NORTHERN UTAH
UtahValley.com; @ExploreUtahValley
Utah Valley offers an unforgettable combination of convenience, affordability, and access to both urban and outdoor experiences, making it an increasingly attractive destination for meetings and events. “Utah Valley combines easy access to the outdoors with a walkable downtown centered around the Utah Valley Convention Center,” says Erin Scott, director of sales for Explore Utah Valley. “Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment are all within a 10-minute walk, and both the mountains and Utah Lake are just a 10-minute drive away. It’s a convenient, affordable location for planners looking to offer recreation alongside their event.”
At the center of Utah Valley’s meeting infrastructure is the Utah Valley Convention Center in downtown Provo. With 83,000 square feet of flexible meeting space across multiple levels, the center accommodates events of virtually any size. Connected directly to the convention center, the 329-room Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center features 24,591 square feet of additional event space, giving planners the convenience and scale to host large groups without leaving the downtown core.
For planners seeking a more scenic, retreat-style environment, Sundance Mountain Resort delivers a distinctive alternative. The resort features 155 guest rooms and more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, all set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. Its newest addition, The Inn at Sundance Mountain Resort, introduces 63 thoughtfully designed hotel rooms to complement the resort’s 95 existing cottages. According to the resort’s website, “The new Inn at Sundance Mountain Resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations in winter and breathtaking slopeside views year-round. The only hotel at Sundance Resort, the Inn makes guests feel right at home with alpine elegance and a good helping of artful charm.”
Utah Valley boasts more than 4,000 guest rooms, allowing planners to choose between downtown convenience and mountain retreat experiences while creating customized itineraries to suit every group’s priorities.
Utah Valley’s culinary scene is as diverse as its setting. “Utah Valley is home to standout dining experiences that reflect the area’s distinct character and can’t easily be replicated elsewhere,” Scott adds. At The Tree Room at Sundance Mountain Resort, guests can enjoy a Forbes Four-Star dining experience featuring seasonal mountain cuisine in an intimate, art-filled setting. Just steps away, the historic Owl Bar blends local history with a cozy, elevated bar atmosphere, featuring a restored bar once associated with Butch Cassidy. Downtown Provo adds its own flavor with Black Sheep Café, a local staple celebrated for award-winning Navajo tacos and inventive Native American-Southwest fusion dishes. For a sweet twist, Taste 117 offers artisan chocolate and balsamic tastings.
Beyond the plate, the area offers creative recreation and teambuilding opportunities just minutes from downtown. Groups can explore the interactive art walk-through at Dreamwalk in Orem, raft the Provo River, or ride the mountain zipline at Sundance Mountain Resort.
The region is anchored by Brigham Young University in Provo and Utah Valley University in Orem, just 10 minutes apart. “These college communities bring energy, diverse dining, and year-round events to the area,” Scott says. “The region is also known for its easy access to outdoor recreation and its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a well-rounded destination for groups of all kinds.”
Families will also find Utah Valley exceptionally accommodating. From local parks and scenic trails to interactive museums and entertainment, there’s no shortage of activities. Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, just 20 minutes from Provo, features the Museum of Natural Curiosity, Museum of Ancient Life, Butterfly Biosphere, Curiosity Farms, and the 50-acre Ashton Gardens.
Accessibility is easier than ever, Scott notes. “Provo Airport (PVU) continues to expand and evolve, enhancing accessibility to Utah Valley with [expanding] nonstop routes and increased service from American Airlines. Offering a convenient, low-stress alternative to larger airports, PVU is just minutes from downtown Provo, making travel to the area more seamless than ever.”
