Agenda
The agenda is tentative and subject to change.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4TH
Please pick up your credential badge at the check-in desks located inside the West doors of the America First Event Center.
Mainstage is located in the America First Event Center.
Austin Fronk | National Anthem | Join us for the singing of the national anthem. Performed by SUU BFA Student Austin Fronk from Nibley Utah.
Donna Law | Welcome | The new AVP of Regional Services & Director of the One Utah Summit, Donna Law, welcomes attendees to the 39th annual Rural Summit and 6th annual One Utah Summit.
SUU President Mindy Benson | Welcome to Campus | The 17th President of Southern Utah University welcomes Summit attendees to the SUU's beautiful campus. President Benson brings to the life the story of the bristlecone pine and being rooted in people, places and partnerships, building to endure, and branching into possibility.
Natalie Gochnour | Kem Gardner Institute's Economic Update | Utah's economy remains well positioned to outperform the nation even with a growth slowdown afoot and heightened economic uncertainty. A "Great Reordering"—driven by geopolitical change, artificial intelligence, demographic transformation, and technological disruption—continues to reshape the economic landscape. Utah's future will also be shaped by an unprecedented portfolio of major investments, including seven transformational mega projects with the potential to influence the state's economy for decades. Together, these forces make the leadership and decisions of the next several years among the most consequential in Utah's modern history.
Governor Spencer J. Cox | Kickoff Keynote
Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, Jonathan Freedman, Bruce Richardson, Byron Black, Jim Rushton | Global Partnerships, Rural Prosperity | Behind every major investment is a series of conversations, decisions, and partnerships. Join leaders from LS Electric Utah, Anson Resources, Enoch City, and World Trade Center Utah, in collaboration with the Governor's Office of Economic Development, for a conversation about why two international companies chose rural Utah — what built their confidence, what it took to close the deal, and how those relationships are paying off for both the companies and the communities that now call them partners.
Take a break, enjoy light snacks, and connect with fellow attendees.
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, Redge Johnson | A New Paradigm for Public Lands | Congresswoman Celeste Maloy represents Utah's Second Congressional District and remains committed to the principles that define the rural West: freedom, self-reliance, and the right of communities to chart their own future. She serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, defending Utah's rights to use and access its natural resources and public lands. Please welcome Congresswoman Maloy and Redge Johnson, Director of Utah’s Public Lands Office.
Dr. Greg Jackson | "The Discrimination between Truth & Falsehood": Overcoming Fake News and News Deserts, from the Founding to Rural Utah | Between the internet, social media, and AI-generated deepfakes, many Americans feel lost in a sea of misinformation. Some fear the nation itself is lost. Meanwhile, rural America is struggling to keep a press at all. With tales running from Benjamin Franklin's press in Paris of 1782 to the yellow press of the 1890s, Professor Greg Jackson shows that the challenges of intentional misinformation, though real and serious, are not new. Past generations faced them and overcame them. What they did has something to say to Americans of all stripes today, including those in rural Utah.
Discover the heart of innovation at our Exhibit Hall, where cutting-edge products, inspiring displays, and interactive experiences come together to ignite your passion and drive for the future! Included this year is the Cedar Area Lounge, creating a space for attendees to gather and experience a little Cedar City magic. You've never seen an exhibit hall like this one! | Ballroom, Student Center
The night kicks off at 6:30 PM with savory hors d’oeuvres, refreshing drinks, and plenty of time to mix, mingle, and connect. Add your mark to a collaborative large-scale mural painting, created one brushstroke at a time by Summit attendees. | Bristlecone Hall Lawn
Experience the best of Utah's theatre with an evening at the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival has generously offered One Utah Summit attendees $10 off tickets during Summit week. Use discount code 1UTAH26 and make your Summit experience even more memorable by enjoying world-class theatre in the heart of Cedar City.
Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.bard.org/plays/
8:00 PM | Hamlet | Englestad Shakespeare Theatre
8:00 PM | See How They Run | Randall L. Jones Theatre
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5TH
If you haven't already, please pick up your credential badge at the check-in desks located inside the West doors of the America First Event Center.
