2026 Zions Bank Wasatch Back Economic Summit
May 11, 2026 | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Grand Hyatt Deer Valley
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Event Check-In & Breakfast
8:30 AM - 09:15 AM: Morning Keynote - “The New Utah” presented by Natalie Gochnour, Kem C Gardner Policy Institute
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Breakout Sessions
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Building Business Resilience: What’s New, What’s Enduring: Making Sense of Economic Change:
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From interest rates and labor markets to consumer behavior and growth patterns, today’s economy presents both disruption and consistency. This breakout brings together experts to unpack the key changes businesses should prepare for—and the enduring principles that continue to underpin stability and growth. Attendees will leave with clearer signals on how to plan confidently amid uncertainty.
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Tourism/Product Development: Beyond Amenities: Arts, Culture, and Events as Economic Catalysts:
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From festivals and performances to public art and cultural programming, the arts and events sector plays a vital role in shaping a resilient local economy. Join experts to learn how these assets drive economic impact, support workforce vitality, and enhance community identity across the Wasatch Back. The discussion will outline shared goals, future opportunities, and concrete ways businesses can partner in building a dynamic arts, culture, and events economy.
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Workforce/Workforce Development: Rethinking Talent: New Pipelines for a Ready‑to‑Work Workforce:
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Traditional hiring pipelines are changing. Join educators and workforce trainers who are developing innovative, skills-based pathways that deliver job‑ready employees faster and more effectively. Learn where businesses can find emerging talent, how training programs are being customized to employer needs, and how you can engage to ensure new hires are prepared from day one. It might surprise you!
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM: Breakout Sessions
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Building Business Resilience: Sustainability That Pays: Building Resilient and Competitive Businesses:
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Sustainable business practices aren’t just good for the environment—they’re good for the bottom line. Join experts from across industries to learn how smart sustainability investments can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen long-term competitiveness. This session will highlight steps businesses can take in the short, mid, and long term to remain resilient in a rapidly changing market.
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Tourism/Product Development: From Snow Reliance to Year-Round Resilience in the Resort & Outdoor Industry:
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As climate variability reshapes winter reliability, the resort and outdoor industry is expanding beyond traditional models. Learn how industry leaders are investing in innovation, developing shoulder-season and non-snow experiences, and reframing seasonality to support long-term sustainability. The conversation will focus on adaptation strategies that protect jobs, revenue, and community stability.
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Workforce/Workforce Development: A Boomer, A GenXer, A Millennial, and A GenZer Walk into an Office:
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Today’s workforce spans multiple generations, each shaped by different experiences, expectations, and motivations. Join a candid conversation exploring where generational preferences differ, where they align, and how leaders can better attract, engage, and retain talent across age groups. This session will offer practical insights for building a cohesive, high‑performing workplace in a multigenerational era.
12:30 - 2:00 PM: Lunch & Keynote: Olympic Inspiration and Learnings, moderated byTom Kelly and featuring panelists who attend the Milan/Cortina games as observers, athletes, planners, and operators.
2:15 - 3:30 PM: Breakout Sessions
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Building Business Resilience: Beyond Boundaries: How Regional Coordination Can Support Business & Community Success:
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As the Wasatch Back continues to grow, regional alignment is increasingly critical. Hear how collaboration across tourism, housing, transit, and infrastructure planning can create more efficient systems and better outcomes for businesses and residents alike. This discussion will highlight shared challenges, collective solutions, and why a regional mindset is key to future prosperity.
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Tourism/Product Development: From Working Lands to Economic Opportunity:
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Agriculture, Ranching & Agritourism: Agriculture and ranching are foundational to the Wasatch Back’s identity—and increasingly important to its economic future. This session explores how farms, ranches, and rural communities are creating authentic agritourism experiences that diversify income, support local producers, and attract visitors year-round. Learn how working lands can remain viable while strengthening a resilient four-season economy.
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Workforce/Workforce Development: Healthy Teams, Strong Businesses:
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Creating a Resilient Workforce: A resilient workforce is essential to business success—especially in high‑intensity, seasonal economies. This breakout explores how employers can address burnout, support employee well‑being, and design workplace systems that foster consistency and retention. Hear practical approaches that help businesses maintain healthy, engaged teams while navigating the unique pressures of the Wasatch Back.
3:30 - 5:00 PM: Regional Mixer
