Coming to Phoenix

As the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S., Phoenix offers a multitude of cultural and recreational activities. Plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures make March a perfect time to visit Phoenix with an average daytime high of 75ºF (24ºC), and an average overnight low of 50ºF (10ºC). To go along with the comfortable weather is a very comfortable dress code -- jeans and Western wear are always in style!

Arizona is known as the land of contrasts. Visitors will enjoy exploring everything from the majestic Grand Canyon to the cactus-filled scenery of the Sonoran Desert. Many destinations can be reached in only a few hours by car from Phoenix. Private tours for ICASSP-99 attendees are provided by Southwest Discovery Tours.

Arizona was granted statehood in 1912 and was the last of the 48 contiguous states to join the United States. Since then, it has grown to a population of over 3.5 million. Phoenix is Arizona's largest city, one of the ten largest cities in the U.S., the state capital, and the center of a metropolitan area (including Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, and numerous smaller municipalities) containing most of the state's population. The city, metropolitan area, and state are all rich in history -- from prehistoric ruins and artifacts left by indigenous peoples, through the "wild west" territorial days, to the twentieth century developments that have made the area what it is today: a center of technology industry (the "silicon desert"), tourism and recreation, education, and one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Additionally, the Phoenix area and the state offer scenic beauty of uncommon varieties -- the Grand Canyon is just the most well known of many spectacular features of Arizona. There is much to see and do in and around Phoenix.

Last Update:  19:37 GMT,  March 12, 1999         Ingo Höntsch