Phoenix convention center posts record attendance, staff moves to issue RFP for downtown hotel site

Phoenix — City convention center officials told the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee on Wednesday that 2024 was a record year for the Phoenix Convention Center and that the city will seek private proposals to develop a full-service hotel and mixed-use project on a city-owned garage site near the convention center.

Sarah Field, deputy director of the Phoenix Convention Center, said the center hosted 62 conventions in 2024 and a record 315,000 attendees, producing what staff estimated as significant economic impact. "The Phoenix Convention Center had a very successful 2024," Field said. She added the center is on pace with pre-pandemic booking levels and that it already has conventions contracted through 2035.

Officials highlighted a slate of upcoming, larger events that staff said strengthen Phoenix's convention-market position. Field identified Semicon West — moving to Phoenix after decades in San Francisco — as an example and said the event could bring about 6,500 delegates with a direct spend near $10 million. Ron Price, president and CEO of Visit Phoenix, and Lauren Edwards,…