A complimentary continental breakfast will provided by Chartwells in the Exhibit Hall. You’ll find the Exhibit Hall in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Ballroom.
Discover the heart of innovation at our Exhibit Hall, where cutting-edge products, inspiring displays, and interactive experiences come together to ignite your passion and drive for the future! Included this year is the Cedar Area Lounge, creating a space for attendees to gather and experience a little Cedar City magic. Make sure to stop by the Service Project and help assemble 1,300 literacy kits for local kindergarten and first grade students. You've never seen an exhibit hall like this one! | Ballroom, Student Center
Mainstage is located in the America First Event Center.
Donna Law | Welcome | Welcome to the 2026 One Utah Summit!
Joel Ferry, Isaiah Taylor | Fission Forward: Utah’s Role in Nuclear Innovation | While the world watches the global energy transition, Utah is emerging as a hub for nuclear innovation. Join Joel Ferry, Commissioner of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, and Isaiah Taylor, CEO of Valar Atomics, for a discussion about Valar’s decision to establish operations in the Beehive State and Utah’s growing role in shaping the future of civil nuclear energy.
Joe Pyrah, Gene Shawcroft | Water Wars: Simplifying the Colorado River Discussion | As the 2026 deadline for a new river management plan looms, Utah faces a critical turning point in the “Water Wars.” Join Lt. Governor's Chief of Staff, Joe Pyrah, and Colorado River Commissioner, Gene Shawcroft, for an urgent update on negotiations between the seven basin states. This session simplifies the complex struggle between the Upper and Lower Basins, highlighting how Utah is fighting to protect its legal water "savings account," balance agricultural heritage with urban growth, and maintain state sovereignty against potential federal intervention.
Rural Awards | Presented by Governor Spencer J. Cox and Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson | Celebrate the people helping Utah thrive. The Rural Awards recognize outstanding leaders and organizations whose vision, service, and impact strengthen communities across the state and build prosperity for generations.
Mick Thomas, Nate Walkingshaw, Turner Caldwell | Mission Critical: Utah’s Strategy for a Domestic Critical Mineral Future | As demand for secure, reliable critical mineral supplies intensifies, the United States stands at a crucial turning point, and Utah is leading the way. Our holistic approach to permit coordination, infrastructure development, and economic incentives is quickly becoming the blueprint other states and nations are emulating. This couch conversation brings together industry leaders and policymakers to examine Utah’s role in bridging the gap between resource potential and a fully domestic supply chain. Join Mick Thomas, director of the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining; Nate Walkingshaw, CEO of Torus; and Turner Caldwell, CEO of Mariana Minerals, as they explore the strategic investments, regulatory landscapes, and cross-sector collaborations required to solidify Utah’s blueprint for mineral independence, ensuring long-term stability for our energy, defense, and economic sectors.
Utah First Lady Abby Cox, Jennifer Millett, Dr. Tami Goetz | Building Strong Readers: Literacy, Service and Utah's Future | Utah First Lady Abby Cox will join Jen Millett, a Granite Kindergarten Specialist, and Dr. Tami Goetz with the Utah STEM Action Center for a conversation on literacy needs across the state. The Utah STEM Foundation, in partnership with the Tri-County and Iron County bookmobiles, has launched a pilot of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) to address early childhood literacy gaps. By providing high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, we aim to increase home library sizes and improve kindergarten readiness. The discussion will also highlight the day’s service project in the exhibit hall, where attendees can help assemble 1,300 literacy kits for local kindergarten and first-grade students.
Enjoy fresh milk from The Creamery and cookies from Crumbl while you take a break with fellow Summit attendees!
Mainstage is located in the America First Event Center.
