Travel & Activities
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Scottsdale, AZ
6902 E Greenway Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
2485 E. Buckeye Road
Phoenix, AZ 85034
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Finding Your Route to Scottsdale
The closest major airport to Scottsdale is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). It is a short 25 minute drive from Sky Harbor to the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. Sky Harbor offers nonstop service to more than 120 domestic and 25 international destinations and hosts 24 major airlines, including Southwest, American Airlines, United, Delta, British Airways, Condor Airlines, Air France, Volaris and Air Canada. For more information on air travel to Scottsdale, click here.
Attractions in Scottsdale
11 Hidden Gems to Discover in Scottsdale
These signature Scottsdale experiences might be a bit off the beaten path, but they’re worth seeking out! Pick one or try them all for a memorable Scottsdale getaway.
H5 Helicopters’ Grand Canyon South Rim Tour
See five of Arizona’s natural wonders on this tour! On your way to the Grand Canyon, you’ll fly near the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. Then, it’s on to the Canyon for a 30-minute aerial tour that covers the Canyon’s Zuni Point Corridor, Little Colorado River Canyon, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, and more.
DETOURS American West
Join DETOURS American West for a combination ground and railroad tour of the Verde Valley. Tour highlights include the historic mining town of Jerome, the Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale, and a first-class ride on the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad.
Top Scottsdale Guided & DIY Tours
Whether you’d like a local expert to lead the way or prefer to explore on your own, we’ve got you covered with the best guided and self-guided tours of Scottsdale! From Frank Lloyd Wright’s private living quarters and the city’s trendiest new restaurants to the rim of the Grand Canyon, these tours give you access to the Scottsdale area’s most popular sights and attractions.
Desert Botanical Garden
Home to more than 50,000 beautiful desert plants, you can wander through five thematic trails to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert plant life.
Puttshack Scottsdale
Today, Puttshack is leading the field with it’s a one-of-its-kind, upscale tech-infused mini golf game, powered by patented Trackaball technology. And when your round is done, you’re just steps away from Puttshack’s globally inspired, mixologist-obsessed signature bar and restaurant.
Arizona Outdoor Fun Adventures and Tours
Arizona Outdoor Fun offers an exhilarating adventure that puts YOU in the driver's seat of the largest fleet of ATVs and UTVs in the state! Prepare to take control and experience the rush of navigating winding mountain trails, carved by centuries of flash floods, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. As you explore, discover fascinating points of interest, and learn about Arizona's history and wildlife.
Across Arizona Tours
Travel to the breathtaking Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon every day of the year. Be sure to see this natural wonder of the world while you’re in Arizona.
Arizona Food Tours
Operating as Scottsdale’s original food tour company since 2009, Arizona Food Tours is now in its 16th year as the longest running and top-rated food tour company in the area. Led by local foodie enthusiasts, this tour was ranked in 2023 by USA Today as a top 5 food tour nationally!
Casino Arizona
Casino Arizona is conveniently located at 101 & McKellips, just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Phoenix. Casino Arizona offers visitors over 100,000 square feet devoted to gaming, dining and entertainment. Amenities include 900 state-of-the-art slots, nearly 50 blackjack tables, keno, six unique restaurants including the Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge, Scottsdale's hidden gem for fine dining.
Cosanti Originals Windbells
Individually handcrafted using a mixture of bronze and ceramic, our Cosanti Originals Windbells delight the ears of those who travel along the winding paths of Cosanti's grounds. Organic structures emerge out of the Arizona landscape to immerse guests in a creative, meditative experience. The other worldly structures and dwellings of Cosanti are recognizable to the many thousands of people who have visited this cultural treasure in Paradise Valley. Arrestingly imaginative, these original structures date back to the late 1950s and early 1960s and have earned Cosanti a place on the Arizona Registry of Historic Places.
Pink Jeep Tours
Since 1960, Pink Jeep Tours has provided the most talked about off-road adventures in the Southwest. Their award-winning excursions are known as the premier "must-do" tours in Sedona. The exclusive Broken Arrow, Ancient Ruin and Diamondback Gulch tours take you to places you never imagined existed.
Restaurants
Toca Madera
Toca Madera is a highly acclaimed modern Mexican Steakhouse known for its menu featuring bold flavors and high quality, sustainable, and organic ingredients. Immerse yourself in a dining experience featuring fire performers, live music, and culinary excellence.
The Mission Kierland
Homemade tortillas, sauces, and salsas are made fresh daily and all meats are prepared on a Plancha or a grill using pecan and mesquite wood that instills a rich flavor. The sophisticated yet casual allure of the Mission seamlessly blends old world charm with modern elegance. The restaurant suits a variety of moods from outdoor seating with a view and intimate indoor areas, to the lively community table in the lounge. Sounds of mixed Latin and modern music mixed with succulent aromas set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Francine
Airy, elegant FRANCINE, which sits in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square, exudes the charms of le midi (the south of France), homeland to celebrity chef-founder Laurent Halasz who re-creates specialties of the region, including salad Niçoise, grilled branzino, steak frite and bouillabaisse. Phoenix New Times named FRANCINE Best Phoenix Restaurants, AZ Big Media voted FRANCINE best Arizona French Restaurant, and Modern Luxury Magazine named FRANCINE best fine dining restaurant in Scottsdale.
Café Monarch
With chic elegance and posh furniture, this high-end dining experience is truly romantic. The staff is sharp in appearance, dashing in attitude and fully knowledgeable of their four-course, pix fixe menu. If that doesn’t scream fairytale romance, I’m not quite sure what does.
