Ready to explore a one-of-a-kind destination for your upcoming event, convention or meeting? In Salt Lake City, your attendees can enjoy personalized service, a variety of activities and great dining options. See for yourself at Connect 2018, the premier hosted-buyer event for corporate, association, specialty, sports and expo meeting planners and organizers.
Here’s a look at five reasons Salt Lake City is the perfect place for your next event or meeting.
Location, Location, Location
Quick fact: Salt Lake City was ranked No.1 for on-time arrivals and departures, including the most on-time airport in North America, according to FlightStats. Salt Lake City International Airport is served by all major U.S. airlines and located only eight minutes from the downtown convention district.
TRAX, Salt Lake City’s public transportation system, provides another level of ease and convenience with six light-rail stops in the downtown area that are free of charge. And fares from the airport to downtown are just $2.50 one-way.
Throughout your event, attendees will enjoy the city’s convenient location and ease in travel. In between meetings and events, you can host memorable parties and teambuilding activities at any of the restaurants, pubs, parks or museums all within walking distance.
Places to Meet and Stay
Perfect for meetings of all sizes, Salt Lake City is home to a variety of venues with ample meeting space for your attendees.
The Salt Palace Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown has more than 515,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit hall space and 164,000 square feet of meeting space. It has an elegant ballroom that divides into 10 smaller rooms as well as several pre-function spaces for receptions.
The center’s intangibles make meetings a pleasure for planners, exhibitors and attendees alike. The Wi-Fi network can serve up to 10,000 users at a time without interruption or lag time.
Another spacious venue is Mountain America Expo Center, in Wasatch Front, just 17 minutes from Salt Lake City. The center has five exhibit halls, a grand foyer and several meeting rooms totaling over 260,000 square feet. With 1,700 parking spaces and walking distance to a TRAX light rail stop, the center is easy to get to.
For small-to medium-size groups, the city has 41 hotels with meeting and event space, giving you a variety of options to choose from, all while offering great amenities and hospitality.
After-Hours Fun
After a day of meetings, encourage your attendees to take advantage of the local nightlife scene. From restaurants and music to a relaxing game of pool, there is something for everyone. For the music lovers in your group, there is Garage on Beck with a rotating line up of rock, country, bluegrass or jazz, or visit Keys on Main, where guests are treated to a dueling piano show.
There are plenty of places for you to impress and entertain even the most selective of spirit connoisseurs. Salt Lake City is known for its craft beer with 30 breweries and distilleries to show off its hops. But, the cocktail scene is also something to talk about, from hidden speakeasies to swanky lounges to laid-back patios. Bar-X is known for its handmade ginger beer, perfect for a Moscow mule. Lake Effect offers a Salt Lake City meets Hollywood vibe, where you will find the perfect wine; its collection in the wine room is a site to see. Purgatory offers a Japanese fusion menu to complement its out-of-the-box creative cocktails, and the large patio is ideal for hosting small groups.
Its Natural Beauty
From the canyons and gardens to the arts and historic sites, let your attendees explore beyond the boardroom during their time in the area.
If your group loves the outdoors, consider Salt Lake City the ultimate playground. The city has over 20 national parks for hiking, biking, horseback riding or bird-watching. The golf courses are so unique you must see them for yourself. Or float down the river by raft or tube. No matter what you do, there are endless opportunities for adventure.
With three gardens in the area, your guests can explore nature’s beauty in the heart of the city. Red Butte Garden, Utah’s Botanical Garden has nearly 5 miles of hiking trails, outdoor concerts and a 4-acre garden. An almost hidden gem is the Gilgal Sculpture Garden, an Instagram-worthy spot with 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems and literary texts. Feel at peace in the International Peace Garden, where the cultural diversity of 26 nations is represented by native plantings and sculptures.
Travel through history in the Genealogy Capitol of the World at the Family History Library. Discover your roots and learn something new about your family, from the meaning of your name to famous relatives in your family tree. Or stroll the Utah Museum of Fine Arts located on the campus of the University of Utah. Enjoy the range of artwork, including ancient objects and contemporary works.
Put your own skills to the test while visiting host-venues from the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Skate on an Olympic ice rink, experience the rush of the luge, hit the slopes at Deer Valley Resort or get a glimpse of athletes in training.
The VIP Treatment
Visit Salt Lake is known for its high standards of service, and it has the awards to prove it. The CVB has earned 23 Meetings & Conventions Gold Service Awards and consistently ranks in the top 25 amongst CVBs nationwide.
Salt Lake City is ready to help you plan, promote and produce your best meeting ever. Services include attendance promotions, professional visits and site inspections, news media and press assistance and on-site delegates.
Ready to plan your next meeting in Salt Lake City? Contact the team or submit an RFP and let them help you plan a successful meeting filled with friendly hospitality, personalized service, and great dining and entertainment options for attendees.
Not sold yet? Then, sign up for Connect 2018 and let us show you first-hand what this beautiful destination has to offer. Qualified planners are hosted for three days of business networking, continuing education and prescheduled appointments with suppliers that make planning easy. We will see you there!
