Exhibitor guide · Scottsdale, Arizona
Talking Stick Resort: the exhibitor's guide
A tribally owned resort on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land, more than 100,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, and a 25,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom that opened in 2010. What exhibitors need to know at Talking Stick.
Talking Stick · 9800 E Talking Stick WayWhy this page exists
Talking Stick Resort opened April 15, 2010, on land owned by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, replacing an older Casino Arizona site with a full meetings-and-gaming resort. Between the 37,197 sq ft of indoor space and 75,000 sq ft of outdoor function space, the property flexes to more than 100,000 square feet for larger events, all inside Scottsdale's northeast corridor. This guide covers the meeting space, Arizona's labor rules, drayage, and hotels nearby.
The building
The meeting space
| Space | What it is | Typical shows | Booth planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Ballroom | 25,000 sq ft, configurable into multiple sets. | General sessions, galas | Carpeted; confirm floor protection needs. |
| Indoor meeting space | 37,197 sq ft total. | Breakouts, association meetings | Hand-carry and tabletop formats. |
| Outdoor function space | 75,000 sq ft. | Receptions, activations | Weather and heat exposure; confirm shade and power. |
Figures from Talking Stick Resort's published meetings overview.
The labor map
Who sets up my booth?
Arizona's right-to-work law applies; confirm hand-carry and self-install allowances with the show's official decorator, since the property sits on tribal land and may have its own facility-specific procedures.
Right-to-work state; the show decorator sets the terms
Rules vary by show; Purple confirms current terms before your build.
Exhibitor-appointed contractors
Purple files as your EAC for Talking Stick shows.
History
Since 2010
Talking Stick Resort opens on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land, replacing the older Casino Arizona 101 & Indian Bend site with a full-scale resort and meetings destination.
The property undergoes its most recent major renovation, updating meeting and public spaces.
Free tool
Talking Stick drayage estimator
Planning numbers for 2026 and 2027; your show's exhibitor kit has the tariff.
Logistics
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
- Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor is about 15–20 minutes.
- On-site: guest rooms are part of the resort itself.
- By car: Loop 101 and Via de Ventura both reach the property.
- Crew: Purple coordinates Southwest crews for Scottsdale-area installs.
| Hotel | Distance | Why exhibitors pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Talking Stick Resort guest rooms | On-site | The simplest option for exhibitors. |
| Scottsdale-area hotels | 10–15-min drive | A wider range of price points. |
Questions
Talking Stick Resort FAQ
Who owns Talking Stick Resort?
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, on whose land the resort sits.
How big is the meeting space?
37,197 square feet of indoor space plus 75,000 square feet of outdoor function space, flexing to more than 100,000 square feet for larger events.
Can I set up my own booth?
Arizona's right-to-work law applies; confirm current procedures with your show's official decorator given the property's tribal-land status.
How much is drayage?
Purple's planning estimate is about $140 per hundredweight in 2026 and 2027, with a 200-pound minimum.
How big is the Grand Ballroom?
25,000 square feet, within 37,197 sq ft of indoor meeting space.
When did Talking Stick Resort open?
April 15, 2010, with its last major renovation in 2018.
Exhibiting at Talking Stick?
Send us the show and booth number. You get a labor briefing, a drayage estimate, and a build timeline within two business days.
Venue guides
Every venue we have a guide for
Same standard, every hall: the building, the rules, the tools and the calendar.