QUARTERLY
Salt Palace Convention Center & Mountain America Expo Center
THIS ISSUE
Earth Month
Bees
Sustainability
SALT Summit & Awards
Chef’s corner
Employee Highlights
Volunteering
Event Highlights
Upcoming Events
EARTH MONTH
Every April, our Green Team transforms Earth Day into Earth Month. Employees engaged in Earth Month Bingo, completing sustainable tasks like eating meatless meals, using public transit, taking shorter showers, shopping secondhand, and opting for reusable products. One popular task was the 'Clear the Air' challenge, encouraging staff to reduce vehicle emissions—a challenge we participate in twice a year! We also hosted a session with a recycling industry expert, who educated us on plastic recycling and improving our recycling methods.
During Earth Month we take part in a volunteer activity. This year, on Earth Day, April 22nd, our team joined forces with the Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands and community volunteers to plant over 250 trees at the Regional Athletic Complex. These trees will offer much-needed shade and beautify the area for years to come. Representing the Salt Palace Convention Center and Mountain America Expo Center, we are proud to have positively impacted our community.
Sustainability is a core value at the Salt Palace and Mountain America Expo Center. Earth Month is a special time when we reinforce these values in our operations and embrace them in our personal lives, continuing our efforts to promote sustainable practices year-round.
BEES
At Mountain America Expo Center
For the last few years, the Salt Palace Convention Center has been home to three beehives. This year, three new beehives have made it to Mountain America Expo Center! On April 23rd, the beehives were placed on the Southeast side of the loading docks. The bees will work diligently to build
strong colonies, pollinate the surrounding area, and produce delicious honey. Maintaining beehives are one of our many efforts towards our sustainability goals as they play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Bees contribute to plant growth, which, in turn, naturally mitigates emissions through photosynthesis. Additionally, we get to enjoy the delicious honey produced by these hardworking bees at our venues.
Pounds of Food Donation
44,067
SUSTAINABILITY
Landfill Diversion Data
16,702 Pounds of Material Donation
127,199
Pounds of Recycling
247,166 Pounds of Trash
40.57%
Landfill Diversion Rate (Weight)
Pounds of Material Donation
6,660
3,808 Pounds of Food Donation
8,831
Pounds of Recycling
59,580 Pounds of Trash
24.41%
Landfill Diversion Rate (Weight)
Salt Palace Convention Center Mountain America Expo Center
SALT SUMMIT & AWARDS
A day of inspiration and celebration.
The SALT Summit was a day of inspiration Many members of our team attended workshops, listened to dynamic speakers like Ashley Caldwell, Tom Kelly, and Will Guidara, and left brimming with motivation. Huge thanks to Visit Salt Lake for this incredible networking and learning opportunity, which has fueled our passion for delivering unreasonable hospitality and building a team of dreamweavers.
Dan Hayes
Adam Small
Courtney Strong
Gerri Morgan
Rick Allen
Janet Weiss
Dustin Redmond
The SALT Awards night was a spectacular celebration of hospitality heroes The evening honored outstanding frontline hospitality professionals whose dedication and hard work drive our industry. With delicious food, memorable awards given, and a fantastic show, it was a night to remember. We are immensely proud of our nominees, whose efforts exemplify our commitment to excellence at the Salt Palace Convention Center and Mountain America Expo Center. Celebrating their achievements was a true highlight
The following individuals were nominated for an award this year
Shawn Warfield Franscisco Contreras
Randy Raglin
Jordan Rausch
Stacey Monson
Jennett Schafbuch
Joanna Morataya
We are proud to share Dustin Redmond's remarkable achievement of receiving the Facility Operations Award This award recognizes individuals who ensure our environment is safe, clean, and running smoothly while providing welcoming spaces for guests and staff
“Dustin is one of the most friendly and hardworking people I have ever had the pleasure to work with No job too big or small, Dustin is willing to do just about anything no matter what His commitment to this building is almost unmatched ”
- Dillon Fryer, Facilities Manager
CHEF’S CORNER
With Executive Chef Andres “Chito” Arreola
Chef Chito embarked on his culinary journey at the age of 14, igniting his passion for the culinary arts within the walls of his parents' Jose and Olivia’s restaurant in Akron, Iowa. Throughout high school years, he collaborated closely with his father, who ran Akron Jo's Cafe, a beloved establishment known for serving iconic American classics. His dedication to the culinary craft led him to pursue formal education in culinary arts and hotel management at Iowa Western Community College Upon graduating, he embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of sports and entertainment catering For the next 12 years, he had the privilege of working at over 50 different properties, continuing on to work for the President of Gabon and the First Family in West Africa. He was named one of Colorado’s top chefs in 2018 and 2019 and joined the team at the Salt Palace in 2020. Chef Chito takes immense pride in representing his culture and sharing the richness of Mexican cuisine with the people of Gabon and beyond This journey not only expanded his culinary horizons but also allowed him to create lasting memories and connections on an international stage
SAFFRON RISOTTO
5 cups chicken stock
5 tb softened butter, divided 1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 11/2 cups risotto rise
1/2 cup dry white wine or water
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese at room temperature Divide salt and black pepper to taste.
1. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in second saucepan over high heat Once butter begins to foam, add onions and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. After 2 minutes, add garlic and cook 1 additional minute. Note: cook only until onions and garlic are softened, not browned!