Jefferson Moss, Chad Linebaugh, Brooks Kirchheimer, Scott Miller | Convergence: How the Experience, Creative, and Innovation Economies will Shape Opportunity for Utahns | Utah’s economic landscape is evolving past traditional sector boundaries. By intentionally understanding and leveraging three unique economies within our state — the Experience, Creative, and Innovation economies — Utah can move toward a unique and unified system of value creation that plays to our strengths as a state. Led by Jefferson Moss, this discussion brings together leaders from each of these three areas to explore the power of convergence. While each economy is powerful on its own, their intersection enables compelling cross-pollination of ideas, energy, and talent. The discussion will center on how this convergence can serve as an economic catalyst for Rural Utah, elevating regional strengths and ideas by blending local authenticity with ingenuity.
Christine Hanks | The Unexpected Road to Growth | Rooted in Ephraim, Utah, Soapcreek Manufacturing perfectly embodies our conference theme of building prosperity for generations by proving that world-class industrial innovation thrives in rural communities. Founded in 2017, this powerhouse has grown from a kitchen-counter project into a multi-million-dollar operation. By pioneering automated production for bottle-free beauty goods, they prevent over a million plastic bottles from hitting landfills every month while injecting hundreds of vital manufacturing jobs directly back into rural Sanpete County.
Abby Osborne, Chair of the Utah Inland Port Authority; Jon Gabriel | BNSF in Utah: Expanding Rail Access and Rural Opportunity | Jon Gabriel of BNSF will join Abby Osborne for a mainstage discussion on the company’s future in Utah, including planned expansion, growing freight opportunities and the role rail can play in supporting rural economies. With new momentum building across the state, the conversation will highlight what’s next for rail investment, economic growth and Utah’s logistics future.
Stan Summers, Tammy Pearson | USDA Rural Investments | Joined by Beaver County Commissioner Tammy Pearson, USDA Rural Development State Director for Utah Stan Summers will provide an overview of investments throughout Utah, broken down by congressional district for fiscal year 2025. Learn how Rural Development programs—Housing, Community Facilities, and Business Programs—support rural communities by financing essential infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, and improving quality of life.
Eric Leavitt | In the Same Boat | Alignment of interests is often understood as a financial concept, but building durable relationships among stakeholder groups also requires cultural alignment. Drawing on the Leavitt Group model, CEO Eric Leavitt will explore how shared ownership, local autonomy, and clearly defined principles enable people with different backgrounds and perspectives to succeed together.
Step outside and treat yourself to a complimentary lunch from a curated lineup of your favorite local food trucks. Enjoy a relaxed lunch filled with bold flavors and great conversation. | Library Parking Lot, Outside Exhibit Hall
Ready to snag some Utah gold? The One Utah Summit Store will be located inside the SUU Campus Store, in the hallway connecting the America First Event Center and the Student Center. Stop by for exclusive swag and complimentary books from select speakers. Once it’s gone, it’s gone! | SUU Campus Store
- Financing Infrastructure for Future Growth | Presented by Randall Larsen, Gilmore Bell; Japheth McGee, Zions Bank; Benj Becker, Piper Sandler; Sam Elder, DA Davidson. Moderated by Ariane Gibson, Utah Inland Port Authority. | Bristlecone Hall, Room 104
- This breakout session will explore how communities can prepare for growth by planning and financing infrastructure early. Attendees will learn how infrastructure tools, public-private coordination and thoughtful capital planning can help communities reduce risk, attract investment and move important projects forward.
- The Federal Challenge: Unlocking the Land with Common Sense Management | Presented by Attorney General Brown, John Reese, Shayne Wittwer. Moderated by Redge Johnson. | Bristlecone Hall, Room 105
- For rural Utah, “the Feds” aren’t just a distant reality – they are the neighbor that owns 67% of the land. This session explores the challenges and opportunities posed by federal oversight and its direct impact on rural communities. Attorney General Derek Brown, Redge Johnson, director of the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, Rancher John Reese, and Shayne Wittwer of Wittwer Hospitality, will discuss the opportunities that arise when a federal administration prioritizes energy dominance, common-sense land management, and recreation – while sharing strategies to navigate shifting federal priorities.
