Registration now open for May 11 event focused on economic resilience, workforce development and the future of the Wasatch Back
PARK CITY, UTAH (March 23, 2026) - The Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau and the Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Zions Bank Wasatch Back Economic Summit. Thanks in part to this year’s title sponsor, Zions Bank, the event will take place Monday, May 11, from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm MT at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley
"The Wasatch Back Economic Summit is really about bringing local business and community leaders together to talk about where our region is headed and how we move forward together," said Jennifer Wesselhoff, President and CEO of Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau. “By exploring topics such as economic vitality, workforce development, arts and culture and long-term, year-round stability, we hope to spark meaningful conversations, build stronger regional connections and help shape a vibrant future for the Wasatch Back."
The summit will feature keynote sessions on economic development in Utah and lessons that may help inform preparations for the 2034 Utah Winter Olympic Games. Natalie Gochnour, associate dean in the David Eccles School of Business and director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, will deliver the breakfast keynote, “The New Utah.” Tom Kelly will moderate the lunch panel, “Olympic Inspiration and Learnings,” featuring perspectives from Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games observers, athletes, planners and operators.
“The Wasatch Back Economic Summit provides an important forum for regional collaboration,” said Dallin Koecher, Executive Director of the Heber Valley Chamber, Tourism, and Economic Development office. “By bringing together leaders from business, government, education, and tourism, we can address shared challenges, identify opportunities for sustainable growth, and strengthen the economic future of our communities.
Breakout sessions will be organized into three tracks: Building Business Resilience, Tourism and Product Development and Workforce and Workforce Development. Sessions include:
- What’s New, What’s Enduring: Making Sense of Economic Change
- Beyond Amenities: Arts, Culture, and Events as Economic Catalysts
- Rethinking Talent: New Pipelines for a Ready‑to‑Work Workforce
- Sustainability That Pays: Building Resilient and Competitive Businesses
- From Snow Reliance to Year-Round Resilience in the Resort & Outdoor Industry
- A Boomer, A GenXer, A Millennial, and A GenZer Walk into an Office
- Beyond Boundaries: How Regional Coordination Can Support Business & Community Success
- From Working Lands to Economic Opportunity: Agriculture, Ranching & Agritourism
- Healthy Teams, Strong Businesses: Creating a Resilient Workforce
The 2026 Wasatch Back Economic Summit is proudly sponsored by Zions Bank, with additional sponsors including: Summit County, Wasatch County, Heber Valley Chamber, Heber City, Park City Board of Realtors, Summit Events, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Deer Valley East Village, Mountainland Technical College, Crandall Capital, Park City Mountain (Vail) and ACME Commercial Real Estate.
Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased here, starting Monday, March 23rd at 9:00 AM. To learn more, visit gohebervalley.com/wasatch-back-economic-summit. New this year, the lodging partner, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, is offering a special summit nightly rate of just $199 per night (plus daily resort fee and taxes). This rate is available for any number of stay dates from Friday, May 8th through Monday, May 11th. For additional information about the Park City Chamber, visit parkcitychamber.com. For additional information about the Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce and its programs, visit hebervalleychamber.com.
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About Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau represents over 1,000 businesses in Summit County. Founded in 1963 to promote local ski resorts, today, the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau is entrusted with fostering the health and wellbeing of the local community. From maintaining economic stability and addressing environmental concerns to developing sustainable tourism plans and preserving cultural heritage, the organization prides itself on being in the community for the community. Our Mountainkind brand is designed to support destination stewardship. For more information, visit visitparkcity.com.
About Heber Valley Chamber
The Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading advocate for businesses in Wasatch County, Utah. Through networking opportunities, business resources, community events, and economic advocacy, the Chamber works to strengthen the local business environment and foster a thriving, connected community. Learn more at hebervalleychamber.com.