Can’t Miss Events

The VMAE membership reception is the perfect place to catch up with old friends, meet new colleagues, and mingle with our remarkable strategic initiative partners. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided.

Come out and enjoy good food and conversation on Thursday evening. VMAE will make small group dinner reservations as various Phoenix restaurants and will send out a sign-up closer to the event so you can select the restaurant you are interested in. Please note, this optional dinner is not included in the conference fee; each participant is responsible for the costs of their dinner.

Join us for an exclusive dining experience at Rosso Italian, located just around the corner from the Kimpton hotel. Known for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere, Rosso offers a perfect blend of tradition and modern flair. Enjoy a curated menu featuring classic Italian dishes, crafted with the finest ingredients, in a setting reserved just for our conference attendees. This evening promises to be a memorable highlight of your time in Phoenix, where great food and great company come together.

The dinner is included for registered attendees, guests are $85.

Join us on Saturday afternoon for an unforgettable experience at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. After the conference sessions conclude, we’ll embark on a private group tour of this incredible sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing a safe haven for native wildlife.

Nestled in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center offers a rare opportunity to see Arizona’s wild residents up close. From majestic mountain lions and black bears to playful Mexican gray wolves and bobcats, you’ll learn about these fascinating animals and the vital work being done to protect and preserve them. Our knowledgeable guides will share stories of rescue and conservation, giving you a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of Arizona’s ecosystems.

This exclusive tour is not only an educational adventure but also a chance to relax and connect with fellow attendees in a serene, natural setting. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to witness the wild beauty of Arizona firsthand!

After the tour you will have the option of our transportation dropping you off in Old Town Scottsdale for some leisure time and small group dinner reservations or returning back to the Kimpton Palomar in Phoenix. Attendees opting for Scottsdale will need to Uber or taxi back to Downtown Phoenix on their own.

The tour in included in your registration fee. The fee for guests is $55 per person and includes boxed lunch, transportation, and the Southwest Wildlife Conservation tour.

Come out and enjoy good food and conversation on Saturday evening. VMAE will make small group dinner reservations as various restaurants in both Old Town Scottsdale (for those who would like to go there after the tour) and in downtown Phoenix (for those who opt to go back to the hotel after the tour). We will send out a sign-up closer to the event so you can select the restaurant you are interested in. Please note, this optional dinner is not included in the conference fee; each participant is responsible for the costs of their dinner.