- Resource Introductions for Rural Small Business | Presented by Angela Smith, Nucleus Fund; Dylan Doty, Nucleus Grow; Tyler Jennings, Startup State; Chuck Spence, APEX Accelerator; Paul Jolley, USBCI; Sydney Millett, Vernal Innovation Hub; Jeremy Waite, Cedar City Business and innovation Center; Mark Alexander, Bridgerland Tach - Business and Innovation Hub; David Rowley, Payson Innovation Center; Wyatt Anderson, Utah Tech Atwood Innovation Plaza; John Steele, Zions Bank. | America First Event Center, Room 227
- This breakout is an opportunity for small business resources in rural Utah to reverse pitch to rural leaders and businesses, and have an extended networking period for the companies in Utah's target industries and rural communities to connect. Showcasing rural small business centers, regional innovation centers/hubs, and statewide programs — this session will demonstrate pathways and resources people and businesses need to have to get started and find support as they grow.
- Connecting Communities | Presented by Tracy Hansford, Utah Division of Arts & Museums; Gary Saxton, Logan Downtown Alliance; Wendi Hassan, Cache Valley Center for the Arts; Chelsea Gauthier, Utah State Historic Preservation Office. Moderated by David Wicai, Utah Dept. of Cultural and Community Engagement. | America First Event Center, Room 229
- Utah is a vibrant and welcoming place where people love to live because they feel connected, empowered, and inspired. Utah's communities thrive when they work together - internally and with their partners. The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement focuses on facilitating connections within communities, bringing together resources, people, and programs. Learn more about how CCE works with local leaders and communities across the state.
- Rural Playbook: Navigating High-Impact Projects | Presented by Ray Conley, Creekstone Energy; Sarah Jewett, Fervo; Adam Richins, Millard County; Ben Hart, Utah Inland Port Authority. Moderated by Jen Wakeland, Governor's Office of Economic Development. | Bristlecone Hall, Room 104
- Rural Utah is drawing some of the nation’s most capital-intensive infrastructure projects — from advanced energy initiatives to large-scale digital infrastructure and logistics hubs. While these projects offer significant economic upside, they also raise complex community questions about resource management, water and land use, and long-term local value. Local leaders are often on the front lines, navigating these high-stakes conversations with interested parties and their own constituents. Led by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, this panel is designed as a practical session for rural civic and business leaders. The aim is to share learning and insights that they can bring back to their communities on how to evaluate major infrastructure proposals, engage and protect local interests, and craft proactive engagement and messaging that can generate informed alignment.
- Powering Tomorrow: Operation Gigawatt and Utah’s Energy Future | Presented by Mike Favero, Enbridge; Dr. Kristi McLin, Utah Forge; Jack Conness, Fervo. Moderated by Joel Ferry, Utah Department of Natural Resources. | Bristlecone Hall, Room 105
- Utah has an ambitious plan to more than double its power capacity under Governor Cox’s Operation Gigawatt. How is the state balancing rapid growth with grid reliability and affordability? Join Joel Ferry, Commissioner of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, and a panel of industry leaders to explore Utah’s "any-of-the-above" energy strategy. This session dives into major infrastructure opportunities, supply chain hurdles, and regulatory streamlining. Understanding the next decade of Utah’s energy economy is key to shaping a secure energy future.
- How Rural Communities Become a Competitive Advantage in the Global Supply Chain | Presented by Braden Moore; Kelly Akins; Drake Howell, Project Executive of BZI Innovation Park; and Shelly Zemeckis. Moderated by Armando Tirado. | America First Event Center, Room 227
- Hear directly from the people on the ground turning rural Utah’s potential into real projects. From site selection and navigating REDTIF incentives to financing construction, securing utility capacity and connecting to rail, learn what it takes to move development from possibility to operation, and why rural Utah is one of our state’s greatest strengths.
