Ascend is only a few weeks away, which means it’s almost time for our favorite event of the year! And this year, we’re hosting it in our favorite place: our hometown of Phoenix. What makes it even more special is that (1) we just moved into our brand-new headquarters, and (2) we’re celebrating WebPT’s 10th birthday. So obviously, we’re super-pumped to share our new space, our community, and our 10-year festivities with all of our Ascend peeps.
If you’re heading to the Valley of the Sun next month, this post will help you get acquainted with our city and all it has to offer while you’re in town. Still on the fence about attending? We’ve got five reasons you don’t want to miss this year’s event.
Official Ascend Events
Welcome Happy Hour
We’re kicking the whole thing off with a happy hour at our brand-new WebPT HQ in downtown Phoenix! Come join the WebPT crew and your peers for drinks and appetizers at our newly-renovated space. We’ll be giving behind-the-scenes tours, so you definitely don’t want to miss out!
The Exchange
We debuted the Exchange—roundtable peer discussions focused on specific topics—at last year’s Ascend, and it was one of the most-talked-about sessions. So, we’re bringing it back in 2018—and doubling the amount of allotted time. This may be one of the best opportunities you’ll ever have to talk shop and problem-solve with people who walk in your shoes on a daily basis. It’s also a great place to build networking relationships that last well beyond the conference.
Our Biggest Agenda Ever
This year’s speaker lineup is chock-full of industry experts and thought leaders. In fact, it’s our biggest lineup yet. Be sure to review the agenda before you get here to plan out your sessions accordingly.
Off-the-Agenda Fun
A Guide to Downtown
Never been to Phoenix before? We’ve got you covered with a special Phoenix City Guide we created specifically for Ascend 2018. Downtown Phoenix is full of places to see and things to do, and this guide will help point you in the right direction.
Greater Phoenix and Beyond
Have time to explore beyond the Ascend neighborhood? The greater Phoenix area is full of hiking trails, legendary golf courses, and unique architecture (make sure to bring extra water if you venture out). If you have the urge to get out of the city, Prescott’s Whiskey Row, Jerome’s ghost town, Sedona’s red rock landscape, and Flagstaff’s 6,910 foot elevation (and cool, fresh air) are all within day-trip distance.
Transportation
Travel Options
Phoenix is very Uber- and Lyft-friendly, so if you prefer ridesharing, you’re covered! There’s also a light rail system running through downtown that will get you from point A to point B in a flash. Looking for some physical activity? Phoenix is home to Grid Bikes, which allows you to rent bicycles (for a small fee) to ride between stations throughout the city.
Recommended Attire
This is the desert, and September is the tail-end of our summer season, so make sure you bring cool clothing. Because you’ll be walking around quite a bit, we’d recommend a nice, comfy pair of shoes. If you plan to spend any extended periods of time outside, make sure you have a hat and sunscreen, too. Also, you’ll be busy in sessions all day, so don’t forget those phone and laptop chargers!
Ascend 2018 promises to be the best Ascend to date, and you’ll definitely want to be there. Register now to get your ticket while they’re still available!
Event Details
Ascend 2018
September 27-29, 2018
Phoenix
webpt.com/ascend
