CGI Forum 2012

General information & local attractions

Phoenix Skyline
Greater Phoenix CVB © www.peterjordanphoto.com

Attire

Educational sessions are business casual. Hotel meeting rooms often vary in temperature so it is always a good idea to dress in layers. Remember to bring a light jacket or sweater in case you need it in the evening or inside the hotel meeting rooms. The evening event on Monday is casual, so be sure to pack your cowboy boots and hats for this Western adventure!

Weather

Chandler shares a western border with Phoenix, Arizona and true to its nickname, The Valley of the Sun, is known for hot, sunny days. In October, you can expect highs around 87°F and lows of 54°F with plenty of sunshine. There is very little rainfall with an average of 0.9 inches.  

Local attractions – Chandler, Arizona and nearby locations

Centrally located, Chandler makes a great base for exploring the East Valley and metro Phoenix.  Many attractions are located right in the city, while others are only a short drive away. A few of the most well-known attractions are listed below. For a complete list of local activities, restaurants, local sporting events and other detailed information in the Chandler area please visit www.visitchandler.com.

Arizona Science Center

Experience science with interactive education. Children and adults alike can enjoy interactive, hands-on exhibits, a laser light show under the dome of the Dorrance Planetarium and breathtaking science-themed films on a five story high, surround sound screen. http://www.azscience.org/

Heard Museum

Arguably the finest Native American and southwest museum in the country, this repository includes 10 galleries, a 400-seat auditorium and a gift shop/book store. Touring exhibits are featured along with those making their permanent home at the Heard. http://heard.org/

HuHuGam Heritage Center

This facility houses the Gila River Indian Community archeological and ethnographic collections and tribal archives. The Bureau of Reclamation and the tribe designed the center to honor the ancient farmers and canal builders of the central and southern Arizona regions. http://www.gilariver.org/index.php/enterprises/100-community-enterprises/103-huhugam-heritage-center

Phoenix Art Museum

Founded in 1949, at over 160,000 sq.ft., “PAM” is one of the largest general visual arts institutions in the southwest. The collection houses over 17,000 works and additionally hosts several eclectic touring exhibitions each year. Additionally featured, is an interactive “child friendly, please touch” gallery called ArtWorks. http://www.phxart.org/

Rosson House Museum
Courtesy: Rosson House Museum

Rosson House Museum

This 2,800 sq. ft. beautiful 1895 Victorian style home features ten rooms. View what life was like for Rosson House residents of Block 14, owners and tenants both, in early Phoenix during Arizona’s late territorial times all in its original location. Call the Ticket Office at 602-262-5070 for more information on tours and admission. Last tour each day starts at 3:30pm. Closed on Mondays.  http://www.rossonhousemuseum.org/

Chandler Fashion Center

Visit Chandler Fashion Center for a unique shopping village experience that features "lifestyle clustering," (stores in the same category are grouped together).  Dillard's, Nordstrom, Macy’s and Sears, as well as 150 specialty shops are offered. The Chandler Fashion Center is located approximately 7 miles from the hotel. http://www.shopchandlerfashioncenter.com/

Chandler Pavilions and Casa Paloma

These shops have a decidedly upscale feel that offer unique shopping, dining and recreation. Trendsetters will find the latest fashions at Talbots, White House/Black Market, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. Chandler Pavilions is conveniently located just east of Interstate 10 on Ray Road approximately 3 miles from the hotel. http://shopcasapaloma.com/

Downtown Scottsdale

Take one look at Downtown Scottsdale and it's easy to see what makes it so original. Comprised of a unique collection of shops, restaurants, galleries and nightclubs, the area is rich with history and filled with the spirit of both the new and old west. Downtown Scottsdale is located about 17 miles from the hotel. http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/

Grand Canyon
Greater Phoenix CVB © Grand Canyon Railway

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is more than a great chasm carved over millennia through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau. It is more than an awe-inspiring view. It is more than a pleasuring ground for those who explore the roads, hike the trails or float the currents of the turbulent Colorado River. http://grandcanyon.com/

Mountain Parks

Phoenix features some of the largest urban parks in the U.S. The Desert Mountain Preserves include South Mountain Regional, Squaw Peak, Camelback and many more. The parks offer hiking, picnicking and incomparable views. The Sonoran Desert lives within the boundaries of this thriving urban metropolis. http://www.phoenixasap.com/camelback-mountain.html  http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/index.html

Desert Botanical Gardens

Located in the Papago Park, the garden’s 145 acres showcase the Sonoran Desert with more than 20,000 plants representing 4,000 species. http://www.dbg.org/

Golf Hole 7 Forward Tee

Whirlwind Golf Club, located at Wild Horse Pass, is a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. http://www.whirlwindgolf.com/index.php

Located 3 miles from the resort, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino offers dining, entertainment, nightlife and of course - casino gaming. A complimentary 12 passenger shuttle is available from the Sheraton on a first come- first serve basis. http://www.wildhorsepass.com/wild-horse-pass-hotel-casino.html

The Phoenix Zoo

Home to more than 1,300 “residents”, the Zoo includes 200 endangered or threatened species from around the world. Your tour includes four distinctive trails: Arizona, Africa, Tropics and Children. http://www.phoenixzoo.org/