- Healthcare Access: Growing, Recruiting, and Retaining High Quality Talent in Rural Utah | Presented by Courtney Hills McBeth, Western Governor's University; Marc Watterson, DHHS Office of Primary Care and Rural Health; Jamison Robinett, Intermountain Cedar City Hospital. Moderated by Tracy Gruber, Commissioner, Utah Department of Health and Human Services. | America First Event Center, Room 229
- Community prosperity is built on a foundation of a healthy and thriving population. That requires accessible, high-quality care with a resilient, well-supported healthcare workforce. This 45-minute panel discussion explores how Utah’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is actively investing in attracting and retaining health care professionals to rural Utah, as well as growing our own pipeline of talent starting in high school. These targeted, strategic investments are designed to develop, attract, and retain medical professionals from critical clinical support staff to physicians and dentists so that rural Utahns have access to high quality care in their own communities. The panelists for this session include government and industry leaders who will highlight how Utah is leveraging federal and state partnerships to build sustainable talent pipelines, support technology-driven care delivery, and improve local clinical operations; supported by funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program.
5:00 - 6:30 PM | Downtown at Dusk | Johnson Center for the Arts, 59 N 100 W, Cedar City | Sponsored by Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce, Cedar City Iron County Economic Development and Visit Cedar City Brian Head Visitors Bureau.
Experience the best of Cedar City as the sun sets during Downtown at Dusk, a fun and interactive evening showcasing our local restaurants, dessert spots, retailers, and downtown atmosphere. Complete your passport along the way for a chance to win exciting prizes!
Start your evening at the Johnson Center for the Arts, where, from 5:00 - 6:30 pm attendees can enjoy live music by the band 8eez, small bites, a soda, and connect with fellow One Utah Summit participants before heading out to explore downtown. Pick up your event passport and set off on a self-guided adventure through participating businesses.
To complete your passport, visit downtown businesses for:
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Drink
- Retail item
Along the way, enjoy special offers, discover local favorites, and capture memories at photo opportunities throughout downtown.
Completed passports can be turned in the following day, August 6, at the One Utah Summit Cedar City Lounge by 1:00 PM for a chance to win great prizes.
Whether you're looking to network, explore, shop, dine, or simply enjoy a summer evening in Cedar City, Downtown at Dusk is the perfect way to experience the community's local flavor and vibrant downtown.
Participating Locations: Bell's on Main, Blackbird Bar, Bristlecone, Bulloch's, Cardon's Shoes and Clothing, Cedar Sports, Centro, Dippers, Firehouse Subs, The French Spot, Home on the Range, Hunter Cowen, IG Winery, Noggin Games, The Pizza Factory, and The Pub Spirits + Craft Kitchen.
Experience the best of Utah's theatre with an evening at the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival has generously offered One Utah Summit attendees $10 off tickets during Summit week. Use discount code 1UTAH26 and make your Summit experience even more memorable by enjoying world-class theatre in the heart of Cedar City.
Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.bard.org/plays/
8:00 PM | She Loves Me | Randall L. Jones Theatre
8:00 PM | Twelfth Night | Englestad Shakespeare Theatre
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6TH
Build a plate at Utah's Largest Charcuterie Board Breakfast, presented by Red Acre Farm and Center and Utah's Own. Join fellow Summit attendees in the West Entrance check-in hallways of the America First Event Center for a grazing-style spread featuring Utah-made favorites.
Mainstage is located in the America First Event Center.
Donna Law | Welcome | Welcome back to the 2026 One Utah Summit!
Tim Davis, David Shallenberger, Sebastian Abril, Zach Renstrom | Better. Stronger. Faster: Supporting Communities and Growth Through Permitting Reform | Protecting Utah’s air, land, and water and supporting communities and growth through innovation, relationships, and speed. Department of Environmental Quality Commissioner Tim Davis moderates a discussion on transformative permitting reform with Rep. David Shallenberger, the intersection of reclamation and redevelopment with the Inland Port Authority's Sebastian Abril, and pioneering water reuse innovation with Zach Renstrom of the Washington County Water Conservancy District.
