Nationally Recognized Entrepreneurs, Live Music and Native Art Market Highlight Central Wyoming College’s 2026 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference

RIVERTON, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College will host the 2026 Central Wyoming Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference April 23–24, 2026, in Riverton, featuring keynote speakers including “Shark Tank” investor Daymond John, Indigenous chef and author Sean Sherman, leadership expert Kristen Hadeed and entrepreneurial mindset educator Gary Schoeniger.

The two-day event will also include Jason Pritchett in concert with a special opening set by Riverton native Jena Spriggs, as well as Central Wyoming College’s Native Art Market 2026 — Where tradition meets innovation, a curated showcase of Indigenous artists and makers.

Conference details and updates are available at www.cwc.edu/cwie.

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

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is expected to attend the conference, underscoring the importance of entrepreneurship, workforce innovation and economic development across the state.

The conference is made possible through support from the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, a statewide initiative focused on strengthening workforce development, innovation and economic opportunity throughout Wyoming.

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 programs used by schools, colleges and workforce organizations 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 United States 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, which opened in 2021, 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.

Special conference concert

As part of the conference experience, attendees and community members are invited to a special live performance featuring Jason Pritchett in concert with a special opening set by Jena Spriggs.

The concert will take place Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. and is included with conference admission. The evening performance offers a chance for conference participants and community members to gather, celebrate and enjoy live music during the event.

Central Wyoming College’s Native Art Market 2026: Where tradition meets innovation

Central Wyoming College will host the 2026 Native Art Market, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression, on Friday, April 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Held in conjunction with the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference, the market highlights Indigenous enterprise, artistic excellence and cultural storytelling through original works. The curated market will feature authentic Indigenous-made jewelry, beadwork, fine art, prints, contemporary cultural designs and other handcrafted works from Native artists and makers.

The market is curated by Central Wyoming College Tribal Education Assistant Al Hubbard, who works closely with regional artists to showcase Indigenous talent and cultural entrepreneurship.

Conference attendees and community members are invited to experience the lively atmosphere of the market, meet artists, hear the stories behind their work and enjoy a welcoming space where culture, creativity and entrepreneurship come together. The market promises to be a fun and engaging gathering that celebrates living traditions while supporting Indigenous makers and small businesses. Artists interested in participating in the Native Art Market may contact Al Hubbard at (307) 855-2142 or ahubbard@cwc.edu for more information.

What: Central Wyoming Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference
Where: Central Wyoming College’s Intertribal Education and Community Center (ITECC) and Robert A. Peck Arts Center, 2660 Peck Avenue, Riverton, Wyoming
Tickets: $225  www.cwc.edu/cwie
The ticket includes two-day access to the conference, featuring keynote addresses, breakout sessions with Wyoming partners and subject-matter experts, networking opportunities with business owners, educators, investors, and industry professionals, vendor and exhibitor showcases, student engagement opportunities, concert access, and the Native American Art Market.

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

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.