​​​​​​Electronic Brainstorming–The Lab within the Center: A unique aspect of our support is the use of electronic brainstorming software in an approach that we call the Advanced Strategy Lab (ASL). Participants in an ASL session utilize laptop computers with the advanced software platform Converge designed specifically for stakeholder research sessions. Guided with expert facilitation, participants can respond simultaneously and anonymously to critical planning and input questions. Participants can be members of a community task force, a corporate planning team, a recruited focus group, or part of a product development team. Rapid identification of ideas, development of key themes, prioritizations of themes and electronic survey support create clear outcomes and ensure a high level of valued input from all participants. The end result is not only a comprehensive planning/input document, but a high level of buy in and commitment to the results.


The Advanced Strategy Center (ASC) at Pinnacle Peak was formally dedicated on November 2, 2000 and is the result of the extensive experience in the field of research, technology and planning by our founding partners:  Douglas Griffen, Cathy Chamberlain, and Patrick Garrett. The Center is approximately 2500 square feet of space designed specifically for strategic planning and meeting support and has three primary rooms to support the meeting activities:


  • Our entry area is a large room with round tables for 20-25 participants as an initial staging area for group discussions, presentations, and breakout dialogue. It includes a break area for catered meals, and has a large screen TV for video, DVD and computer generated presentations
  • Our primary strategy room is adjacent to the staging room and features a U-shaped conference environment with laptop technology to support our Advanced Strategy Lab process. The conference table is designed for 20 participants and all laptop cabling/power is integrated into the tables for a very clean look and focused work environment. Ceiling mounted LCD projector and DVD/VHS/CD and cassette are all piped in through integrated audio/video support
  • A client conference and viewing room allows clients to directly observe an ASL session through a traditional one way glass, but with a nontraditional twist. The participant electronic data is displayed on monitors in front of the clients for viewing the consolidated electronic responses, votes and survey assessments. The client team becomes an integral part of the process.














Location

The Center itself is located in north Scottsdale, Arizona in the high Sonoran Desert, near the base of the landmark Pinnacle Peak mountain. Located in a southwest style building, the Center opens pleasantly into a courtyard area for a relaxed feel and outstanding mountain and desert views. 

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THE CENTER

Staying Here


Our national clients and visitors will find a wide range of hotels and resorts near the center. Just to the north of the Center is the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North, and just ten minutes away near the TPC golf course is the Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountain.


Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountain
16770 North Perimeter Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480.502.3836 


Four Seasons at Troon North

10600 East Crescent Moon Drive
Scottsdale AZ, 85255
480.515.5700​

Getting Here

If you are travelling from the Greater Phoenix Metro area, take the loop 101 North towards Scottsdale. Take exit 39, Princess Dr./Pima Road exit. Go north on Pima Road past Pinnacle Peak Road and turn right at the next light, which is Happy Valley Road. Head east on Happy Valley until you hit the stop sign at Alma School Road, and turn left onto Alma School. For about one mile, and turn left on Jomax Road. Our Center is in the Pinnacle Peak Plaza building on the Southwest corner of Alma School and Jomax. 

​Center Backgrounder


For a one page PDF backgrounder of the center, please click on the attached link: 

Advanced Tools & Techniques for Organizational Change