Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix

The convention center first opened in 1982 and was created as both an area to host concerts and cultural events and attract trade-show convention business to the city. The project was completed at the same time as the Phoenix Symphony Hall. Since those early days, the facility has expanded dramatically with a doubling of available space in 1985 and more buildings and a significant renovation project tackled in the 2000s.

Among the many facilities within the center is a 143-foot long sky bridge that connects the West and North Buildings. From the windowed corridor, there's an outstanding view of downtown and South Mountain in the distance.

The new design of the convention center takes its design cues from the Arizona landscape. The glass and stone atrium is made to feel like a slot canyon, with the unique light and angles present. The colors and finishes are in warm desert hues. When all of these individual attributes are totaled up, the Phoenix Convention Center is one of the country's most beautiful facilities.