In the competitive landscape of luxury convention hotels, The Grand America Hotel stands distinctively apart through one defining characteristic: its extraordinary team of hospitality professionals who transform standard event planning into unforgettable experiences. While other properties may boast impressive facilities or prime locations, The Grand America’s dedicated convention and catering teams represent the true differentiating factor that consistently draws planners back to downtown Salt Lake City’s premier luxury destination.
Personal Service That Exceeds Expectations
At the heart of The Grand America’s convention excellence is Javier Robles, Banquets Director, whose remarkable ability to deliver personalized service on an unprecedented scale exemplifies the property’s commitment to individual attention.
Overseeing all banquets across The Grand America’s expansive 100,000 square feet of special event space, plus an additional 25,000 square feet at sister property Little America, Javier regularly welcomes groups exceeding 3,000 guests while maintaining an extraordinary attention to personal details. Whether it’s remembering that one guest prefers Coke while his spouse drinks Diet, or that another always takes two sugars in her coffee, these seemingly small details create profound impacts.
This level of personal service extends beyond individual preferences to creating genuine relationships. From the moment convention groups arrive, Javier takes time to make each individual feel that The Grand America is their home away from home. It’s this authentic approach to hospitality that has prompted numerous clients to return for their most important events, year after year.
Consistent Excellence in Event Execution
Complementing this operational excellence is the strategic leadership of Kara Pappas, Director of Sales, whose nearly 19-year tenure reflects an unwavering belief in The Grand America’s unique value proposition. Leading what she describes as “the most collaborative team of salespeople” she’s ever worked with, Kara’s approach centers on relationship building rather than mere transactions.
“It’s a passion for the relationships we build with our clients and for the purpose of their events and why they’re coming together,” she explains. “We help fulfill their purpose.”
This seamless execution of large-scale events requires more than good intentions—it demands experienced professionals who understand that consistency is key. As Director of Catering Sales, Bailee George brings crucial insight into what separates The Grand America from other convention properties: the ability to deliver excellence consistently, event after event.
This consistency manifests in completely customized menus prepared by world-class chefs, personal service at every touchpoint, and comprehensive support that allows planners to focus on their event’s content rather than operational concerns. The peace of mind that comes from working with seasoned professionals cannot be understated when orchestrating complex conventions with numerous moving pieces.
Unmatched Technical Excellence
Perhaps nowhere is The Grand America’s commitment to superior service more evident than in their audio-visual support. As one of the only hotel organizations that owns and operates its own audio-visual department, The Grand America provides a service that third-party providers cannot match. The Event Technology Team includes members with more than 15 years of in-house experience, creating an intimate knowledge of both their craft and the property’s unique characteristics.
This combination of technical expertise and property familiarity allows for imaginative and attentive service that adapts seamlessly to each event’s specific needs. The personal relationships these team members develop with guests, combined with their comprehensive understanding of the hotel’s capabilities, create an unmatched level of support.
The Ultimate Differentiator
While The Grand America Hotel certainly impresses with its 100,000 square feet of refined function space, spacious luxury guest rooms, and stunning mountain views, this represents only part of the story. The true differentiator lies in the dedicated professionals who bring passion, expertise, and genuine care to every convention and special event.
While other hotels may offer comparable facilities or locations, The Grand America’s team-driven approach to hospitality creates experiences that transcend mere accommodation. When convention planners work with The Grand America, they’re not simply booking space and services—they’re partnering with professionals who understand that successful events require both meticulous attention to detail and genuine human connection.
This is what makes The Grand America Hotel the clear choice for discerning convention planners: a team of dedicated professionals who consistently transform standard events into extraordinary experiences, ensuring that every gathering becomes a lasting memory worth repeating.