Ever wondered how conventions and city-wide events like the Big Sky Basketball Tournament come to Boise?
Meet Vicki Carley, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Block 22 Property Management, whose work happens largely behind the scenes—but whose impact is felt across the city.
“I love helping bring big events to Boise,” Vicki says. The Big Sky men’s and women’s tournaments began here in 2019 and returned again in March 2026, with a renewed commitment through 2032—an example of the kind of long-term partnerships that help shape Boise’s event calendar.
Tourism is one of the top industries bringing new dollars into Idaho, and Vicki’s role is to help make those visits happen. Much of her work begins long before an event is ever announced.
“I spend a lot of time knocking on doors, asking questions, and inviting people to collaborate,” she says.
That collaboration includes working with organizations like Visit Boise and the Southwest Idaho Travel Association, as well as venues and businesses across the city. Together, they present Boise not just as a destination, but as a coordinated and welcoming experience for event organizers.
Block 22 manages several of downtown Boise’s key hotels and venues, including The Grove Hotel and Idaho Central Arena—both central to hosting and supporting large-scale events.
When a convention or tournament comes to town, the impact extends well beyond the event itself. Hotels fill, restaurants see increased traffic, and visitors explore the region—often extending their stays to experience more of what Idaho has to offer.
But bringing those events to Boise is not automatic. It requires coordination, persistence, and a clear understanding of what sets the city apart.
Working closely with the Boise Centre and partners across the community, Vicki helps shape how Boise is presented to planners considering future events. Site visits are often where those efforts come together.
“Once we get people here, they fall in love with Boise,” she says.
Visitors frequently point to the city’s walkability, accessibility, and sense of community. Behind the scenes, that experience is supported by ongoing investment in downtown hotels and venues, including recent updates at properties like The Grove Hotel that help Boise remain competitive for larger events.
Vicki’s connection to Boise runs deep. Her family moved here in 1989, and her career has spanned hospitality, arena management, and public-private partnerships.
“I’ve been lucky in my career,” she says, “to work with people who care about this community.”
That commitment extends beyond events. Block 22 supports a range of local arts and cultural organizations, contributing to the broader experience that both residents and visitors value.
At the center of it all is a simple idea: bringing people to Boise is not just about filling rooms or hosting events—it’s about sustaining what makes the city a place people want to be.
“Tourism is my passion,” Vicki says. “We live here too, and we want Boise to continue to be a great place to live and visit.”