AZ Big Media's history is one of evolution and expansion. The company originally started out with just one magazine, when President and CEO Mike Atkinson purchased the publishing enterprise in 1985. The sole magazine, originally called Arizona Office Guide to Phoenix, was a quarterly controlled circulation magazine of 7,000 that focused on the Phoenix office market. The magazine changed names several times until 1988, when it changed to its current title, Arizona Business Magazine, and began covering the entire Arizona business market with a bi-monthly circulation of 25,000.
AZ Big Media has grown exponentially since then to cover a multitude of niche topics and industries within its various publications, and become a host for a series of publication-related events and statewide expos.
MAGAZINES
Twenty-five years later in 2009, AZ Big Media publishes more than seven different magazines — ranging from monthly to annual publications — including:
Arizona Business Magazine
The state's leading monthly business publication for high-level corporate executives and business owners.
AZRE | Arizona Commercial Real Estate Magazine
A bi-monthly publication that debuted in January 2005, and covers trends throughout various market sectors and commercial real estate related industries with a 25,000 circulation. AZRE began publishing its own annual publication, People to Know, in 2008.
People to Know
An annual resource guide and a useful informative tool that further supports the local industry's mission to build great communities throughout the state of Arizona. AZRE created this publication to open new lines of communication, better inform those who enter our state, as well as connect natives who have seen the state prosper and grow over the years.
Scottsdale Home & Design
Covering the high-end residential marketplace, this bi-monthly publication was launched in 1993 as Arizona Lifestyle Magazine. The name changed to its current title in 2006.
Ranking AZ
Created in 1997, this annual publication is the outcome of the largest business opinion poll in Arizona. The general public votes on business and leisure activities of the state's business professionals to select the best of the best.
Experience AZ
This annual magazine is the perfect travel guide for visitors and locals to some of the best places and secrets in the Grand Canyon State. The annual also publishes Touchdown AZ as a stand alone and special insert. This annual football guide features information for Fiesta Bowl and Insight Bowl visitors and locals attending the game.
Creative Designer
For more than 20 years, this annual has highlighted and showcased the top designers, homebuilders and retailers who help Arizona residents create the home of their dreams.
EVENTS
AZ Big Media presents special events and award receptions throughout the year for several of its publications.
Arizona Business Magazine
Health Care Leadership Awards
Recognizes the accomplishments of individuals and organizations that have made strides in helping Arizonans receive better health care.
Best of the Best Awards
Recognizes the year’s No. 1 companies as showcased in Ranking Arizona, and pays special tribute to 12 companies for being the “Best of the Best.”
AZ Fast 15 Awards
Honors 15 middle-market companies that have shown remarkable growth.
Family-Owned Business Awards
Pays tribute to outstanding family-owned businesses that have risen to success.
Centers of Influence Awards
Brings together Arizona’s most influential accountants, bankers and lawyers who help businesses run more efficiently.
Economic Engines of Arizona Awards
Honors the People, Places, Products and Services that have made significant contributions to Arizona’s economy.
CFO of the Year Awards
These awards are given to professionals for outstanding performance in their roles as corporate financial stewards.
Nonprofit & Corporate Responsibility Awards
Gives recognition to the dedicated and hard working nonprofit organizations of Arizona, and the corporations that support their efforts.
AZRE | Arizona Commercial Real Estate Magazine
RED Awards Recognizes the biggest, best and most notable commercial real estate projects of the year, with special recognition to those development teams involved in the winning projects.
Ranking Arizona
Best of the Best Awards Recognizes the year’s No. 1 companies as showcased in Ranking Arizona, and pays special tribute to 12 companies for being the “Best of the Best.”
EXPOS
Over the years, AZ Big Media has expanded its reach beyond publishing to produce a series of highly successful expos.
Arizona Home & Building Expo
In 1991, AZ Big Media owner Mike Atkinson purchased the Arizona Building Expo. In 1993, the expo's name was changed to its current title and was refocused to cover the region's explosive residential market. This three-day is event held every August at the Phoenix Convention Center in Downtown Phoenix. Sponsored by the Arizona Home & Design Magazine, the expo is one of the largest and longest-running events of its kind in the state, with 700 booths and attendance averages between 28,000 and 30,000 people.
Scottsdale Home, Garden & Art Show
An addition to the Arizona Home & Building Expo in 2008, this new annual expo takes place every November at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Like its sister expo, this two-day event emphasizes new home construction, renovation and re-design services and products.
Southwest Build-it-Green Expo & Conference
Premiering in March 2009, this annual two-day event takes place in the Phoenix Convention Center in Downtown Phoenix. Sponsored by AZRE, the expo and conference is the state's largest sustainability event for business and consumers. The expo and conferences aims to educate consumers and business on ways they can be "green" and sustainable.
