Early Bird Pricing for 2026 Central Wyoming Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference

Central Wyoming College is pleased to announce early bird holiday pricing for the 2026 Central Wyoming Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference, which will be held April 23–24, 2026, in Riverton. Conference details and updates are available at www.cwc.edu/cwie.

The two-day event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, educators, students, economic development professionals and community leaders to collaborate and strengthen Wyoming’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The conference also highlights the important connection between Career and Technical Education and small-business development, preparing many students for leadership roles in the trades and other high-demand fields.

Keynote Speakers Announced

The 2026 conference will feature four nationally recognized keynote speakers:

Daymond John, entrepreneur, investor and star of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” is the founder and CEO of FUBU and a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship. John is a best-selling author whose titles include “The Power of Broke,” “Rise and Grind,” “Powershift” and “Little Daymond Learns to Earn.”

Kristen Hadeed, founder of Student Maid, is a leadership expert known for her people-first approach and her book “Permission to Screw Up,” which explores lessons learned from building a culture of belonging and accountability.

Gary Schoeniger, founder and CEO of the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative, is the co-author of the international bestseller “Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur” and author of “The Entrepreneurial Mindset Advantage.” His work has shaped entrepreneurial mindset education around the world.

Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota chef, entrepreneur and Indigenous food systems leader, is internationally recognized for his work revitalizing and expanding awareness of Indigenous culinary traditions. Born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Sherman has cooked across the U.S. and globally for more than 30 years. In 2014, he launched The Sioux Chef, a culinary and education initiative based in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.

Sherman’s first book, The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, won the James Beard Award for Best American Cookbook. His restaurant OWAMNI opened in 2021 and was named Best New Restaurant in America by the James Beard Foundation in 2022. His latest book, Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America, expands his work to a continental scale, blending research, storytelling and contemporary Indigenous recipes.

Sherman’s participation is an especially meaningful addition to this year’s conference. His national leadership in Indigenous food revitalization aligns directly with Central Wyoming College’s Culinary & Hospitality Program and Bachelor of Applied Science in Tribal Leadership, offering students and the community a powerful example of cultural entrepreneurship, food sovereignty, and community-based innovation. His keynote will highlight the intersection of tradition, sustainability and economic opportunity—core themes across CWC’s academic and workforce initiatives.

Early bird tickets on sale. Tickets are available now at www.cwc.edu/tickets/

Special Holiday Early Bird All-Access Pass — $200

• On sale Nov. 24, 2025
• Includes two-day conference admission, concert access and a holiday bonus gift: a three-book set featuring works from all keynote speakers.

Early Bird Ticket — $225

• On sale Jan. 1, 2026

Conference Highlights

Attendees will have access to:

• Keynote addresses
• Breakout sessions with Wyoming partners and subject-matter experts
• Networking with business owners, educators, investors and industry professionals
• Vendor and exhibitor showcases
• Student engagement opportunities

The conference is expected to draw 200 to 400 participants from across Wyoming and the Mountain West.

Opportunities to Participate

• Submit a breakout session proposal
• Apply to be a vendor or exhibitor
• Sign up for conference updates and announcements

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000 and above, offering businesses visibility through marketing, signage, program features, exhibitor space and social media promotion. Specialty sponsorships are also available for refreshments and networking events.

Details and sponsorship packets can be found at www.cwc.edu/cwie.