Reimagined annual meeting celebrates evolving brand and destination

Media Contact: 
KJ Philp / Director of Communications / [email protected] / 480-305-1372 / Download Photos 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

TEMPE, ARIZ. (Feb. 14, 2025) — Tempe Tourism welcomed partners to its annual meeting Feb. 6, 2025, at Tempe Mission Palms in Downtown Tempe. Each year, this event provides the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) an opportunity to share its annual successes and future endeavors in attracting meetings and leisure travelers to the City of Tempe, its events, hotels, venues, restaurants and attractions. 

Under the theme “Insights, Forecasts & Connections,” this year’s event not only highlighted staff accomplishments throughout the prior calendar year, but it also punctuated a year of significant change for the organization. 

“The past year presented us with many opportunities for positive change,” said Michael Martin, Tempe Tourism Office President & CEO. “From moving the location of our office to unveiling a new brand identity, the staff accomplished countless milestones throughout 2024 — elevating every aspect of our operation — and we’re extremely proud to share the results. It only seemed fitting that we extend the celebration of these changes to our partners — without their enthusiasm, trust and support, none of this would be possible.” 

As such, the event itself was transformed from a luncheon-style meeting to an inspiring program that kicked off with a mariachi band, followed by highlights of the organization’s achievements in 2024, the debut of Tempe Tourism’s new brand video, the official reveal of the new Tempe Tourism brand and a glimpse behind the scenes at the yearlong branding process. 

The keynote, a look ahead at the “State of the Travel Economy,” presented by Tariq Khan, Senior Economist with Tourism Economics, emphasized uniquely Tempe data as well as national trends throughout the tourism industry. 

According to Tourism Economics’ 2023 Economic Impact Study, the impact of tourism resulted in 4.4 million visitors to Tempe; $1.1 billion in direct visitor spending; $117 million generated in state and local taxes; and 8,696 total tourism related jobs in Tempe. 

Additionally, Tempe Tourism’s 2024 highlights included: 

• a total of 773 meeting and sports-related leads, and 146 meeting and sports-related events booked, resulting in $44,914,303 in estimated economic impact. 

• advertising deployed in key markets totaled 60,814,644 in circulation and ad impressions in addition to 1,498,496 website visits. 

• reaching a follower base of 124,902, social media efforts accounted for 12,759,272 impressions. 

The presentation was followed by a lively, rooftop networking reception that featured live DJ, gift activation and the presentation of Tempe Tourism’s annual awards. 

“Recognizing those who have contributed to these milestones is an important part of this event each year,” Martin said. “The annual Spirit of Hospitality, Tourism Impact and Tempe Gem awards are ways to thank the community for opening its arms to all visitors.” 

The Spirit of Hospitality Award honors an individual who exemplifies Tempe’s local culture of friendliness by consistently delivering exceptional service and creating a positive and lasting impression for visitors. 

The 2025 award was presented to Dauda “Dee” Conteh, Security Officer Overnight at Tempe Mission Palms hotel, where he demonstrates an unmatched level of commitment to guests. 

Conteh was nominated by Christen Anderson, the hotel’s Director of Security, who shared that “he works tirelessly to ensure the hotel, and its guests, are well taken care of by going above and beyond at night — and taking such additional tasks as valet and covering for his colleagues.” 

The Impact Award honors an individual, business or organization that has made a significant impact in Tempe through hosting a meeting, conference or event in our community. By a unanimous vote, Boat Rentals of America was selected as this year’s award recipient. 

Boat Rentals of America stands as an open invitation for locals and visitors alike to experience our iconic lake in uniquely up-close and personal ways. It’s no coincidence that Tempe Town Lake celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and continues to rank among one of Arizona’s most-visited attractions. 

Last, but certainly not least, the third annual Tempe Gem Award honors an annual donation benefiting a nonprofit organization that does outstanding work in the local community. This year, the award came in the form of a $2,500 donation presented to Ability360. 

Located less than a mile from Tempe, Ability360 offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community. Ability360 is one of five Centers for Independent Living in Arizona, and the largest Center in the state. Programs are designed to help consumers achieve self-sufficiency. 

To conclude the program, attendees were invited to visit a live printing activation to take home a customized gift featuring the new Tempe Tourism branding. 

“We’re proud to share the fruits of our labor with our partners as part of this festive occasion,” Martin added. “As we delve into 2025, our initiatives promoting Tempe as a distinct destination will bring additional opportunities for sharing our new brand with the world. We’re thrilled for the exciting year of tourism in Tempe that’s ahead of us.” 

Interviews with Tempe Tourism can be arranged upon request. 

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Tempe Tourism is a nonprofit organization devoted to marketing Tempe, Arizona, as a desirable visitor and group destination.