This article is sponsored by The Grand America Hotel.

As businesses approach the end of the year, holiday calendars often fill quickly with client engagements, family commitments, and last-minute projects. For many organizations, this makes it difficult to host meaningful celebrations or close-out meetings before the year officially wraps.

But in today’s workplace—where hybrid schedules and rapid business growth have become the norm—post-holiday gatherings are more than a nice tradition. They are an opportunity to reset, realign, and strengthen the culture that carries teams into the new year.

The power of starting the year together

Waiting until January to host your celebration or kickoff meeting can actually benefit your team. After the rush of December, people return from the holidays ready for clarity and connection. Gathering in the first weeks of the year creates space for:

  • Reflecting on accomplishments with renewed focus
  • Celebrating team members without competing holiday distractions
  • Setting shared expectations and priorities for the year ahead
  • Boosting morale during a naturally slower, quieter period

At a time when retention, engagement, and collaboration are top priorities for businesses statewide, intentional in-person experiences can provide a major culture lift.

Why meeting in person still matters

Virtual platforms have transformed how teams collaborate, but they cannot replace the trust, creativity, and energy that come from being in the same room. As workplace dynamics continue to evolve, Utah leaders are increasingly prioritizing in-person touchpoints that encourage deeper connection.

Where those moments happen matters.

At The Grand America Hotel, more than 100,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space is designed to bring people together in an environment that fuels focus and fosters meaningful interaction. From richly appointed ballrooms to intimate boardrooms and open-air courtyards, every detail—from crystal chandeliers to hand-painted finishes—helps set the tone for intentional, distraction-free gatherings.

And with an in-house audio-visual team managing every technical element, planners can focus fully on their program, knowing the logistics are cared for by experts who know the property inside and out.

Shared meals that strengthen teams

Food has a way of breaking barriers, sparking conversation, and creating memorable moments. Whether it’s a kickoff luncheon, awards dinner, or morning strategy session, shared meals are often where connections deepen and ideas begin to take shape.

The Grand America elevates these moments with exceptional culinary craftsmanship—from custom banquet menus to signature dining at Laurel Brasserie & Bar or the Gibson Lounge. These elevated experiences signal to your team that their contributions matter, while creating a warm, welcoming environment for reconnection after the busy holiday season.

A central location with endless possibilities

Salt Lake City continues to thrive as a destination for both business and culture. Hosting your early-year gathering at The Grand America provides your team with immediate access to downtown’s museums, events, nightlife, and seasonal happenings—just steps or a quick TRAX ride away.

Yet one of the advantages guests love most is that you don’t have to leave the property to have a memorable experience. Within the hotel, groups can enjoy:

  • The Grand Spa—Salt Lake’s largest luxury spa
  • Beautifully curated retail boutiques
  • Sweeping views of the Wasatch Mountains
  • Comfortable lounges and gathering spaces perfect for informal networking

Start 2026 With clarity, celebration, and connection

The end of the year may be busy, but your opportunity to celebrate doesn’t expire in December. A thoughtfully planned January or early-year gathering can invigorate your team, reinforce your culture, and set the direction for a successful year ahead.

The Grand America Hotel is ready to help you create an elevated experience—from kickoff meetings to recognition dinners and post-holiday celebrations that make your people feel valued.

Begin planning now to ensure your preferred dates and event spaces are available. Let this be the year your team starts strong, inspired, and aligned.