Tourism and Events

The Tourism and Events Department supports the economic vitality and unique lifestyle of Scottsdale by marketing and promoting arts and culture, downtown, events and tourism. The department provides services, support, and funding for the development of tourism-related capital projects, events and event development, destination marketing and promotion as well as research. It manages the public special event permitting process and, through contracts serves as the steward for the municipal collection of public art and cultural programming (Scottsdale Arts) as well as the marketing and promotion of Scottsdale as a premiere visitor destination (Experience Scottsdale).

Event Funding Programs Information

Events are an important component of Scottsdale’s overall image, “its product”, and its lifestyle. The City and its residents often benefit from events held in Scottsdale through increased cultural opportunities, recreational activities, increased economic activity, enhanced community status, and additional marketing exposure. The tourism and events department manages multiple programs that help to support events throughout the City.

Community Event Funding

Community events are defined as activities that are locally significant, may have historical value, celebrate a community spirit and unique sense of place, and are primarily attended by residents, but also provide something to do for visitors.
Community Event Funding Application (PDF)
Community Event Funding Post Event Report (PDF)

Event Venue Fee Funding

The event venue fee program provides available bed tax funds to be utilized for event development of niche tourism driven events that support the following tourism drivers: Golf, Sports and Recreation. In order to be eligible for the program, event applicants must utilize a city owned, operated or controlled event venue and generate room nights in Scottsdale hotels (list found below).
Event Venue Fee Funding Application (PDF)
Event Venue Fee Funding Post Event Report (PDF)

Matching Event Advertising Funding

The Matching Event Advertising Program supports events that market the destination and generate incremental Scottsdale room nights associated with the event.
Matching Event Advertising Funding Application (PDF)
Matching Event Advertising Funding Post Event Report (PDF)

Event Development Funding

The New Event Development program is for large events that market and promote Scottsdale’s attractiveness as a destination to our target leisure and meeting visitors, both nationally and internationally, and generate room nights in Scottsdale hotels. Events can participate in this program for a maximum of three years.
Event Development Funding Worksheet (PDF)
Event Development Funding Post Event Report (PDF)

Event Directional Banner Program

The primary purpose of Scottsdale’s directional banner program is to allow the City and eligible organizations the opportunity to promote their special events. When applying to display horizontal or vertical directional street banners, certain requirements and fees will need to be satisfied by the applicant. Please review the banner guidelines before applying for banner use.