Tourism leaders unite in Mesa to forge partnerships and craft future travel experiences
Delegates from around the United States and Canada converged in Mesa, Arizona last week to take part in the 3rd Annual Accent West Tourism Conference.
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Produced by Mid-Atlantic Receptive Services (MARS) and hosted by Visit Mesa, the conference was designed to better acquaint tour operators with destinations, hotels, attractions and restaurants in the region. Speakers, brainstorming, itinerary planning, networking activities, a trade show and local area touring were among the activities offered to delegates.
Big business is done in small groups, and Accent West was the perfect example. Delegates really got to know and learn from each other while discovering the diversity of attractions and historical treasures in Arizona and the surrounding areas. Relationship-building and the sharing of best practices are what make the Accent brand so popular.
Delegates had a grand time at the Early-Bird Reception, sponsored by the Theodore Roosevelt Medoara Foundation and the Theodore Roosevelt Library. The next day began with a breakfast sponsored by North Dakota Tourism, followed by a keynote address, presented by Kristy Durso from Incredible Memories Travel and an Ambassador for TravelAbility, and Alison Brooks from Visit Mesa. They discussed making all guests, including those with visible and invisible disabilities, feel welcome on tour and while exploring destinations. Then delegates broke into small groups to discuss challenges, successes, partnerships, and the use of AI within their segment of the industry (hotels, attractions, DMO’s, operators). Their results were communicated and discussed by the entire group. Lunch followed, sponsored by the Arizona Office of Tourism.
‘A fantastic experience from start to finish’
In the afternoon, the marketplace matched operators with all the different suppliers. Happy Hour at Pedal Haus Brewery and dinner and entertainment at Organ Stop Pizza were sponsored by Visit Mesa and Pedal Haus. A special treat was in store for dessert, as the Duttons from Branson (they also have a theater in Mesa) live-streamed their Branson show for Accent West delegates to watch while enjoying desserts in Mesa.
The next day, Accent Supports Local breakfast featured seven of Arizona’s small local businesses and non-profits. Accent’s most popular session, Itinerary Planning followed. Operators took what they learned at the trade show, brainstormed with suppliers, and produced actual itineraries. All five of the itineraries were then presented to the group.
“Accent West was a fantastic experience from start to finish,” said Jeannie Sandoval, business development representative at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY. “The event was well organized, with a welcoming and professional atmosphere that made connecting with fellow vendors and tour planners enjoyable. One of the highlights was the opportunity to build fun and engaging itineraries with a wide variety of regional partners. The creative options presented made it easy to envision exciting new trips for group travel. It was clear that the focus was not just on destinations, but experiences. The Accent West team was genuinely enthusiastic about supporting everyone involved. Accent West is a must-attend for anyone in the tourism industry looking to discover fresh ideas and valuable connections. I’m already looking forward to next year.”
A trip to Tucson
Prior to the conference, operators explored an array of attractions and enjoyed the hospitality of numerous Arizona partners. The FAM began with a site inspection and lunch at the Drury Phoenix Airport hotel. The coach then departed for Tucson. The first stop was the White Stallion Ranch where the personal touch and hospitality of a traditional dude ranch is carefully blended with the service and amenities of a fine resort. The group continued to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a fusion experience including a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery and classes, natural history museum, and aquarium. A tour of the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum (situated within the Presidio neighborhood) followed before enjoying a delicious dinner at JoJo’s Restaurant and Cantina. The Desert Diamond Hotel and Casino was the host property for the FAM.
The next day, breakfast was hosted at Desert Diamond before stopping for a photo at the San Xavier del Bac Mission. The bus continued to Biosphere 2, the world’s largest controlled environment dedicated to understanding the impacts of climate change. Next stop was the Triangle L Art Ranch which contains a Sculpture Park, Adobe Barn Gallery, Gift Shop, and History Museum. It is a nonprofit which inspires a deeper connection to art, nature, and history. A lunch, provided by Mount Athos Greek Restaurant, tasting and tour were enjoyed by all at the Windmill Winery in Florence. Following lunch, the group toured the enchanting Boyce Thompson Arboretum with its 13-acre Wallace Desert Garden. Boyce Thompson is Arizona’s Oldest and Largest Botanical Garden. A tour of Agritopia in Gilbert was followed by dinner at Culinary Dropout, located in Gilbert’s Historical District. The group overnighted at the as DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa.
The following day, the Courtyard by Marriott in Mesa provided breakfast before traveling the scenic Apache Trail to Canyon Lake for a narrated tour aboard the Dolly Steamboat. A fabulous lunch followed at the Hidden House in Downtown Chandler. After a walking tour of Downtown Chandler, the FAM concluded with a service project at Feed My Starving Children.
Future Accent Travel Conference dates are as follows:
- 7th Annual Accent East – November 16-18, 2025 – York PA
- Pre-FAM – November 14-16, 2025
- 4th Annual Accent West – May 13-15, 2026 – Medora ND
- Pre-FAM – May 11-13, 2026
- 8th Annual Accent East – November 9-11, 2026 – South Bend IN
- Pre-FAM – November 7-9, 2026
- 5th Annual Accent West – April 21-23, 2027 – Joplin MO
- Pre-FAM – April 19-21, 2027
Registration information is available online at www.accenttravelnetwork.com. For more information, contact Sue Arko at sue@takeafuntrip.com or 602-999-5749.
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