Desert off-road tour
Enjoy this unique opportunity to explore the Sonoran Desert via four-wheel drive vehicles. Each off-road vehicle is driven by a cowboy guide who will entertain and educate you with interesting facts about the desert and the early settlers that called this rough wilderness home. Get ready to experience the magnificent vistas, fresh air and lush plant and wildlife that comprise one of the most beautiful deserts in the world.

ATTIRE: Comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunscreen

Horseback riding
Feel the West come alive as knowledgeable wranglers guide you on a 90-minute ride through the panoramic vistas of Arizona's most famous desert. As you venture along desert trails winding through towering saguaro cacti, mesquite groves and other desert plant life, your guide will talk of the abundant plant and animal life. You will learn of the famous and often nameless cowboys, soldiers, pioneers, outlaws, and Native Americans who crossed many of the trails you will be riding. Individuals of all riding experience levels will enjoy this ride.

ATTIRE: Long pants, boots or closed-toe shoes, hats and sunscreen

Jewelry making
Jewelry will be created with the Southwestern charm of sterling silver and turquoise from the Sleeping Beauty and Kingman mines in Arizona. These will be accompanied by Middle Eastern and Mexican beads that will be selected for the participants to make their own bracelets. After choosing a bracelet sample, participants will be given a kit containing a picture of the bracelet sample and beads and findings similar to the sample. If they choose not to make a bracelet from a kit, they may design their own creation from loose beads. Guidance will focus on design and balance.

ATTIRE: Comfortable, casual attire

Behind the scenes…artists' studios tour
Join us for an authentic behind-the-scenes look at some of the artists who have made Arizona their home. The tour will include visits to three studios where you will have the opportunity to see the unique art of Raku pottery production, an acclaimed glass artist who will share her outstanding glass collection and her passion for Glass Tapestries, and finally the high art form of making glass paperweights.

ATTIRE: Comfortable, casual attire

River rafting
Take a scenic ride down the cool water of the Salt River and enjoy the beauty of the Arizona desert from a different perspective. During the float trip, your guide will explain the unique habitat of this riparian environment, the importance of the rivers in the ancient and contemporary settlements of the Valley, and the history and culture of the communities living on the river. Desert plants and animals seen along the way will also be discussed. This is an enjoyable flat water float (class I-II) and life jackets will be provided which are required for added safety. Each inflatable raft holds eight to ten persons and is led by an experienced professional rafting guide.

ATTIRE: Layered clothing, soft-soled shoes, hats and sunscreen

Tuscany cooking class
This class is designed as an interactive demonstration with hands-on preparation of exciting seasonal items as presented by Chef de Cuisine Brian Archibald. The demonstration will take place in the AAA Four-diamond award-winning Ristorante Tuscany located onsite at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. Chef Brian will describe the ingredients and methods he uses. Guests receive take home binders of the recipes for each dish. Participants will prepare and taste four palate-tempting hors d'oeuvres that can be recreated at home for family and friends.

ATTIRE: Comfortable, casual attire

Golf tournament
Named as one of Travel & Leisure Golf's '2006 World's Best Golf Resorts', the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort's Wildfire Golf Club is a desert gem offering exciting play surrounded by panoramic Sonoran desert views. The annual Vision golf tournament is scheduled for a 1 p.m. shotgun start on the celebrated Arnold Palmer Signature Course, the highest level course designed by this American golf legend. Prizes will be awarded to the top foursome, the longest drive and closest to the pin.

ATTIRE: appropriate golf attire, sunscreen

Receive email updates for more details about the Vision 2007 conference as they become available.