Jefferson Moss & Margaret Busse | Utah's Pro-Human AI Initiative | Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world. In response, Utah is charting a different path, one that positions people, not the technology itself, at the center of every decision. This session delves deeper into Utah's Pro-Human AI Initiative, a state-led framework built on two guiding principles: AI must be human-guided, protecting dignity, preserving agency, and ensuring individuals remain in control of the tools that shape their work and lives. AI must also be human-enhancing, empowering people with better tools, strengthening communities through accessible innovation, and enabling problem-solving at an unprecedented scale. Led by Commissioner Margaret Busse (Department of Commerce) and Commissioner Jeff Moss (Governor's Office of Economic Development), this conversation will explore how Utah is bringing progress across six pillars: workforce empowerment, industry innovation, effective state government, academic research and development, learning and education, and public protection, under one coordinated approach.
Transformational Leader Awards | Presented by Donna Law and Melinda Pfundstein | Celebrate Utah's Transformational Leaders–graduates of the Utah Rural Leadership Academy and Utah Local Leadership Academy whose leadership is strengthening communities, workforce, culture, and industry across the state. These honorees are lifting those around them and helping build stronger towns for tomorrow.
Eric Gehringer | Union Pacific: Operations, Growth and the Future of Freight Rail | Union Pacific EVP of Operations Eric Gehringer will provide insights into Union Pacific’s strategic network priorities and the critical role rail plays in enabling economic growth. He will also discuss how a combination with Norfolk Southern could create a more connected, efficient freight network that strengthens supply chains and supports Utah’s long-term economic future.
Josh Van Jura | The Utah Trail Network | The Utah Trail Network is a network of paved trails throughout the state, connecting Utahns of all ages and abilities to their destinations and communities. Find out the progress we have made and the vision for the future.
Natalie Randall, Derek Westra, Katherine Potter | The Global Opportunity: Elevating and Maintaining the Utah Brand | Utah is entering an unprecedented era of global visibility. From the upcoming 2027 Temple Square Open House in Salt Lake City to the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The state's rising international profile and highly sought-after landscapes are drawing worldwide attention like never before. The question isn't whether the world is watching Utah. It's whether Utah is ready to welcome it — and whether every part of the state can share in what that means. This discussion highlights the global opportunity — not just for the state's urban centers, but also for rural communities that have the landscapes, culture, and authenticity the world seeks to experience. Panelists will explore what welcoming the world actually requires.
Brad Wilson, Mindy Benson | Utah 2034 Olympic Update | Utah is entering a transformative decade as the state prepares to host the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. This momentum extends far beyond a three-week athletic event—it is a decade-long movement designed to engage, elevate, and empower all 29 counties, from La Verkin to Blanding.
Building on Utah's 2002 legacy, this discussion highlights how compact master planning, a first-of-its-kind Athletes' Families Program, and an expanded commitment to Paralympic sports are creating meaningful opportunities across the entire state. Utah 2034 CEO Brad Wilson and Organizing Committee Board Member Mindy Benson will explore how statewide community listening tours, the Torch Relay, cultural programming, and volunteerism will unite every region. Discover how every community can share in this momentum to foster youth inspiration, destination spreading, and lasting statewide impact.
Before you leave, enjoy a sandwich, a wrap, and or a salad provided by Chick-Fil-A just outside the summit entrance. Enjoy one last break with great food and even better conversation as you connect with fellow Summit attendees or grab your meal and hit the road! | Summit Entrance, West end of America First Event Center
Experience the best of Utah's theatre with an evening at the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival has generously offered One Utah Summit attendees $10 off tickets during Summit week. Use discount code 1UTAH26 and make your Summit experience even more memorable by enjoying world-class theatre in the heart of Cedar City.
Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.bard.org/plays/
2:00 PM | See How They Run | Randall L. Jones Theatre
2:00 PM | The Book Club Play | Anes Studio Theatre
SUMMIT CAMPUS MAP