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In large saucepan, bring chicken stock to boil, then reduce to low simmer. Transfer 1 ladle of stock to a small bowl Add saffron threads and set aside while saffron infuses
2 Add rice to saucepan with onions and stir until grains begin to swell and burst Add white wine to deglaze pan, being sure to scrape any browned or stuck bits from bottom of saucepan Let simmer until liquid is mostly reduced
Once liquid is mostly reduced, stir in 1 to 2 ladles of stock, all of saffroninfused stock, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir constantly over low heat until liquid has been fully absorbed
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4. Continue adding stock in small increments, letting the rice absorb the liquid completely before adding more Stir constantly and taste frequently, until all stock has been added and absorbed After about 20 to 25 minutes, rice should be just tender (not mushy!) and risotto should be golden and creamy
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Remove saucepan from heat Stir in ⅔ cup of parmesan cheese and remaining 1 tablespoon butter Mix until butter has melted completely Taste and season as needed, then transfer to serving plates or bowls, top with remaining parmesan cheese, and serve hot
EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS
Bradley Christensen
Second Quarter Promotions
Kayla Court as Communications Coordinator
Human Resources Manager | 15 years of service
Here is a movie quote that helps sum up my years here at our Salt Lake venues, "Cinderella story
Outta nowhere A former greenskeeper, now, about to become a Masters champion. It looks like a mirac... It's in the hole! It's in the hole! It's in the hole!" It has been a great 15 years
Dillon Fryer
Facilities Manager | 25 years of service
“After the Military I wanted a place to stay for a while. The Salt Palace has definitely provided that. I have met and worked with so many great and interesting people I can’t believe it's been 25 years ”
VOLUNTEERING
Another great volunteering effort by our Salt Palace Convention Center and Mountain America Expo team!
These individuals had the pleasure of volunteering at Sunrise of Sandy, spending time with the memory care residents and enjoying a “garden party” where they enjoyed playing yard games together, helping plant seeds, and serving bubbly drinks and popsicles It’s moments like these that remind us of the joy and impact we can bring to our community through simple acts of kindness and connection.
Jordan Rausch as Zero Waste Coordinator
Shawn Warfield as Facility maintenance Technician
Service Awards
1 year of Service
Fred Pierren
Operations Supervisor at the Salt Palace
Braden Gibes
Maintenance Technician at Mountain America Expo
Nelson Villegas
Operations Staff at Salt Palace
Chas Loveland
Operations Staff at Salt Palace
Travis Tello
Operations Staff at Mountain America Expo
5 years of Service
Gerald Saldivar
Guest Services Agent at the Salt Palace
10 years of Service
Denny Britton
Operations Supervisor at Mountain America Expo
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
SALT PALACE CONVENTION CENTER
Salt Lake City Showdown Girls Qualifier
Event Space Utilization: 541,100 sq. ft.
About this event: Two weekends, 80 courts, and over 100 teams The convention center was filled with excitement during the USA Volleyball Girls National Qualifiers.
Melaleuca National Convention
Event Space Utilization: 553,480 sq ft
About this event: The annual convention inspires and motivates the Melaleuca team. It combines networking, learning, and fun and brings together professionals eager to grow During the event, the convention center staff impressively transformed a 4,000+ general session into a plated awards ceremony dinne for 3,250 guests in under two hours. This feat showcased the dedication and collaborative spirit of the entire team
Qualtrics X4
Event Space Utilization: 670,690 sq ft
About this event: An exciting week for the world’s No 1 Experience Management providers to connect and gain more skills. Ten Keynote speakers, including Michelle Obama, 10k attendees, 100 sessions, and a performance by the Backstreet Boys
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
MOUNTAIN AMERICA EXPO CENTER
2024 National Archery Tournament
Event Space Utilization: 251,600 sq ft
About this event: An incredible national archery tournament by NASP. This event is part of an in-school program designed to improve educational performance for students in grades 4-12
Fitcon
Event Space Utilization: 258,000 sq. ft.
About this event: A weekend event full of fitness exhibitors, guest speakers, fitness competitions, coaching, and networking Individuals had the opportunity to meet influencers, participate in competitions, attend coaching panels, attend educational workshops and seminars, and receive career development opportunities.
Autorama
Event Space Utilization: 200, 800 sq. ft.
About this event: O’Reilly’s 50th annual Auto Parts Autorama, honoring the innovative craftsmanship that continuously re-invents and improves vehicles from the past and present
UPCOMING EVENTS
MOUNTAIN AMERICA EXPO CENTER
July | Ultimate Sportsbash
Event Space Utilization: 251,600 sq. ft.
August | Brickslopes
Event Space Utilization:53,400 sq. ft.
September | Utah RV Supershow
Event Space Utilization: 255,800 sq. ft.
September | Sandy Utah Tattoo Expo
Event Space Utilization: 48,600 sq. ft.
SALT PALACE CONVENTION CENTER
July | 2024 Young Single Adult Conference
Event Space Utilization: 686,180 sq. ft.
August | 2024 Professional Pickleball Association Tour
Event Space Utilization: 308,520sq. ft.
August | National Veterans Golden Age Games
Event Space Utilization: 354,120 sq. ft.
September | FanX
Event Space Utilization: 686,180 sq. ft.
Let’s get social
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Palace Convention Center