Home / Community / Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference / Schedule
| 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Registration / Continental Breakfast | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre Gallery |
| 8:45 – 9:15 AM | Opening Session | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 9:15 – 10:15 AM | Kristen Hadeed | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 10:15 – 10:45 AM | Break | |
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | Gary Schoeniger | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 12:00 – 1:30 PM | Lunch & Book Signing | Student Center Gymnasium |
| 1:45 – 2:30 PM | Breakout Session #1 | |
| Organization: The BARK Firm Marketing in the Age of AI (Without Screwing It Up) In this high-energy, beginner-friendly session, Dustin and Sommer from The BARK Firm break down the difference between branding, marketing, and advertising and the order in which they actually belong. Most small businesses get this backwards by posting or advertising before they have a solid brand, often layering AI on top of that existing chaos. With over 17 years of experience, the presenters provide a clear framework and simple AI tools that startups and small business owners can use to gain clarity, confidence, and a smarter path forward. | MH 171 | |
| Organization: University of Wyoming (UW) Intro to Disciplined Entrepreneurship Framework This session introduces participants to the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, a systematic approach to building a successful startup. By following a structured methodology, entrepreneurs can move from an initial idea to a scalable product while mitigating common risks associated with new ventures. It is designed for those looking for a rigorous, step-by-step process to ensure their business idea has a solid foundation for growth. | Little Theater | |
| Organization: Startup Wyoming – Open Range Coaches Know Thyself: Building Your Professional Roadmap Gain clarity about your values, strengths, and professional direction in this engaging breakout session. Through guided reflection and collaborative exercises, participants will explore mindset shifts that support purposeful work and effective leadership. Attendees will leave with a personal mission statement and practical goals to guide their next professional steps. | ITECC 125 | |
| Organization: RJ Tech Empowering through Growth Mindset for Entrepreneurs This breakout session focuses on empowering individuals through the power of a growth mindset, specifically tailored for leaders and entrepreneurs. Participants will explore how shifting their perspective can lead to more successful leadership and improved business outcomes. The session aims to provide practical tools for evaluating business culture and overcoming the mental barriers that often hinder progress in the early stages of a venture. | ITECC 121 | |
| Organization: Women in Business Panel Innovate, Lead, Succeed: Women Shaping the Future of Business Hear from inspiring Wyoming business leaders as they share their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned in entrepreneurship and leadership. Panelists include Jolene Osback, Kami Cunningham, Amanda Brodie, and Sue Muncaster. This engaging discussion offers insight, encouragement, and practical advice for women building businesses and careers in Wyoming. | HS 100 | |
| Organization: Department of Workforce Services Funding the Future: Workforce Programs that Power Business Growth Discover workforce grant and funding opportunities available to Wyoming businesses through the Business Training and Support Unit (BTSU). This session highlights state and federally funded programs that support employee training, skill advancement, and workforce development. Attendees will learn how businesses, nonprofits, and training providers can access these resources to strengthen their teams. | ITECC 116 | |
| 2:45 – 3:30 PM | Breakout Session #2 | |
| Organization: Wyoming Business Council Wyoming Business Council: Fueling Growth, Funding Opportunities The Wyoming Business Council offers a range of programs and services designed to help businesses start, grow, and thrive across the state. From grant and loan funding to workforce development support, infrastructure investment, and business recruitment, their resources are built to strengthen local economies and expand opportunity. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing business, the Council provides guidance, connections, and financial tools to support long-term success in Wyoming. | HS 100 | |
| Organization: University of Wyoming (UW) Disciplined Entrepreneurship: Next Steps Take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level by building on the core principles introduced in the introductory framework. This session moves beyond ideation to focus on practical application—equipping participants with the tools to test assumptions, refine their value proposition, and develop scalable, market-ready ventures. Through a structured, step-by-step approach, attendees will gain the confidence and clarity needed to move from concept to execution with purpose and precision. | Little Theater | |
| Organization: Startup Wyoming Breaking Through Your Barriers: Turning Ideas Into Action Turning ideas into action is one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face. This interactive session helps participants identify the barriers that hold them back and develop practical strategies to move forward. Attendees will leave with a drafted Opportunity Canvas, a clear action plan, and tools to turn inspiration into momentum. | ITECC 125 | |
| Organization: Dr. M. Chitra, Rishihood University From Idea to Action: Building Sustainable Ventures Led by an award-winning entrepreneurship educator and mentor, this session goes beyond theory to focus on building real, sustainable ventures. Participants will learn how to validate ideas, make informed early-stage decisions, and turn concepts into practical business models. By connecting key entrepreneurial principles with real-world application, this session provides a clear path from idea to action. | ITECC 121 | |
| Organization: O3 Consulting AI for Business: Practical Tools for Smarter Growth Discover how emerging AI tools help businesses work smarter, communicate more effectively, and unlock new opportunities. This session is tailored for entrepreneurs and business operators, providing a practical overview of today’s most useful AI capabilities and tools across business functions. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of where AI can create real value, how to start using it responsibly, and which tools may best fit their business as the technology continues to evolve. | ITECC 116 | |
| Organization: Wyoming SBDC Network & Manufacturing Works From Idea to Impact: Manufacturing & Innovation Panel This panel showcases Wyoming manufacturers—spanning sectors such as robotics, food, and outdoor gear—whose innovations reflect the modern face of the state’s manufacturing industry. Attendees will learn how to overcome common challenges such as workforce development, funding, and navigating complex regulations. The session provides actionable insights into integrating advanced manufacturing and automation while building scalable business models for high-growth potential. | MH 171 | |
| Organization: SBA and USDA Rural Development Rural Business Financing Now and Later A team of Wyoming-based SBA and USDA finance specialists share their best tips for getting business ideas and loan requests funded. Whether you are looking for a small amount for a side hustle or larger capital for facility expansion, this session covers expectations for industry experience and personal investment. It also highlights specific loan programs for rural entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and veterans, as well as information on value-added producer grants and 1:1 consultation opportunities. | MH 169 | |
| 3:45 – 5:00 PM | Sean Sherman | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 5:00 – 6:45 PM | Dinner Break Food trucks will be available on campus as well as the food court for participants to get dinner before the concert. Seating will be available in the Intertribal Center for those staying on campus for dinner. | Campus / Food Court / Intertribal Center |
| 7:00 – 7:40 PM | Jena Spriggs Opening | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 8:00 – 9:30 PM | Jason Pritchett Concert | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 7:30 – 9:15 AM | Registration / Continental Breakfast | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre Gallery |
| 8:15 – 9:15 AM | Industry Panel Christian Bitzas: Founder of Ecos Atlas Rocky Case: Director, Manufacturing Works Kevin Kershisnik: Executive Director, IDEA Inc. Beth Monteiro: Executive Director, CWC Foundation Lisa Mueller: Chief Operating Officer, MC2 Collaborative | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 9:15 – 9:30 AM | CWC President Brad Tyndall | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 9:30 – 10:00 AM | Governor Mark Gordon | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 10:00 – 11:30 AM | Daymond John | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre |
| 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Daymond John Book Signing / Autographs | Robert A. Peck Arts Center – Theatre Gallery |