasting a few hours or a few days. If you prefer a non-motorized version, horseback riding tours are available and take you through different mountain ranges across the area.

Check out the conference website for more information about tours, sports, and evening events.   Visit Phoenix  for things to do and great deals on shopping and meals.

Other sites and activities of interest are:

• Greater Phoenix is home to more than 200 golf courses. Three pro golf tournaments have regular stops in Phoenix: The Waste Management Phoenix (PGA), Safeway International (LPGA Tournament, the Standard Register Turquoise Classic (LPGA), the Nationwide Tour Stop’s Gila River Classic.
• NASCAR is an acronym that stands for "National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing" and is one of the most popular sports in America today. Experience the excitement of NASCAR at the Phoenix International Raceway.
• Phoenix is home to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (college football festival), The Insight Bowl (college football), Arizona Cardinals (NFL-University of Phoenix Stadium), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB-Chase Field), Phoenix Suns (NBA-US Airways Center), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL-Jobing.com Arena), Arizona Rattlers (arena football), and the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA). Phoenix joined the ranks of Major League Baseball in 1998 when the Arizona Diamondbacks began playing at Chase Field. The team won the World Series in 2001.
• Only 90 minutes from breathtaking Sedona.
• Hot-Air Ballooning to see the city and the saguaros from up high

• The Greater Phoenix area is full of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and even coffee shops that the locals – and the national media – rave about. Known for its mastery of Southwestern cuisine, Phoenix offers a full culinary spectrum that includes local grown cuisine, features celebrity chefs (James Beard favorites for their different culinary skills, like Vincent Guerithault of Vincent’s on Camelback; Beau MacMillan (also known for his Food Network fame) who heads up Elements at Sanctuary Resort, arguably the most picturesque restaurant with culinary skills to match) and offers International specialties

For more fun things to do while you are in Phoenix, and for great deals on shopping and meals, click here.

Phoenix averages more than 310 sunny days per year – join us for four of them.