Why Greater Palm Springs is the Premier Destination for Meetings and Events
There’s something undeniably captivating about the desert that inspires and intrigues. Dramatic mountains rise sharply against clear blue skies, while seductive sunsets linger a little longer, painting the horizon in vibrant hues.
Planning a meeting here sparks excitement among attendees eager to participate. Enjoy reliable beautiful weather, seamless access, diverse activities, and dedicated support from the Visit Greater Palm Springs team—turning preparation into a seamless pleasure.
Once in our sunny oasis, groups can traverse from Desert Hot Springs in the northwest to Coachella in the east in under 45 minutes. Endless opportunities await right at your doorstep, regardless of your base.
Location
Greater Palm Springs offers effortless access whether arriving by air or land. By car, it’s about a two-hour drive from Southern California coastal cities like Los Angeles and San Diego; Phoenix and Las Vegas are four hours away.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), ranked among the top 10 stress-free U.S. airports by SmartTraveler.com, is served by 10 airlines connecting to 500 global cities. Four more major airports lie within a two-hour drive.
Weather & Ambience
Unlike changeable climates elsewhere, Greater Palm Springs delivers over 300 days of sunshine annually, eliminating the need for backup plans. Low humidity keeps even warmer days comfortable—winter highs in the 70s, spring and fall in the 80s. This year-round vacation atmosphere energizes attendees in our vast desert playground.
New Developments
Greater Palm Springs continually evolves with over $2 billion invested in hospitality upgrades. Discover eclectic dining from Workshop Kitchen + Bar in Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District to Figue Mediterranean’s unique cuisine and cocktails in La Quinta.
Acclaimed hotels include newcomers like Skylark Hotel, Saguaro, and Colony 29 in Palm Springs, plus Hotel Lautner in Desert Hot Springs. In Indian Wells, the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation (formerly Hyatt Grand Champions), with expanded meeting spaces at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa.
Nearby, enhancements at Indian Wells Tennis Garden—including a new 8,000-seat Stadium 2, 19,000-sq.-ft. shade structure, and two restaurants—debuted ahead of the BNP Paribas Open.
Abundance of Golf
As the “Golf Capital of the World,” the Coachella Valley boasts over 115 world-class courses amid stunning desert landscapes. Home to one of nine Callaway Golf Performance Centers nationwide at Indian Wells Golf Club, it earned “2012’s Top North American Golf Destination” from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
Courses by legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ted Robinson, Greg Norman, and Pete Dye elevate the experience. Sunshine draws PGA and LPGA events like the Humana Challenge and Chevron Championship, plus celebrity tournaments such as the Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Invitational.
Mountain Adventures
Our majestic mountains and canyons offer adventures from gentle hikes to thrilling escapades. Trails suit all levels, from Painted Canyon’s dramatic slots to Araby Trail near Bob Hope’s former estate.
Explore the San Andreas Fault by Jeep or foot, ideal for team-building like geocaching or Joshua Tree rock climbing. Elevate perspectives via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, ascending to Mt. San Jacinto’s 10,834-foot summit. Enjoy 54 miles of trails, then dine at Peak’s with panoramic Coachella Valley views.
Dining & Nightlife
Sunset ignites our vibrant scene. From elegant restaurants and trendy bistros to ethnic gems and cafés, options inspire creative events—progressive dinners, wine pairings, or tequila tastings.
Nightlife pulses with casinos (Agua Caliente, Spotlight 29, Fantasy Springs), clubs, live music, and concerts. Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace hosts legends like Leon Russell, Robert Plant, and Eric Burdon.
Spas
Indulge in desert-inspired wellness powered by native plants and mineral springs. Exclusive resorts, celebrity spas, and Desert Hot Springs’ 20+ boutique hotels offer rejuvenation. Annual SpaTours in February provide immersive group experiences in “The Healing Mineral Springs Capital of California.”
Shopping
Retail therapy thrives from boutiques and consignment shops to street fairs and outlets. El Paseo in Palm Desert, “The Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” spans a mile of luxury with affordable finds and culinary tours.
Celebrity-favored consignment spots and mid-century modern on North Palm Canyon Drive thrill collectors. Try team-building treasure hunts.
Culture & Arts
Rooted in Cahuilla heritage, explore via Agua Caliente Cultural Museum tours, art lessons, and storytelling. Contemporary galleries and art walks (Palm Canyon Backstreet Art District, first Wednesday; Palm Desert’s The Art Palace, first Friday) buzz with talent. Host receptions at Palm Springs Art Museum.
Theaters like McCallum, Annenberg, and others stage plays, musicals, and performances.
Events
Festivals abound: Palm Springs International Film Festival, Indian Wells Arts Festival, Modernism Week, plus wildflowers, tamales, VillageFest (Thursdays), College of the Desert Street Fair (weekends), and Palm Desert Public Art Tour. Immerse in Coachella Valley culture effortlessly.
