Salt
Palace Convention Center & Mountain America Expo Center
DID YOU KNOW?
Mountain America Expo Center is proudly featuring one of the striking murals from the newly launched “West of Conventional Mural Tour” initiated by Visit Salt Lake, in partnership with Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. This mural tour is an exciting initiative that celebrates the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of Salt Lake.
This mural tour represents the first of many local activations, showcasing ten murals by some of Salt Lake’s Most renowned local artists selected by the Utah Arts Alliance. The Utah Arts Alliance played a crucial role in selecting these incredible artists and managing this project, focusing on diverse voices and highquality works. The artists include Traci O’Very Covey, Shae Peterson, Josh Scheuerman, Jimmi Toro, Chris Peterson, Miriam Gutierrez, Matt Monsoon, Jorge Arellano, Bill Louis, and Gerry Swanson.
The tour is free and accessible via a mobile link. Participants can win prizes, including a branded t-shirt, by visiting at least 6 of the 10 murals and checking in with the Mural Tour Pass.
This initiative, the largest county-wide mural project to date, aims to change outdated perceptions and celebrate Salt Lake’s modern, progressive, and vibrant community. The goal is to build a stronger, more resilient visitor economy through local art.
CHAMPION OF CHANGE
Josh Ambrose joined our team as the Director of Finance in May of 2023 and has since tremendously impacted and enhanced how we do business. With extensive experience from Goldman Sachs, DoTerra, Rakuten, and KPMG, Josh guided our finance department through a significant accounting system restructuring. In recognition of these efforts, Josh Ambrose was awarded the D365 Implementation Champion while attending the ASM Global Leadership Summit in August.
When Josh was brought on board, he was tasked with navigating this system change. This led to a restructuring of the finance department, planned with the new accounting system in mind. The shift moved away from building-specific processes to function-based roles across both venues. As a result, there are no longer roles dedicated to individual venues; we are all one team for processes we each individually own.
"Navigating larger complex systems changes is something I am very passionate about. I believe that when systems are properly set in place, they streamline internal operations and ultimately enhance the customer experience This achievement wouldn't have been possible without my incredible teameverything we do is a team effort." - Josh Ambrose
Alongside this system overhaul, the finance department worked together to implement additional changes, and while the D365 implementation was foundational, the finance transformation work is ongoing. Recently, they integrated a new PO management system with D365 and plan further enhancements, including HR and Event Management system integrations. The D365 migration set the stage for continuous improvements across many other areas. The significant progress made so far is a testament to the team’s collective effort. In 2025, we anticipate adding a new member to the team as we tackle complex reporting improvements in the future.
MEET THE TEAM
Amber Monson
Patricio Borda
Shannon Perry
Maribel Avila
Shar Wu
OUR VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Utah Green Business Award
The Salt Palace Convention Center has been awarded the Utah Green Business Award in the Waste and Recycling category. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to landfill diversion through key initiatives like our robust recycling and donation programs, in-house upcycling projects (using leftover materials to build internal projects and repair, reinforce, and enhance equipment), and our transition from single-use plastic bottles to aluminum cans. The Salt Palace is dedicated to environmental stewardship and positively impacting our community. We look forward to continuing our efforts to innovate and improve sustainability practices and make a significant impact on landfill diversion.
Members of our team attended an awards reception at the Young Living Essential Oils headquarters to accept this award on behalf of the Salt Palace Convention Center. A special thank you to everyone involved in our sustainability efforts – your hard work has made this achievement possible.
Stella Award
For the second time, the Salt Palace has been awarded the Best Convention Center Southwest (Gold) Award from the 2024 Stella Awards (Northstar Meetings Group). The Salt Palace first received this award in 2021. Driven by our vision to be the best convention center, we took the initiative to go for gold again, and we succeeded. This award is a testament to our commitment to show our community that Salt Lake City is home to one of the best live event venues anywhere. We are honored to receive this award for the second time, exemplifying our excellence and setting ourselves apart in the meetings and events industry
"I could not be prouder of the Salt Palace Convention Center team Their commitment to hosting top-notch international, national, and local events shines through with this award The Salt Palace Convention Center is an integral part of economic development, tourism, and culture within the downtown area With the downtown development on the horizon, we look forward to supercharging our awardwinning convention services Congratulations to everyone who made this possible " - Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson
Click here to watch our award video.
Food Donation
Material Donation
13,521 24,706
Landfill Diversion Data
Recycling
141,790
6,825
1,601
9,582
CHEF’S CORNER
Introducing Chef Esdras Ochoa
We’re excited to introduce Chef Esdras Ochoa, the newest addition to our culinary team. Working alongside Chef Chito, Esdras brings a wealth of experience and a touch of fame to our kitchen. Born in Mexico City and raised in Mexicali and Calexico, CA, Esdras has a deep passion for art and music, which he intertwines with his cooking. For him, each dish is a canvas showcasing vibrant colors, textures, and flavors that make for unforgettable culinary experiences.
In 2009, he founded Mexicali Taco & Co. as a catering company, which evolved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2012 through a partnership with Paul Yoo. Since then, Mexicali Taco & Co. has received national recognition, developed a dedicated fanbase, and won over critics like Jonathan Gold. Chef Esdras has also made waves internationally, opening 11 Westside in Hong Kong in 2017 and Sancho's in Mumbai, India, in 2018, bringing authentic Mexican flavors to new audiences. Additionally, he co-founded 8A Hospitality, a restaurant management and consulting firm, and is a partner at Salazar, a beloved outdoor Mexican eatery in Los Angeles. Most recently, Chef Esdras showcased his talent on Netflix's "The Final Table," where he was a semi-finalist, and appeared as a guest judge on "Chopped Next Gen." Join us in welcoming Chef Esdras Ochoa to our team.
