Lauren GustusEvery year, we host Tribune supporters, journalists and those who are involved in the biggest stories of the year at our annual awards dinner.
I couldn’t be more excited for this year’s NewsMakers, which is Nov. 19 at the Utah State Fairpark.
Tickets and table sponsorships directly support the work of Tribune journalists, who join attendees at every table. Dinner is by one of the best in Utah, Hill Top Hospitality. The bar is open. Space is limited — secure your spot at sltrib.com/newsmakers.
“We want our readers and supporters to know that The Tribune exists to tell the stories others won’t. Or can’t,” said Tribune board chair Tom Love. “We are Utah’s independent news source, not owned by any one person or entity, and we are run by a volunteer nonprofit Board of Directors. We answer only to you — our community.”
There are three annual awards: The NewsMakers Award, the Solutions Award and the Tribune Service Award.
We will honor those who are ensuring community voices are being heard in the data center debate with the NewsMakers Award. Utahns from across the state will join me on stage for a conversation about how they’ve built coalitions across party lines and a multitude of interests. Community leaders have made an impact on how and where data centers are being built, ensuring perspectives are included from those that live in towns north and south.
(Kyle Miller | Wyoming Interagency Hotshot Crew) A crew member from Wyoming Hotshots grids and cold trails the fire’s edge on the eastern flank of the Cottonwood Fire.
The Solutions Award will be given to volunteers who have organized to rebuild communities impacted by devastating wildfires. More than half a million acres burned across Utah during the 2026 wildfire season, marking the most destructive fire season in nearly 20 years. And the rebuilding effort is already underway in places like Beaver County, site of the Cottonwood Fire.
For the first time ever, The Tribune will donate a portion of NewsMakers proceeds to nonprofits that are helping to restore and rebuild after the fires.
Finally, photographer Trent Nelson will receive the Tribune Service Award. A 30-year veteran of The Tribune, Trent has covered some of the most impactful and uplifting moments in our state’s history. An exhibit of photos from Trent, the entire visuals team and the Tribune archive will be on display during the evening.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake Tribune photographer Trent Nelson photographs speakers during a President's Day protest at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.
I hope you’ll join me on Nov. 19 for The Tribune’s annual awards dinner. This work is only possible because you choose to support it.
If you make a recurring annual or monthly donation, you can use the code ‘member’ until Oct. 9 to purchase tickets at a member-only rate of $200.
Please come celebrate with us.
— Lauren Gustus is Executive Editor/CEO of The Tribune.
Lauren Gustus returned to The Tribune as executive editor in the fall of 2020. She previously served as executive editor of The Sacramento Bee and West Region editor for McClatchy. Lauren met her husband in Salt Lake City while working at The Tribune in the early 2000s. Today, the couple and their two young sons enjoy camping and skiing.