CONNECT West 2026 Opens in Scottsdale to Bring Together US Tourism and Events Industry Leaders

CONNECT West 2026 brings hospitality groups and tourism buyers to Scottsdale, Arizona, for a major business events gathering on 4–5 November. The event connects hotel suppliers, destination representatives and meeting planners through scheduled appointments, networking and industry discussions, highlighting Scottsdale’s role in the competitive United States meetings and tourism market.

CONNECT West 2026 to Connect Hotels, Tourism Buyers and Event Planners in Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona, is preparing to welcome CONNECT West 2026 on 4–5 November, bringing together hospitality suppliers, tourism representatives and professional event planners for two days of business meetings and industry discussions.

Organised by Informa Connect, the event will take place at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. It will focus on commercial partnerships across the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry, particularly in the western United States.

Scottsdale Prepares for a Major Business Events Gathering

CONNECT West operates as a business-to-business marketplace where event organisers meet hotels, resorts, destinations and specialist suppliers.

Unlike traditional tourism exhibitions, the event places greater emphasis on scheduled appointments than open exhibition stands. Its format allows participants to discuss event requirements, assess potential venues and establish commercial relationships.

Scottsdale provides a suitable setting for these discussions through its resort accommodation, conference facilities and established hospitality industry.

Hosting the gathering also gives the Arizona destination an opportunity to showcase its capacity to accommodate corporate meetings, incentive travel and professional conferences.

Hotel Groups and Tourism Organisations Feature in the Industry Network

The organiser’s published record of 2025 participants illustrates the range of businesses associated with CONNECT West.

Hotel and hospitality suppliers previously included Caesars Entertainment, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Atlantis and TAO Group Hospitality.

Destination organisations such as Visit Anaheim, Visit Detroit, Reno Tahoe and Visit KC also appeared among earlier suppliers.

These organisations represent different segments of the tourism economy, including accommodation, entertainment, destination promotion and event services.

Their previous participation does not confirm attendance in 2026, and the organiser’s complete current exhibitor list remains unavailable. Meet Face-to-Face with Top Event Profs

Corporate Buyers and Sports Organisations Form an Important Audience

CONNECT West also attracts meeting planners representing businesses, professional associations and sporting organisations.

Previous hosted buyers included AAA Corporate Travel, USA Track & Field, BAE Systems, Engineering Conferences International and Fielding Graduate University.

Such organisations may require hotels, convention facilities, meeting rooms and specialist services for events involving substantial numbers of participants.

For tourism suppliers, meeting these buyers provides opportunities to present their facilities directly to professionals involved in venue selection and purchasing decisions.

The business potential extends beyond accommodation to catering, transport, destination management and entertainment.

AI-Powered Matchmaking Shapes the Event Format

Technology will play a central role in CONNECT West 2026.

According to Informa Connect, the event uses artificial intelligence to match buyers and suppliers according to their business requirements, geographic interests and commercial objectives.

Eligible participants can attend up to 25 scheduled marketplace appointments.

The programme also offers more than three hours of educational content, allowing delegates to examine developments affecting the meetings and events sector. Where Events Business Gets Done

This approach aims to make business discussions more relevant while reducing time spent identifying suitable contacts.

Hosted Buyers Receive Travel and Accommodation Support

The hosted-buyer programme is designed for qualified meeting professionals sourcing suppliers in the western United States.

Eligible participants can receive return airfare to Scottsdale and two nights of hotel accommodation.

Access to business appointments, educational sessions and networking activities is also included.

For suppliers, the programme creates direct access to buyers seeking venues and services for forthcoming events.

The organiser has scheduled marketplace meeting blocks on 5 November, with registration beginning the previous afternoon. Informa Connect

International Exhibition Representation Remains Unconfirmed

Although CONNECT West serves an industry with international connections, its principal geographic focus is the western United States.

American tourism destinations and hospitality businesses are prominent in the organiser’s historical participation records.

However, an official country-by-country list of exhibitors for 2026 has not been established.

The presence of international hotel brands should not be interpreted as confirmation that their respective countries will operate national exhibition stands.

Business Tourism Offers Opportunities Beyond the Conference

For Scottsdale, the significance of CONNECT West extends beyond the two-day gathering.

Business events generate demand for accommodation, restaurants, local transport and other visitor services.

They can also introduce meeting planners to destinations they may consider for future conferences and corporate gatherings.

CONNECT West 2026 therefore offers Scottsdale an opportunity to strengthen relationships within the American meetings industry while highlighting the commercial importance of business tourism.

CONNECT West 2026 brings hospitality groups and tourism buyers to Scottsdale, Arizona, strengthening connections between hotels, destinations and meeting planners. Through targeted appointments, industry education and networking, the event supports future business opportunities. Its focus on professional partnerships highlights Scottsdale’s importance within the evolving United States business tourism sector.

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