BLACKENED CHICKEN TACOS
INGREDIENTS
2 lb boneless chicken thighs
8 pc yellow corn tortillas
6 oz mayonnaise
2 oz canned chipotle peppers
1 pc ripe hass avocado
1 pc small red onion
2 pc Persian cucumber
2 pc yellow onion
2 pc lemon
3 garlic cloves
1 bunch cilantro
1 oz powdered Ancho chile
1 oz garlic salt 1 oz capers
1 oz cumin powder
1 oz onion powder
1 oz dried oregano
.5 oz white pepper
1 oz smoked paprika
2 oz kosher salt
3 oz grape seed oil 2 oz butter
Cut chicken into even strips, season with grape seed oil and all dry ingredients and rub throughly. Set aside and allow to marinade for 15-20 mins. On a heavy pan add a bit of grape seed oil and turn on medium high heat. Grill chicken on all sides till a dark brown color appears. Add butter and baste for a couple mins. Take off pan and let it rest. On the same pan add 2 brown julienne onions. Sauté until caramelized.
For chipotle aioli, blend mayonnaise with blended chipotle peppers, squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt. Brunoise a Persian cucumber. Add minced garlic, minced capers, squeeze of lemon, pinch of salt and a splash of grape seed oil. Assembly: cook tortilla. Add caramelized onion. Add chicken over caramelized onion, chipotle aioli, slice of avocado and cucumber salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS
Service
Awards
1 year of Service
Brayden Solt Telecommunications Technician
Katrina Sanchez Event Manager
Michelle Gimple Operations Supervisor
Allan Reyes Operations Staff
Kingsley Idaho Operations Staff
Frank Kratz Groundskeeper
5
years of Service
Gerald Kramer
Operations Supervisor
10
years of Service
William Jimenez Operations Assista t S i
VOLUNTEERING
During the National Veterans Golden Age Games, our had the opportunity to volunteer for this event. Our volunteers helped in running events, helping th run smoothly in the Athletes Village, and watched engaged with the veterans. They each played a crucial in the success of the games. Their positive energy willingness to go above and beyond was truly inspiring Volunteers: Katie McAdams, Brad Christensen, Cour Strong, Katrina Sanchez, Teri Cowburn, Kayla Court, N Taylor, Trisha Beagley, Chandelle Lee, and Chris Lee.
Third Quarter Promotions
Shelly Morehouse Event Manager
Billie Colllins Operations Assistant Manager
Randy Raglin Operations Supervisor
Troy Brittain Operations Supervisor
Hans Schoof Full Time Guest Services Agent
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
SALT PALACE CONVENTION CENTER
Young Single Adult Conference
Event Space Utilization: 686,180 sq ft
About this event: A weekend full of mingling, learning, fun, spiritual enrichment, and recordbreaking moments for young single adults. This year, the YSA conference broke two Guinness World Records Titles and enjoyed performances by Ben Rector, Rachel Platten, and Emma Nissen It was a packed weekend wi ,000 people
Halo Championships Series
Event Space Utilization: 130,300 sq. ft.
About this event: The Halo Championship series is a professional esports series for Halo, the video game. This incredible event hosted many players and teams, competing with other players from all over the world
National Veterans Golden Age Games
Event Space Utilization: 354,120 sq. ft.
About this event: The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the qualifier to the National Senior Games. This event empowers Veterans 55+ to stay active through sports and wellness Throughout the week, veterans have the chance to compete in a wide variety of games.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
MOUNTAIN AMERICA EXPO CENTER
Utah RV Supershow
Event Space Utilization: 255,800 sq. ft.
About this event: Find the largest and greatest selection of RV’s It’s the best place to buy an RV for those in the market.
Ultimate Sports Bash
Event Space Utilization: 251,600 sq ft
About this event: This event allows guests to experience the ultimate sports fan experience, meeting athletes, getting photo ops and autographs, participating in clinics and panels, and much more!
Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Event Space Utilization: 145,800 sq ft
About this event: This expo is all about the strange and odd. Hand selected vendors, dealers, and artists showcase all things weird. You’ll find items such as taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/Halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, animal skulls/bones, funeral collectibles, & anything else weird for everyone
QUARTER 4 EVENTS
MOUNTAIN AMERICA EXPO CENTER
2024 Fall Grand Prix (UBVA - Youth Boys Volleyball)
Event Space Utilization: 97,200 sq. ft.
Utah Transportation Conference
Event Space Utilization: 258,000 sq. ft.
Festival of Trees
Event Space Utilization: 258,000 sq. ft.
SALT PALACE CONVENTION CENTER
Permissionless III
Event Space Utilization: 275,760 sq. ft.
The Linux Foundations’s KubeCon + CloudNativeCon
Event Space Utilization: 646,920 sq. ft.
2024 Department of Defense Maintenance Symposium & Maintenance and Logistics Exhibition
Event Space Utilization: 406,880 sq. ft.
Let’s get social
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Mountain America Expo Center
Palace Convention Center
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Salt Palace Convention Center