The Downtown Alliance created Urban Exploration to visit aspirational cities, view their challenges and successes, and bring home marquee programs to improve Salt Lake City.

We invite city officials, developers, business owners, and nonprofit leaders to join us on these highly-curated, educational trips.

A group from Salt Lake City visits San Diego's sports and entertainment district.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from participating in Urban Exploration?

Urban Exploration is a unique learning experience designed for Downtown SLC leaders and changemakers committed to urban progress. This immersive experience uses Seattle’s triumphs and challenges as a platform to exchange ideas, explore innovative solutions to make Downtown SLC even greater. We’ll examine bold infrastructure investments, the visitor economy, arts and culture, public space activation, downtown development, and public-private partnerships.

Expect to collaborate with public and private sector leaders—those actively shaping the next phase of Salt Lake City’s evolution. If you're looking to learn, collaborate, and be part of transformative change, this experience is for you!


  • Early Bird Registration: $3500
    Standard Registration (After June 15): $3800​

    *Fee includes hotel stay at program hotel for three nights (Sept. 17-19), 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 3 receptions, transportation within the program itinerary, and all programmed activities.

  • Cancellation before June 15: Full refund.
    Cancellation between June 15 - August 14: 50% refund.
    Cancellation on/after August 15: No refund.

    Please email kristina@downtownslc.org if you need to cancel. 

  • No, however, we have provided the recommended flight options below to ensure that everyone arrives in time for the programming. 

    Come early, stay late and explore!

    WED: Delta DL2995 11am - 12:19pm
    SAT: Delta  DL1165 5:45pm - 8:53pm

    Arrive right on time!

    WED: Delta DL2817 3:40pm - 4:55pm
    SAT: Delta DL1120 1:30pm - 4:40pm

  • No. We will book your room as a part of your registration. Participants can expect to receive a hotel confirmation by August 30.

  • Our group will be staying at the gorgeous Thompson Seattle Hotel located in Downtown Seattle. 

  • Yes! Once you receive your hotel confirmation, you are welcome to contact the hotel directly to extend your stay. Please note, your registration includes three nights (September 17–19), and any additional nights will be at your own expense.

  • Yes! Participants will receive a rideshare credit that will be shared through our event app Whova.

  • Download our event app, Whova and unlock all the secrets of Seattle! 
    *Whova will be available for download starting June 25, 2025.

  • Contact Kristen Lavelett: kristen@downtownslc.org.

  • Reach out to our Urban Exploration Director, Kristina Olivas, kristina@downtownslc.org.