Will Phoenix lure the 2016 Democratic National Convention?

In terms of security and logistical demands, the few events that rival it are the presidential inauguration, the Olympics and the G-8 summit of world leaders.

That's the scope of the task Phoenix faces if it succeeds in its bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The city is trying to put its best foot forward this week as party organizers are in town for a visit.

The city must be able to provide accommodations and help ensure the security of the party's presidential nominee, former presidents, hundreds of members of Congress, about 6,000 convention delegates, as many as 18,000 members of the media and more than 50,000 total guests.

Phoenix hasn't succeeded in several previous bids to host the Democratic or Republican conventions, but city officials say improvements to the downtown area show it's ready to put on an event of that magnitude.

"We are in a spot that we were not as a city 10 years ago because of things like light rail, the convention center and new hotels downtown," said Seth Scott, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Greg Stanton. "We've really come a long way, particularly in the last few years."

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Members of the DNC's technical advisory committee are visiting through Thursday to tour potential event venues and meet with leaders from local business and labor leaders and city officials, including Police Chief Daniel V. Garcia and acting Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner.

Phoenix is among five cities in the running to host the presidential-nominating convention, along with Birmingham, Ala.; Columbus, Ohio; New York; and Philadelphia.

Although this week's conversations will focus on the city's logistic capabilities, Stanton, a Democrat, has suggested picking Phoenix makes political sense for the party, saying the state's increasingly active Latino voters represent the future of American politics.

"Both political parties, if they're smart, will be adopting public policies that are supportive of the wonderfully-diverse population that we have here in Phoenix," Stanton said Wednesday during a news conference with Amy Dacey, chief executive of the Democratic National Committee.

Stanton and a delegation of Phoenix leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., in June to help boost the city's bid. He has said the city must send the message that it has "gone the opposite way" of conservative state lawmakers when it comes to policies affecting Latino and gay residents — Arizona's controversial legislation has often been the butt of jokes for late-night comedians.

Phoenix also submitted a bid to host the 2016 Republican National Convention but was eliminated in April. Phoenix's scorching summer temperatures were cited as a challenge city boosters needed to overcome.

City officials have a familiar talking point handy to address any weather questions from the Democratic delegation, however: It's a dry heat. Plus, Phoenix's large event venues are generally close together, and the city will provide large shade tents, Scott said.

"Where we have a weather advantage is that we can do things to mitigate heat in dry conditions," he said. "It's much more difficult to do in humid climates."

What will DNC visitors tour?

Organizers for the Democratic National Committee are in town this week to determine if Phoenix is capable of hosting the party's 2016 presidential-nominating convention — a massive event that would bring tens of thousands of guests and millions in tourism dollars. To help lure the DNC, city leaders plan to show the group Democratic National Committee organizers some of the city's finest venues and dining spots this week. Here are some highlights from their itinerary:

US Airways Center

201 E. Jefferson St.

The home of the Phoenix Suns since 1992, US Airways Center isn't the newest basketball and entertainment arena, but city officials say it's capable of hosting the event's largest speeches and the nomination vote.

Phoenix Convention Center

100 N. Third St.

The Phoenix Convention Center, a stone's throw away from US Airways Center, boasts 900,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space as well as the state's largest ballroom.

Chase Field

401 E. Jefferson St.

Chase Field was built in 1998 to host the state's first Major League Baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. The building has also hosted large concerts and exhibitions.

Heard Museum

2301 N. Central Ave.

The Heard Museum is internationally known for its collection of Native American art and artifacts, as well as cultural events. It could be used to host several convention events, such as caucus meetings.

Clarendon Hotel

401 W. Clarendon Ave.

This four-star boutique hotel has a long history in central Phoenix and has undergone a chic remodel. It has a sky- deck bar and gourmet Mexican restaurant.

Arrogant Butcher

2 E. Jefferson St., Suite 150

DNC visitors will dine at the Arrogant Butcher in downtown's new CityScape development. The restaurant is a popular haunt for local politicians and is known for its seafood, steaks and cocktails.

Hotel Palomar

2 E. Jefferson St.

City officials plan to host a poolside cocktail party with DNC officials at the Hotel Palomar, where the Lustre rooftop garden overlooks parts of downtown. The Palomar is one of downtown's more eclectic boutique hotels.

Orpheum Theatre

203 W. Adams St.

The historic Orpheum Theatre in the heart of downtown has 1,364 seats and could be used to host caucus events.

Arizona Biltmore

2400 E. Missouri Ave.

The Arizona Biltmore, with acres of gardens and swimming pools, has been one of Phoenix's prized luxury resorts since 1929. Officials hope the city's array of luxury resorts will appeal to convention organizers looking for VIP accommodations.