Hands-On Breakout Sessions, National Keynotes and Live Events Headline Central Wyoming College’s 2026 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference

RIVERTON, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College’s 2026 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference will deliver more than inspiration, it will equip attendees with practical tools, clear strategies and real-world experience through a robust lineup of hands-on breakout sessions Thursday–Friday, April 23–24, in Riverton.

Designed for entrepreneurs, small-business owners, students and community leaders, the conference emphasizes actionable learning, with breakout sessions focused on helping participants move ideas forward, strengthen businesses and build meaningful careers.

“Breakout sessions are where ideas turn into action,” said Brittany Yeates, Dean of Business & Industry at Central Wyoming College. “We’ve intentionally partnered with industry leaders to ensure participants don’t just leave inspired, they leave with practical tools, strategies, and clear next steps they can apply immediately in their businesses, careers, and communities.”

“This conference is truly about bringing people together to learn, connect and grow,” said Beth Monteiro, Executive Director of the CWC Foundation. “We invite everyone, from aspiring entrepreneurs to established business leaders, to join us and take part in these dynamic breakout sessions. Each session is designed to meet you where you are, offering practical insights, fresh perspectives and real opportunities to move your ideas and goals forward.”

Led by statewide partners, industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, breakout sessions focus on business strategy, leadership, funding, innovation and emerging technologies.

Participants will gain:

• Practical frameworks to launch and scale ventures
• Tools to move ideas from concept to execution
• Direct insight into funding pathways and workforce resources
• Leadership strategies for long-term growth
• Hands-on experience with tools such as artificial intelligence

Attendees can choose between two breakout tracks, with concurrent sessions tailored to both early-stage ideas and growing businesses. Sessions range from core topics, such as branding, marketing and disciplined entrepreneurship, to applied workshops where participants build action plans, opportunity canvases and personal mission statements.

Each session is designed for immediate application. Participants will leave with defined next steps, refined ideas and tools they can use right away, including AI platforms, funding resources and workforce connections.

Additional sessions highlight manufacturing innovation, rural business financing and responsible AI use. Panel discussions, including Women in Business and manufacturing and innovation, feature Wyoming leaders sharing practical insights and real-world experience shaping the state’s economy.

The full breakout session schedule is available at https://www.cwc.edu/cwie/schedule/.

Nationally recognized keynote speakers

In addition to breakout sessions, the conference features keynote speakers Daymond John, Sean Sherman, Kristen Hadeed and Gary Schoeniger.

Daymond John, founder and CEO of FUBU and investor on ABC’s Shark Tank, is a best-selling author and Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship.

Kristen Hadeed, founder of Student Maid, is a leadership expert known for her people-first approach and her book Permission to Screw Up.

Gary Schoeniger, founder of the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative, is co-author of Who Owns the Ice House? and a global leader in entrepreneurial mindset education.

Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota chef and founder of The Sioux Chef, is a James Beard Award-winning author and a leading voice in Indigenous food systems.

A full conference experience

The conference brings together entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders to strengthen Wyoming’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is expected to attend.

Conference programming also includes a live performance by Jason Pritchett with opening act Jena Spriggs on Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m., and the Native Art Market 2026 on Friday, April 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring Indigenous artists and makers.

Event details
What: Central Wyoming Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference
When: Thursday–Friday, April 23–24, 2026
Where: Central Wyoming College, Riverton, Wyoming
Tickets: $225 available at www.cwc.edu/cwie