SBM2023 in Phoenix

I love living in Phoenix because there is a wide variety of things to do that suits everyone; from walking the art district to finding new hikes each weekend. I consider myself a foodie, so one of my favorite parts of living here is finding new places to eat. I have plenty of recommendations! Phoenix has a lot to offer and is a booming city; it's exciting to be part of that growth!

- Krista S. Leonard, PhD

Phoenix, Arizona has much to offer SBM annual meeting attendees. Let me suggest two activities that motivated SBM Annual Meeting attendees can accomplish, without missing too many of the exciting talks and sessions. One is the circumference trail at Piestewa Peak, which is part of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. This can be reached from the conference hotel with a modest Lyft or Uber ride. Hikers can enjoy much of the trail and be immersed in an authentic Sonoran desert experience without a hint of the city in sight.

The second activity is to take the light rail and visit the Tempe campus of Arizona State University. From the light rail station, one can walk up the ‘A’ butte trail and admire ancient Native American petroglyphs. There is also the beautiful Palm Walk and many new buildings, among these ISTB7 that preserved the Kirkland-McKinney irrigation ditch (re-established by 19th- century settlers from the original Hohokam canals). SBM meeting attendees will easily meet their 10,000 step goals (or higher) with a visit and walk through the Tempe campus.

- Daniel E. Rivera, PhD

Phoenix is a culturally diverse yet an extremely welcoming and friendly city. As someone who is relatively newer to the city, I found it very easy to make friends, maneuver around, and quickly become acquainted with the people and the place. Phoenix’s attractions include the beautiful botanical garden, zoo, stare parks and restaurants. It is known as the hiker’s paradise with scenic hiking trails such as the Camelback, Gold Canyon, and Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. It is well connected to world renowned tourist spots such as Sedona, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon. Come visit us in Phoenix for an ultimate experience that combines work with pleasure.

- Rizwana Biviji, PhD, MS

In addition to the cacti, mountains, and perpetual sunshine, the city of Phoenix has an eclectic built environment for visitors and residents to explore. Living here, I have grown to deeply appreciate and love the myriad architectural styles represented in Phoenix homes, commercial, and public buildings. Compared to other large cities, Phoenix is a young city currently experiencing tremendous population growth. Yet preservation of historical buildings continues to be a priority for residents and city managers. Downtown Phoenix is home to Heritage Square where Victorian era Rosson House Museum sits, as well as 14 story Art Deco style Luhrs tower at First Avenue and Jefferson Street. Visitors interested in architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s minimalist style shouldn’t miss seeing the midcentury modern work of Al Beadle, Ralph Haver, and other notable Phoenix architects in homes, businesses, and places of worship in downtown, midtown, and uptown Phoenix. Consider Phoenix a haven for architecture and design nerds to enjoy! One of my favorite things to do in Phoenix is attending a Diamondbacks baseball game at Chase Field, Suns or Mercury basketball game at Footprint Center, or Cardinals football game at State Farm Stadium. 

- Jennifer Mattingly

One thing I love about Phoenix is that there are numerous mountain trails to hike within 15 minutes of downtown! One place you must visit when coming to Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Gardens. It highlights the beauty of the desert’s native plants.

- Rodney P. Joseph, PhD

Phoenix is a city of contrasts. We live in the desert, full of the emblematic Saguaro cactus that reminds you how old is the land you are walking on. Yet there is plenty of water in a city that some call ‘dry’...numerous thunderstorms during monsoon season, plenty of lakes, and bright green spaces. And of course, there are intensely hot days during the Summer, but beautiful perfect weather during the rest of the year attracting people from all over the country. For a person who loves the outdoors like me, Phoenix is the perfect place to practice a variety of sports such as hiking, biking, running, swimming, and kayaking. It is also perfect to spend time with the family during a peaceful bike ride along the Arizona Canal, a visit to the Arizona Falls, and a stop for ice cream or pizza at La Grande Orange. It is also a city that promotes culture with its First Fridays, which provide an opportunity to people from all walks of life to visit places like the Phoenix Art Museum completely free. I am delighted to know that SBM will be hosting our annual meeting next year in this city I have come to call home. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to recognize the beauty that I have come to appreciate while living in the Sonoran Desert.

- Maricarmen Vizcaino, PhD E-RYT

The Phoenix area continues to surprise me with everything it has to offer. To start, the Phoenix metropolitan area has a large population and, as such, there is an array of restaurants, coffeehouses, microbreweries, and entertainment. You can likely find whatever you crave or want to do in the Phoenix area. What I love most about the Phoenix area is the beauty of the desert landscape where both cacti and palm trees coexist. Not too far from the Phoenix area, you have the red rocks in Sedona, the mountain landscape in Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon – one of the seven wonders of the world – is only a 4-hour drive. In April, everyone will want to be enjoying the weather in Phoenix.

- Kevin M. Korous, PhD

Come to the SBM Annual Meeting and check for yourself why Phoenix and surrounding area has become the fastest growing city in the US. Phoenix International Airport is accessible from anywhere in the world. The Valley of the Sun offers the perfect climate in the spring, whether you are looking to golf in one of the 200 courses in the area, watch professional baseball, take a jeep ride in the red rocks of Sedona or hike the Grand Canyon. Visit nearby Scottsdale for fine cuisine and world class spas and resorts. You will appreciate the unique beauty of the Botanical Gardens on the foothills of Paradise Valley on the Camelback Mountain. For lovers of the arts don’t miss the nation’s top Musical Instrument Museum or take in a Broadway show at the Phoenix Theater.           

- Robert Scales, PhD

Living in Phoenix is great because there is so much to do and see. I have really fallen in love with the desert scenery and we have really breathtaking sunsets! One of my favorite activities is hiking and Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak are two of my favorites! For a tasty bite you definitely need to check out The Vig, Pizzeria Bianco, or Taco Guild.

- Jeni L. Green, PhD

Phoenix is a beautiful and fun place to visit. I especially love to be outdoors (except in the summer!) and explore new places around the valley. There is a lot of great dining – don’t miss out on our authentic Sonoran Mexican cuisine. The temperature in April is perfect for hiking and then brunching on a patio!       

- Karey L. O'Hara, PhD

I appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds Phoenix. The mountains and the clear blue skies are spectacular. Phoenix also has a surprisingly epic vegan food scene, which attendees should definitely take advantage of   

- Erin G. Mistretta, MA

I love living in the Phoenix area because the sun is almost always shining and we have the most beautiful sunsets!  Whether it’s hiking, exploring trails, sitting on a restaurant patio with a mountain or lakefront view, or swimming, there is always something to do year-round.  Also, if we are in need of cooler weather or want to play in the snow, it’s a short drive up to Northern Arizona with even more beautiful sceneries and mountains to hike.  There are also great wineries/breweries in the Phoenix area and up in Northern Arizona as well, and the food here is incredible!  

- Laura Priorello, PhD