AAE26 Attendees Shine Brightly at Celebrate Salt Lake City

AAE26 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable meetings in AAE history as attendees gathered in the Salt Palace Convention Center for Celebrate Salt Lake City, an evening that perfectly captured the energy, camaraderie, and spirit of this year’s meeting.

From the moment doors opened, Hall A&B transformed into a lively, can’t-miss destination where friends and colleagues reconnected, unwound, and celebrated a successful week. Guests enjoyed a festive mix of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and dancing, all set to the upbeat sounds of live music from The Groove Merchants, who kept the crowd on their feet throughout the night.

The evening was packed with interactive experiences that brought a playful, distinctly local flair to the celebration. Attendees lined up for crowd favorites like the ice sculpture drink luge and the ever-popular dirty soda bar, while others tried their hand at the curling rink or took home personalized keepsakes from caricature artists. Photo booths captured countless candid moments, and cozy après-ski lounges offered the perfect spot to relax and take it all in.

The event was a reflection of what makes the AAE community so special—connection, celebration, and shared pride in the specialty.

Stay tuned for a full gallery of photos capturing the magic and a glimpse of the fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments that made Celebrate Salt Lake City the perfect finale to AAE26.