Tabatha Coffey, Gov. Gordon, Dan Starks and more will contribute to exciting Wyoming Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference

Dan Starks, Founder of the National Museum of Military Vehicles will serve on the Industry Roundtable panel with Will Cayton, BWXT (American Nuclear Energy & Technology Company); Dana Miller, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Coordinator, Office of Economic Transformation, Gillette, WY; and Lindsey Stutheit, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Business Studio at Laramie County Community College on April 10. Rocky Case from Manufacturing Works will moderate. 

To see a full schedule, visit www.cwc.edu/cwie/schedule/.

Central Wyoming College’s President Brad Tyndall and CWC’s Tribal Education Coordinator Ivan Posey will open the conference on Thursday, April 10. Governor Mark Gordon will welcome attendees on Friday, April 11.

“Wyoming’s future relies on innovation and the ability to know how a good idea can be developed into a thriving business,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “Bolstering opportunities to learn critical trades and igniting business acumen is an investment in Wyoming’s students, workforce and citizens.” 

Friday’s conference lunch will be catered by the newly expanded CWC culinary program in collaboration with Riverton High School’s culinary faculty and students.

Country legend and Wyoming native Chancey Williams will perform in concert as part of the conference.

Business owners, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and students will gain valuable insights into economic development, along with resources and connections that can enhance their ventures. Breakout sessions, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities will enrich attendees’ experience and growth.

“With our Career & Technical Education (CTE) focus, we know that many students across Wyoming will manage and operate small businesses,” adds Yeates. “The trades are vital to our economy, and bringing students into the arena of entrepreneurship and business development can provide them with business skills and resources to be part of the United States core of small business owners.”

The Central Wyoming Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers:

Tabatha Coffey is globally recognized for her television shows, including Bravo’s “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” “Tabatha Takes Over,” and “Relative Success.” She has also been a sought-after expert on programs such as “The Talk,” “Dr. Oz,” “The Rachael Ray Show,” “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” and “Fashion Police.” Additionally, she has made her mark critiquing red-carpet looks for major awards, including the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and the Emmys.

Bill Rancic, who burst onto the scene as NBC’s first “Apprentice,” has authored four books, including the New York Times bestseller “You’re Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life.” He co-authored “I Do Now What?” with celebrity wife Giuliana Rancic, sharing secrets to a supportive love and true partnership in marriage. He also recently penned his first novel, “First Light”.

Mike Wandler is President of L&H Industrial, Inc., a third-generation family-owned business that provides engineering, design, manufacturing, repair, and field services to heavy industries worldwide. He is also the Founder and Leader of Wyoming’s Innovative Entrepreneurs, which aims to grow and diversify Wyoming’s economy by helping entrepreneurs think big and access the information and resources necessary for success.

Statewide organizations, including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Workforce Services, Wind River Development Fund, Community Development, Makerspace, IDEA Inc., Wyoming Works, Wyoming Business Council, University of Wyoming, and the Community College partners will be participating in the breakout sessions.

The conference is generously sponsored by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership. The Metallica Scholars grant is also helping fund portions of the conference. 

Bootstrap Collaborative is part of Central Wyoming College’s services. Its clients will be at the conference showcasing their products and services. 

WHAT: Central Wyoming Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference: Partnering for Progress – Schedule – CWIE

WHERE: Central Wyoming College, 2660 Peck Avenue, Riverton, WY 82501  

WHEN: Thursday, April 10 – Friday, April 11, 2025

WHO: Business owners, entrepreneurs, government agencies, students, and the general public—all are welcome to attend.

Purchase your TICKETS today!