The 2026 Wasatch Back Economic Summit, sponsored by Zions Bank, is being hosted at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley on May 11, 2026. KPCW will be audio recording the summit speakers and breakout sessions.
Special Overnight Stay Rate: Enjoy an overnight stay at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley with this exclusive summit rate of just $199 per night. Elevate your summit experience with upscale accommodations and convenient access. BOOK LODGING HERE
*Rate does not include $20 daily resort fee and applicable taxes. Rate valid for overnight lodging dates May 8-May 11. No minimum number of nights required.
This unique regional event is held annually in partnership with Heber Valley Chamber, Park City Chamber, Heber City, Wasatch County, Park City Municipal, and Summit County. Featuring informational presentations, breakout sessions, updates from industry leaders, regional experts, elected officials, and more, attendees will learn about key issues and opportunities facing the Wasatch Back.
SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE!! Email [email protected] to be a sponsor.
7:30 - 8:30 AM: CHECK IN & BREAKFAST
8:30 - 9:15 AM: MORNING KEYNOTE SPEAKER “The New Utah” presented by Natalie Gochnour, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
9:30 - 10:45 AM: BREAKOUT SESSION 1 a) Making Sense of Economic Change b) Arts, Culture, and Events as Economic Catalysts c) New Pipelines for a Ready‑to‑Work Workforce
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM: BREAKOUT SESSION 2 a) Building Resilient and Competitive Businesses b) Year-Round Resilience in the Resort & Outdoor Industry c) Four Generations, One Workplace: Bridging Differences to Build Stronger Teams
12:30 - 2:00 PM: LUNCH & KEYNOTE SPEAKER “Olympic Inspiration and Learnings” moderated by Tom Kelly and featuring panelists who attended the Milan/Cortina Olympic Winter Games as observers, athletes, planners, and operators
2:15 - 3:30 PM: BREAKOUT SESSION 3 a) How Regional Coordination Can Support Business & Community Success b) From Working Lands to Agritourism Economic Opportunity c) Creating a Resilient Workforce
3:30 - 5:00 PM: REGIONAL BUSINESS MIXER
We are excited to invite you to be a valued sponsor of the 2026 Wasatch Back Economic Summit. This is a unique opportunity to elevate your brand, expand your network, and engage with a dynamic business community. Choose among the four sponsor level options below. If you are interest in sponsoring, please email [email protected].
Presenting Sponsor: $7,000 - Includes 5 seats + logo recognition + breakout room opportunities
Community Sponsor: $2,500 - Includes 50% discount on 3 seats + logo recognition
Supporting Sponsor: $1,500 - Includes 50% discount on 2 seats + logo recognition
Friend of the Back Sponsors: $800 - Includes logo recognition
This unique regional event is held annually in partnership with Heber Valley Chamber, Park City Chamber, Heber City, Wasatch County, Park City Municipal, and Summit County. Featuring informational presentations, breakout sessions, updates from industry leaders, regional experts, elected officials, and more, attendees will learn about key issues and opportunities facing the Wasatch Back. Thank you to our generous sponsors for making the 2026 Wasatch Back Economic Summit a huge success!
Additional event details, sponsorship opportunities, and tickets will be coming soon. If you are interested in sponsoring the 2026 Wasatch Back Economic Summit, please email [email protected].
We are delighted to again announce the generous contributions from our Title Sponsor!!
Thank you to this year's generous Presenting Sponsors! If you are interested in sponsoring, please email: [email protected]
We appreciate the outstanding support from this year's Community Sponsors! If you are interested in sponsoring, please email: [email protected]
We greatly appreciate this year's Supporting Sponsors! If you are interested in sponsoring, please email: [email protected]
We appreciate this year's “Friend of the Back” Sponsors! If you are interested in sponsoring, please email: [email protected]
Morning Keynote Speaker: Ron Hetrick, Senior Labor Economist at Lightcast Examine root causes of the labor crisis, identify industries most at risk, and explore actionable strategies to mitigate the impact of a labor shortage. Lightcast's research highlights the urgent need for workforce solutions in essential sectors.
Lunch Keynote Speaker: Robert Spendlove, Senior Economist at Zions Bank Robert discussed the economic environment facing our nation and our state in 2025. How tariffs, federal tax, spending changes, deregulation, and a looming national debt crisis are impacting our economy.
Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Andreas Mueller-Schubert, co-founder and CEO of WSI Next Gen Marketing Andreas Mueller-Schubert explores the transformative power of AI. His keynote will highlight the impact of Generative AI and AI applications on businesses and jobs, revealing both revolutionary changes and new opportunities in the evolving landscape.
