Allyson Jackson, general manager of the Salt Palace, said that as of Wednesday, construction on the new meeting rooms was 65 percent complete, while the exhibit halls were 80 percent complete. The roof structure is 95 percent complete.

In the next 10 days, Jackson said, the exterior wall at the west end of the Salt Palace will be taken down so that work can begin connecting the new section with the existing structure.

The facility won't be at its photo-finish best when the Outdoor Retailer show comes to town, but Jackson said all the essentials will be in place. The remaining work, to be completed once the trade show packs up, is largely cosmetic: artwork — including a massive, 75-foot-long piece planned for the West lobby — likely will not be hung. Landscaping probably won't be finished, and there's a possibility the interior painting won't be complete.

However, Jackson said, "we will absolutely be ready for occupancy on July 27." The Outdoor Retailer show opens Aug. 10.

Today, the bureau will announce the winner of its first Dianne Binger Sales Leadership Award, named after Beck's predecessor, who died in March 2005 of cancer.

"The night is partly about presenting the report," Beck said, "but it's really to celebrate Dianne Binger. This was a person who has left an impact and a legacy on this industry that will be felt for many years to come."

The $1,500 leadership award will be given to a female student at the University of Utah in the park/recreation/tourism area in the name of a bureau employee to be announced at tonight's event. The award is one way the bureau can honor Binger's work and her legacy, Beck said.

"Her role, not only as president and CEO of this organization, but also as a female in this industry — it's incredible what she was able to accomplish, and the dignity and grace with which she accomplished it is amazing," Beck said. "On a daily basis, her impact is felt."

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E-mail: jnii@desnews.com