Visit Salt Lake’s
2026 Salt Summit and Awards
Thanks for Joining us to Be Inspired & Empowered
The Salt Summit and Awards was an amazing experience as the community came together to learn and celebrate the unique hospitality that makes Salt Lake such dynamic destination. We honor all those who were nominated by their peers and the award winners for
SALT: Service | Accomplishment | Leadership | Tenacity
Categories | Categoría
| Lodging Front and Center: | Celebrating the faces that greet and serve our guests with unwavering hospitality and professionalism. |
| Hospedaje al Frente y al Centro: | Celebrando a las caras que reciben y atienden a nuestros huéspedes con una hospitalidad y profesionalismo inquebrantables. |
| Winner: | Mele Tonga | Hilton Salt Lake City Center |
| Lodging Behind the Scenes: | Honoring the unsung heroes who ensure every aspect of our guests' stay is seamless and memorable. |
| Hospedaje Detrás de Escena: | Honrando a los héroes anónimos que garantizan que cada aspecto de la estancia de nuestros huéspedes sea impecable e inolvidable. |
| Winner: | Ana Avitia | Solitude Mountain Resort |
| Restaurant Front and Center: | Recognizing the culinary artists and service experts who create unforgettable dining experiences. |
| Restaurante al Frente y al Centro: | Reconociendo a los artistas culinarios y expertos en servicio que crean experiencias gastronómicas inolvidables. |
| Winner: | Sara Brimhall | Culinary Crafts |
| Restaurant Behind the Scenes: | Applauding the dedicated teams working tirelessly to bring the finest flavors and experiences to the table. |
| Restaurante Detrás de Escena: | Aplaudiendo a los equipos dedicados que trabajan incansablemente para llevar los mejores sabores y experiencias a la mesa. |
| Winner: | Briana “Bri” Espinoza | Rouser Restaurant, Asher Adams |
| Scene Makers: | Saluting the creatives and innovators who design and deliver extraordinary experiences in entertainment and events. |
| Creadores de Escena: | Rindiendo homenaje a los creativos e innovadores que diseñan y entregan experiencias extraordinarias en entretenimiento y eventos. |
| Winner: | Amie Cox | Red Butte Garden & Arboretum |
| Facility & Venue Operations (not hotels): |
Commending the teams that maintain the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality in our establishments. |
| Operaciones de Instalaciones: | Elogiando a los equipos que mantienen los más altos estándares de seguridad, limpieza y funcionalidad en nuestros establecimientos. |
| Winner: | Bryan Howser | Salt Palace Convention Center |
| Breakthrough Star: | Presented to an emerging hospitality professional with two years or less at their organization who has quickly distinguished themselves through performance, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. This award celebrates rising stars shaping the future of hospitality. |
| Estrella Revelacion (persona) | Se presenta a un profesional emergente de la hospitaliad con dos años o menos en su organización que se ha distinguido rápidamente por su desempeño, innovación y compromiso con la excelencia. Este premio reconoce a las estrellas emergentes que están forjando el futuro de la hospitalidad. |
| Winner: | Alison Smith | Salt Lake City International Airport |
| Startup of the Year: | Presented to a hospitality business established within the past three to five years that has quickly distinguished itself through innovation, growth, and meaningful industry impact. This award celebrates rising businesses that are shaping the future of hospitality and setting new standards for excellence. |
| Empresa emergente del año - nueva categoría | Se otorga a una empresa de hosteleria en los últimos tres a cinco años que se ha distinguido rápidamente por su innovación, crecimiento y un impacto significativo en el sector. Este premio reconoce a las empresas emergentes que están moldeando el futuro de la hostelería y estableciendo nuevos estándares de excelencia. |
| Winner: | Spark Rental Co, LLC |
| Best Use of Tech in Hospitality | Recognizes a hospitality business that exemplifies innovation through the strategic use of technology. From guest-facing solutions to behind-the-scenes advancements, this award celebrates organizations that are redefining hospitality by embracing tools that enhance experiences, streamline operations, and drive long-term success. |
| El mejor uso de la tecnologia en la hosteleira | Reconoce a las empresas hoteleras que ejemplifican la innovación mediante el uso estratégico de la tecnología. Desde soluciones orientadas al cliente hasta avances tras bastidores, este premio reconoce a las organizaciones que están redefiniendo la hospitalidad al adoptar herramientas que mejoran las experiencias, optimizan las operaciones e impulsan el éxito a largo plazo. |
| Winner: | Skylark Productions |
| Hospitality Champion of the Year: | Honoring those that serve their community in ways that elevate an experience for visitors. |
| Winner: | Yolizma “Yoli” Lara | TownePlace Suites by Marriott SLC Draper |
| Best Boss: | Acknowledging the leaders who inspire, motivate, and foster a culture of excellence and growth. |
| Mejor Jefe: | Reconociendo a los líderes que inspiran, motivan y fomentan una cultura de excelencia y crecimiento. |
| Winner: | Betsy Solmonson | The LUX Group |
Thank you to our:
Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Be a champion in the community as a partner of the SALT Summit and Awards, the premier day-long educational and awards program dedicated to honoring the hard work, dedication, and exceptional service of our hospitality industry professionals. Opportunities range from Champion to Partner, Supporter, or Hospitality.
Salt Summit & Awards Questions
When and where is the Salt Summit?
2026 SALT Summit
Date: June 9, 2025
Time: 8:00am – 1:30pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
170 S West Temple
When and where are the Salt Awards?
2026 SALT Awards
Date: June 9, 2026
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Capitol Theatre
50 West 200 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
How much is registration for the Summit and Awards?
Visit Salt Lake Members receive discounted ticket rates.
Summit Only: $99 (VSL Members)/ $149 (non-members)
Summit and Awards: $149 (VSL Members)/ $199 (non-members)
Awards Only: $79 (VSL Members)/ $99 (non-members)
For bulk ticket options, check out Sponsorship options:
Sponsorship Information
Can I register on-site?
Last-minute registration will be available depending on capacity. Online payment will be required.
Register now
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation information is included in your registration confirmation. If you don’t have access, you can reach out to: AChappell@visitsaltlake.com
What should I wear?
Summit Sessions (Morning)
Come as you are—ready to learn, connect, and show up as your best self. We encourage attendees to dress comfortably and confidently, in a style that reflects who you are. Whether that’s business casual, bold and creative, or simply what helps you feel focused and at ease—we’re here for it.
Awards Show (Evening)
The SALT Awards are a special celebration of excellence in our industry. While there's no formal dress code, we invite you to elevate your look for the occasion—whatever that means for you.
Salt Awards Dress Theme
Step into the romance of Dirty Dancing with a look inspired by high-end resort style of the 1960s. Think polished, effortless elegance. Flowy silhouettes, A-line midi dresses, and soft pastels set the tone, paired with timeless accessories and warm, vintage-inspired hues.
For men, think classic slacks paired with collared shirts for a clean, elevated resort look. Overall, channel what you might wear to a glamorous summer getaway in the 60s. Chic, timeless, and perfect for a night of celebration.
What matters most is that you feel ready to celebrate the incredible contributions of your peers. Whether you're in sneakers or sequins, you belong.