Otsukimi - Annual Moonviewing Festival
2022-10-07 18:00 - 21:00, 2022-10-08 18:00 - 21:00, 2022-10-09 18:00 - 21:00, 2022-10-10 18:00 - 21:00, 2022-10-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2022-10-12 18:00 - 21:00, 2022-10-13 18:00 - 21:00, 2022-10-14 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Phoenix) and 17 more dates
Otsukimi 2017
Annual Moonviewing Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden
Find out more about this event here: http://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org/otsukimi2017
The Mission of the Japanese Friendship Garden Inc. is to maintain a beautiful, serene Japanese garden in the heart of Phoenix and provide educational and artistic programs and events that continue to deepen our relationships and celebrate the rich history and culture of Japan.

Delegation to Suwon and Himeji
2023-07-09 - 2023-07-22
Join Phoenix Sister Cities on a trip to our newest sister city – Suwon, South Korea – and to Himeji, Japan – among our oldest relationships.
View the full itinerary and costs: Asia 2023 – Trip Registration Packet
Deposit due by May 10, 2023. Full payment due May 30, 2023.

The Mayor's International 2025
2025-10-17 18:30 - 22:00 | Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr., Phoenix, 85024, United States
Photo highlights from the evening may be viewed here. You may peruse the program here.
Tributes to the Honorees may be found in the program. Please see several additional tributes below.

Many thanks to our sponsors!

2026 Global Links Business Luncheon
2026-02-19 11:30 - 13:00 | The Abbey on Monroe, 302 W. Monroe, Phoenix, AZ, 85003, United States
Our Speakers
Dan Hart is President of HarTechnologies, advising technology companies and investors across commercial and government markets on strategy, technology, and operations. He has held senior leadership roles across the aerospace sector, spanning human spaceﬂight, satellite systems, space launch, and missile defense, with experience leading organizations from R&D through operations.
Dan previously served as CEO of Virgin Orbit, where he led the development and execution of an innovative air-launch system for small satellites, delivering multiple successful missions and advancing new approaches to commercial space access.
Dan was a panelist on “The Economic and Strategic Dimensions of Space Innovation” at the Phoenix Global Forum 2025. You may watch the video of the panel at Phoenix Global Forum.
Matthew Cimaglia is the Founder and Managing Partner of Quantum Coast Capital (QCC), where he focuses on investments and strategy. at the intersection of quantum computing, AI, and emerging technologies.
His experience includes advising and consulting for companies such as Allstate Insurance, Schwab, Citadel, Dentsu, Edelman, NBC and the Options Clearing Corporation.
Through Quantum Coast Capital, Matt is focused on making quantum technology more accessible and actionable, supporting innovation that addresses real-world business challenges and drives long-term competitiveness.
Matt was a panelist on “Bridging the Quantum Frontier” at the Phoenix Global Forum 2025. You may watch a video of the panel at Phoenix Global Forum.

2026 Global Links Business Awards

Global Innovation Technology Award: Simer Mayo and Vicki Mayo
Simer Mayo is the CEO and co-founder of Valor Global, a Phoenix-based customer experience and technology services company he founded in 2004 with his wife, Vicki Mayo. Under their leadership, Valor Global has scaled into a multi-site organization with operations in Arizona, Costa Rica, and the Philippines, delivering tech-enabled services to enterprise clients worldwide.
His work demonstrates how Phoenix-based companies can scale globally while driving workforce growth and operational innovation. He is also actively engaged in youth initiatives and nonprofit leadership. His regional impact has been recognized as a Phoenix Titan 100 honoree.
Vicki Mayo is a serial entrepreneur and humanitarian with leadership across technology, hospitality, sports and social impact. As chairwoman and owner of GMI Cybersecurity, she has positioned the company as Arizona’s largest minority-owned business. Through the Mayo Foundation and related initiatives, she has led efforts expanding opportunities opportunity for underserved youth and women, including the rapid relocation of 147 Afghan female students to the United States. Her leadership has been recognized as a Titan 100 CEO and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.
Global Industry Leader Award: ASML
ASML is a global technology leader whose innovations enable advanced semiconductor manufacturing worldwide. Its growing presence in Phoenix reinforces the region’s position in the global semiconductor ecosystem and supports high-skill job creation.
In November 2025, the company launched a technical training academy, near Phoenix Sky Harbor, serving as ASML’s sole training center in the United States. The 56,000-square-foot facility is designed to train more than 1,000 engineers per year, with capacity to scale further. The academy supports workforce development tied directly to the servicing and operation of ASML’s highly advanced chipmaking systems. ASML’s expanding footprint reinforces Phoenix as an internationally connected hub for advanced manufacturing, talent development, and long-term economic competitiveness.​​

Our Sponsors

PLEASE NOTE: Phoenix Sister Cities does not issue paper tickets for our events. Simply check in at the registration table. It’s easy AND green! For your records, you will receive a receipt via email (through PayPal) for tickets purchased.

Mayor's International Gala 2026
2026-10-16 18:00 | Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr., Phoenix, 85024, United States
The Experience
Themed “Blossoming Friendships,” this year’s gala celebrates the landmark 50th anniversary of the Phoenix-Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico Sister City relationship. This milestone honors five decades of cultural, diplomatic, and economic connections between Phoenix and its first sister city, Hermosillo.
Attendees will experience an unforgettable evening inspired by the beauty of orange blossoms, the distinct flavors of Hermosillo and the Sonora region, live music including a mix of Bolero Jazz, Salsa, and , and the friendships that connect Phoenix to the world. Additional details about the sophisticated tasteful menu created by Chef Maria Teresa “Mate” Borja from Chez and other performances during the event will be announced later this summer.
The event will be emceed by Carey Peña, Emmy Award-winning journalist, multimedia personality, and founder/CEO of Phoenix-based Inspired Media 360.
2026 Global Awards Honorees
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will present Mayo Clinic and Dr. John Shufeldt with a prestigious Global Leadership and Global Citizen award, respectively, during this year’s event. Mayor Gallego will also honor the Flinn Foundation with the Global Philanthropy Leadership Award.Read more about the 2026 Global Leadership and Global Citizen award honorees.
Experience Sponsorships Available
Align your organization with global friendship, civic leadership, and Phoenix’s premier international gathering of more that 500 distinguished guests, while putting your brand and support for “Peace through Friendship” commitment in front of community leaders in business, education, health care, arts and culture, and government. Learn about the 2026 sponsorship options (PDF)
