Travel & Venue

Location

The convention is located at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa, located at 1011 West Holmes Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210.  Click here to book a room at discounted convention rates, $ 149 to include breakfast. Click here to book your hotel.

Or if calling for reservations and need to add extra days, please call:  Marge Wakley
Sales and Group Coordinator at (480) 844-6013 and ask for the group code FEL.  Space is limited. 

Additional Lodging Options
Our main convention hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa, is the center of the action and the most convenient location.

However, if you find the DoubleTree is fully booked, don't worry! There are several other excellent hotels located very close by, most within an easy 0.3-mile (5-minute) walk.
Here are the closest alternatives:
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Mesa
  • Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Mesa
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix Mesa West
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix - Mesa West
Please note that we do not have official room blocks at these locations, so you will need to contact them directly for their availability and rates. We recommend booking quickly, as they are likely to fill up as well.


Air Travel


Travelers can fly into two primary airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). The hotel does not offer a dedicated airport shuttle from either location.

Flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
This is the larger, primary international airport for the region. It is located approximately 12 miles west of the hotel.
  • By Car (Rental or Ride-Share): The drive is the fastest option, taking approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft): Services are readily available at PHX. A typical trip to the hotel may cost between $35 and $45.
  • Taxi: Taxis are also available and will likely cost a similar amount to ride-sharing services.
  • Public Transit: While very affordable (around $4), this option is slow. It involves taking the Valley Metro Rail (tram) and then transferring to a bus, with a total travel time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Flying into Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
This is a smaller, regional airport located approximately 12 miles southeast of the hotel. It is serviced by airlines such as Allegiant.
  • By Car (Rental or Ride-Share): This is the most straightforward option. The drive typically takes 20-25 minutes.
  • Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft): Both services are available for pickup at AZA.
  • Taxis & Shuttles: The airport's ground transportation page lists several local taxi and pre-bookable shuttle/car services.

Explore Around Mesa

When you have free time, you'll find plenty of options just a short drive from the convention. For a dose of culture, head to the award-winning Mesa Arts Center to see its stunning architecture and free art museum. Right nearby is the Arizona Museum of Natural History, which is perfect for all ages and features everything from dinosaur skeletons to exhibits on Arizona's rich history.

If you're looking for food, shopping, or family fun, the Mesa Riverview is a large outdoor center with dozens of restaurants, stores, and a movie theater. Just across the highway, you can't miss Golfland Sunsplash, a local landmark with miniature golf, an arcade, and a full-scale waterpark (waterpark is seasonal). Mesa is also a Spring Training hub, home to Sloan Park for the Cubs and Hohokam Stadium for the A's.

Good to Know: Arizona Travel Tips

Here are a few extra details to help you plan your trip.
  • Weather & Packing (for late April): Expect beautiful, sunny, and warm weather. Average highs are in the upper 80s°F (around 30-32°C) with average lows in the upper 50s or low 60s°F (around 13-16°C). It is very dry and rain is unlikely.
    • What to pack: Think lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the day. It's a "bring your swimsuit" kind of-weather. The hotel has an amazing pool so you'll want to take advantage of it! You will also want a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, as the desert air cools down quickly after sunset.
  • The Arizona Time Zone (A Heads-Up!): This trips up travelers all the time. Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) does not observe Daylight Saving Time. During the convention in April, this means Arizona will be on the same time as the Pacific Time Zone (e.g., California), and one hour behind the Mountain Time Zone (e.g., Colorado).
  • Getting Around & Parking:
    • Transportation: Mesa is a large, spread-out city. While our hotel is near a few restaurants, you will need a car or ride-share service (like Uber, Lyft, or the autonomous Waymo) to explore most of the attractions listed. Public transit (Valley Metro bus and light rail) is available, but a car is generally more efficient.
  • Nearby Conveniences: If you forget anything or want to stock your room, there are several stores within a short 5-minute drive of the hotel, including a Walgreens pharmacy and Safeway grocery store.


Have more questions about travel or the venue? Visit our FAQ page for more information.