Old Town Tortilla Factory
Built from a historic 85-year-old adobe home, Old Town Tortilla Factory captures timeless charm and a distinct atmosphere that exemplifies the essence of the Southwest. A beautiful firewater patio along with a world-renowned tequila bar that offers 140 premium tequilas, including an award-winning margarita, lends itself to being the perfect place to accommodate your dining needs. The cuisine is southwest with Sonoran influence, a favorite dish being the Mahi Mahi Tacos.
Uchi Scottsdale
Uchi, "house" in Japanese, is founded by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole. A delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service, Uchi offers non‑traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and a seasonal omakase.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Seafood is what they’re known for, but their specialty is excellence. Fish arrive daily from pristine waters around the world including Swordfish from Block Island, Scallops from George Banks, and Yellow Fin Tuna from the Caribbean. USDA Prime steaks are hand cut and specially aged for more than 28 days to ensure peak flavor.
The Frybread Lounge
Proud to be the first and only Native-owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, the Frybread Lounge’s dishes feature fresh local cropping, such as beans from Ramona Farms on the local O'odham Nation, just outside of Chandler, AZ. Beverages include wild sweet grass tea, Navajo tea, and vodka from Toas, New Mexico. Serving up traditional dishes, such as blue corn mush, and signatures dishes, such as the bison ribeye frybread sandwich, their commitment to farm-to-table dining is at the heart of everything they do.
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Serving up fresh seafood and USDA prime steaks in a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere that’s as sizzling as their signature 400-degree steak plates.
Ocean 44
Located in the heart of Scottsdale, Ocean 44 is an award-winning fine dining seafood restaurant and steakhouse dedicated to serving the highest-quality steak and seafood. Choose from a selection of USDA Prime steaks, Australian Wagyu, world-class seafood, and an ample wine list for all palates. Experience the totality of fine coastal dining and enjoy the contemporary atmosphere that is Ocean 44.
Fat Ox
Named after the famed Italian food festival, Fat Ox features modern takes on the authentic, hearty recipes of rural Italy.
Marcellin Ristorante
Authentic Italian fine dining featuring hand-crafted pasta and live music.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
Soak up the island spirit at the North Scottsdale's Kierland Commons location. The patio and second-story outdoor dining rooms offers spectacular sunset views, while the seasonally-driven menu brings fresh and delectable island flavors.
Handlebar J
Enjoy steaks, ribs, jalapeño poppers, fish fry, appetizers, cocktails, live music, and dancing.
Shopping
Kierland Commons
Less than a 10-minute walk from the Westin, the Kierland Commons is North Scottsdale's premier open-air shopping and dining destination, home to over 80 specialty retailers and restaurants.
Scottsdale Quarter
Immerse yourself in an unparalleled Scottsdale shopping experience. Our selection of market-exclusive brands and delightful locally owned specialty shops brings a world of possibilities to your fingertips. Unleash your style with the latest trends in fashion, embark on a treasure hunt for unique gems, or simply indulge in a fantastic time.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Located just 9 miles from the Westin Kierland, Scottsdale Fashion Square is the Southwest's distinctive address for luxury shopping, dining and entertainment.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale has earned its reputation as a world-class, bucket list destination with some of the Southwest’s finest museums and art galleries, restaurants and nightclubs, local retail shops, boutique hotels, and performing arts centers – all within a condensed, walkable area.
Sowing Success:
The Future of Foods, Fuels and Strategic Partnerships!
The NIOP Annual Convention is the hub for industry-wide networking, offering a unique platform to connect with fellow professionals, exchange insights, and build valuable relationships. Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions with industry thought leaders, gaining invaluable perspectives on the latest trends and innovations. Beyond the enriching experience of knowledge sharing, the Annual Convention also offers a vibrant social atmosphere, providing opportunities to unwind, relax, and simply enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.
What To Expect…
Get ready for a convention experience that’s as valuable as it is enjoyable. At the 2026 NIOP Annual Convention, attendees can expect to take part in sessions that are timely, relevant, and applicable to their day-to-day work. NIOP is intentional in its convention programming, reserving space in the agenda for “hot topics”—issues that are especially pressing and important to our membership—ensuring the content stays fresh, responsive, and impactful. We promise to deliver an agenda that is strategic and dynamic, making your attendance well worth the investment.
But it’s not all business—NIOP also builds in plenty of time for fun and connection. You’ll enjoy ample social opportunities to meet, mingle, and build relationships with fellow attendees and industry peers.
And when we say we plan memorable experiences, we mean it. In 2026, we’re bringing back fan-favorite events like Hit the Boat and our Monday night dinner + concert—this time featuring a brand-new band! Returning to one of our attendees’ favorite spots, The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa – this year is sure to deliver!
2027 Important Dates
- Registration Opens: Oct 14, 2026
- Super Early Bird: Oct 15, 2026 – Jan 8, 2027
- Early Bird: Jan 9 – Feb 12, 2027
- Standard: Feb 13 – March 19, 2027
- Onsite Registration: March 20, 2027
- Conference: March 21 – 24, 2027
2027 Convention Location
Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
6902 E Greenway Pkwy,
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Member Rates
Non-Member Rates
For any first-time member company, the first two attendees from that company may attend at half price — CALL NIOP Headquarters at 803-252-7128 to take advantage of this opportunity.