Fall Hospitality and Tourism Summit
WHTC Fall Summit
October 21st and 22nd, 2026 Sheridan, WY
The Fall Hospitality & Tourism Summit is Wyoming’s premier fall event for hospitality and tourism professionals, making it the second-largest industry gathering of the year. This dynamic two-day summit brings together business owners, industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Wyoming’s tourism economy. With insightful panel discussions, expert-led sessions, and valuable networking events, this is the place to connect, learn, and collaborate with key decision-makers in the field.
This event is SOLD OUT.
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By sponsoring this event, your brand will take center stage at one of Wyoming’s most influential industry gatherings, reaching top professionals who drive economic growth and innovation in hospitality and tourism. Whether you’re looking for maximum visibility as a Title Sponsor or a targeted engagement opportunity through speaker sessions, networking events, or branded experiences, there’s a sponsorship level to fit your business goals. Don’t miss the chance to align your brand with the future of Wyoming’s tourism industry—secure your sponsorship today!
Interested in sponsoring this event? Email chris@wyohtc.org or visit the registration site
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Lodging Accommodations
Best Western
Booking Link: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.51024.html?groupId=L73UZ2W2
Sheridan Inn
Booking Link: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.51076.html?groupId=3P0HG5I9
For a preview of the agenda, please scroll down.
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NOMINATIONS CLOSE SEPTEMBER 28 | Our industry relies on passionate individuals who create experiences that set Wyoming apart. Since 2025, we have recognized their efforts with three awards at the Fall Hospitality and Tourism Summit: the Wyoming Heart of Hospitality Award, the Hospitality and Tourism Professional of the Year, and the Clarene Law Award.
Nominating someone is easy. Please send a paragraph (up to 500 words) that includes the person’s name, job title, the award you are nominating them for, and reasons why they should be considered. Send all nominations to chris@wyohtc.org.
Wyoming Heart of Hospitality Award
Honoring individuals who personify the spirit of hospitality through extraordinary service.Open to any employee within the hospitality and tourism industry, the individual must work in the county where the Fall Summit is taking place. This year, the employee must work in Sheridan County.
Consistently delivers exceptional service, exceeding guest expectations.
Embodies the genuine warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit synonymous with Wyoming hospitality.
Regularly goes above and beyond daily responsibilities to create memorable guest experiences.
Demonstrates a sincere commitment to making every visitor feel valued and appreciated.
Hospitality and Tourism Professional of the Year
Recognizing outstanding leadership and contributions to Wyoming’s hospitality and tourism industry.Open to any professional in the hospitality and tourism sector in Wyoming.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership, professionalism, and industry expertise.
Contributes significantly to the success and growth of Wyoming’s hospitality and tourism landscape.
Actively mentors, inspires, and develops the next generation of industry leaders.
Serves as a role model for integrity, innovation, and service excellence.
Clarene Law Award
Celebrating leadership and advocacy in support of Wyoming’s hospitality and tourism industry.Open to any current or former elected or appointed official in Wyoming.
Demonstrates outstanding advocacy and policymaking that positively impacts the hospitality and tourism industry.
Has made a lasting contribution to the growth, sustainability, and success of the industry.
Champions initiatives that strengthen tourism’s role in Wyoming’s economy and community well-being.
Agenda
October 21st
All events except the Welcome Reception will take place at the Sheridan Inn
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WORTH Board Meeting
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Joint lunch for members of the WHTC Board, WHTCEF Board, Wyoming Tourism Board and WORTH Board.
Joint Board Lunch
WHTC Board Meeting
1:15 PM - 4:00 PM
WOT Board Meeting
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Roundtable discussion for all DMO CEO's to share best practices and discuss current challenges.
DMO Round Table
5:45 PM - 7:00 PM
Registration
Join us at Ice Haus to kick off the Fall Hospitality & Tourism Summit, then stay to thank Governor Gordon for championing the industry—a moment of gratitude, not a farewell.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception at Ice Haus
October 22nd
All events will take place at the Sheridan Inn
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Welcome & Intro
Rich Bridger, Mayor of Sheridan
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM
Legislative and Election Update Chris Brown, Executive Director of WHTC
Session
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
The Road Behind Us, The Trail Ahead Domenic Bravo, Executive Director of WOT
Session
Unlock Wyoming’s Marketing Power: 2027 Co-ops Ashleigh Weimer, Group Media Director, BVK; Mitch Knothe, Regional Director, Miles
Session
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
Wyoming Legislative Panel Discussion Senator Mike Gierau, Senator Ogden Driskill, Representative Elissa Campbell, Representative Pam Thayer
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Session
From Data to Decisions: Wyoming’s New Tourism Intelligence Dashboard Molly Rupp, Senior Director of Client Experience, Datafy
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Session
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Networking Lunch
The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund - Benefit to All Wyoming Communities Chris Floyd, Deputy Director, Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources; Brynn Hirschman, Grant Coordinator, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Session
Thinking Bigger Locally: Innovation, Projects & Partnerships Shawn Parker, Executive Director, Sheridan County Travel & Tourism
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Session
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Break
Building Wyoming’s Rodeo Destination: The PRCA and ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy Comes Home Diane Shober, Contractor, Cheyenne LEADS; Jim Walter, CEO, Visit Cheyenne
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Session
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Reception
Join us to wrap up the summit and celebrate the 2026 industry award winners.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Dinner & Awards
Thank You to Our 2025 Fall Summit Sponsors!
Photo Credit: Wyoming Office of Tourism
Join us for the fall event of the year to support the continued growth of Wyoming’s hospitality & tourism industry!
Note: All WHTC events have a 14-day full refund policy. If we receive your written cancellation 14 days or more before the event, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations received less than 14 days from an event will not be refunded.