Now that the congratulations have been given and the high-fives exchanged and the glasses raised, the real work begins on expansion of the Salt Palace Convention Center.

Salt Lake City Councilman Eric Jergensen illustrated the point during a Thursday press conference, which followed an announcement by Outdoor Retailer trade show officials that they would be staying put in Salt Lake City for at least the next five years.

"Literally this afternoon we need to roll up our sleeves and get right straight to work," Jergensen said, taking off his jacket, handing it to county Mayor Nancy Workman and rolling up his sleeves.

The clock is ticking. Salt Lake County has just 11 months to build an underground parking structure in a parking lot west of the Salt Palace, and top it with a surface that will serve as both a foundation for a temporary exhibition tent and ultimately as the floor for 215,000 square feet of new exhibition and meeting space.

"I'm glad they're willing to make the changes to accommodate us here," said exhibitor Connie McDonald, "because the only thing lacking was space."

In order to create more space, the first phase will cost $10 million, with Salt Lake County funding half and Salt Lake City and other sources funding the rest. County chief administrative officer David Marshall said taxes would not be raised for the purpose.

"We've planned on this for a long time," he said.

The total cost of the expansion is projected to be $52 million. Besides completing the first phase of the expansion, local officials will also be busy convincing the Legislature to raise hotel and restaurant taxes to fund the rest.

Even though state legislators rejected the idea in their last session, local officials are confident that it will go through next year.

"We've got it now," Workman said of the commitment from Outdoor Retailer officials. "It's happening."

City officials aren't the only ones eyeing the upcoming changes. Exhibitors and retailers who participate in the semiannual show agree the venue needs some work.

"This year seems to be even more crowded than last year," said exhibitor representative Tim DeYoung. "Every space and literally every corner has something in it."

Exhibitor John Marsh said many retailers take advantage of Utah's great outdoors as they test various products and gear showcased during the week. Some join morning hikes and other activities taking place in the surrounding regions.

"It's great for the show and all exhibitors to be here in the environment," said exhibitor Erich Mooradian. "It's nice to have the ambiance of the outdoor weather, with the snow in the winter and dry summers. It just fits the market of what people are trying to sell here."

McDonald has witnessed the show in several cities and believes Salt Lake City offers participants a "great central location with an amazing outdoor activity base." She said Las Vegas' smoke and busy indoor casinos go against the "healthy industry" that outdoor enthusiasts often advocate.

Still, some would like to see lower hotel rates and a more exciting night life in Salt Lake City. But they said the great outdoors that is built into the landscape of the area is hard to match anywhere else.

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aedwards@desnews.com; wleonard@desnews.com