2026 Tourism Business Development Workshop
April 22-23, 2026
The Kanab Center | Kanab, Utah
Join the Utah Office of Tourism and Film for a workshop on
agritourism, astrotourism and the creative economy (film & cultural tourism).
Thank you for your support - registration is now sold out.
Capitalizing on Utah's Experience Economy
Join the Utah Office of Tourism and Film for two days of actionable insights and engaging networking opportunities.
AGRITOURISM
Learn to combine agricultural production with tourism to create unforgettable educational and recreational experiences.
ASTROTOURISM
Harness the economic power of Utah's world-class dark skies and celestial events.
CREATIVE ECONOMY
Explore strategies to showcase your destination's unique heritage, historic sites, and cinematic appeal.
This event is designed for individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, state and national park staff, and government officials interested in developing or expanding offerings in these key tourism segments.
Your Workshop Experience
Our 2026 program is under development, but you can expect an immersive agenda packed with expert-led keynotes and breakout sessions. Check back soon for a full schedule and speaker announcements!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
9:30 AM Attendee Check-In
10:00 AM Welcome
10:20 AM Keynote Block
11:15 AM Breakout #1
12:15 PM Lunch / Networking / Exhibitor Booths
1:15 PM Breakout Session #2
2:30 PM Breakout Session #3
4:00 PM Breakout Session #4
6:30 PM Dinner and Hands-On Learning Experiences Begin
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
9:00 AM Breakout Session #5
10:30 AM Breakout Session #6
11:30 AM Pitch Contest
12:15 PM Lunch / Networking / Exhibitor Booths
1:25 PM Keynote
2:00 PM Dismiss
2:15 PM Post-conference Best Friends Animal Sanctuary guided tour registration
Sessions
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22ND |
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| CASCADE A | CASCADE B | INCHWORM / BUCKSKIN | |
| BREAKOUT #1 11:15 am | (G) Data-Driven Tourism | (CE) Leaning into Cultural Tourism | (AS) Transformational Value of Dark Skies |
| BREAKOUT #2 1:15 pm | (CE) Integrating Indigenous Businesses… | (G) Marketing 101 | (AG) Cover Your Assets |
| BREAKOUT #3 2:30 pm | (G) Fueling Your Tourism Business | (AG) Wrangling Codes, Zoning, & Permitting | (AS) Developing Expert Teams & Community… |
| BREAKOUT #4 4:00 pm | (AG) Better Together | (G) Marketing 201 | (CE) Film Tourism |
THURSDAY, APRIL 23RD |
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| BREAKOUT #5 9:00 am | (AS) Launch Your Astrotourism Product | (G) The Art of 5-Star Hospitality | (AG) Maximizing Agritourism |
| BREAKOUT #6 10:30 am | (G) Getting…Ready for Global Visitors | (G) Understanding Guest Personality Styles | (CE) Tastemakers and Trailblazers |
Hands-On Evening Experience
Join us for an evening of interactive and immersive experiences taking the information from the classroom and putting it into action!
Starting at 6:00 PM, meet at Best Friends Road House for a dynamic networking reception featuring drinks and appetizers. This is your chance to engage hands-on with three unique stations focused on voluntourism experiences and learn more about the agritourism and film economies that help shape the the county dubbed as "Little Hollywood".
We'll then transition to Iron Horse at 7:00 PM, where you’ll enjoy an immersive dinner, engaging film trivia, a captivating old-western environment that transports you back in time. You won't want to miss a chance to be a part of the action as history comes to life!
Wrap up your night with the magic of the night sky during the peak of the meteor shower! Join us at Jackson Flats Reservoir from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM for an immersive, hands-on evening designed to connect you with the cosmos and indigenous heritage. Learn to photograph the night sky, get a close up view of the planets and enjoy an indigenous storytelling experience. "
What Our Partners Are Saying
“One of the most valuable things that happened at this event was partners connecting with each other. These connections between organizations are going to be invaluable for businesses going forward.”
– Anonymous
“Thank you for making this event so accessible and welcoming... amazing to see community members and government have an in-person dialogue.”
– Anonymous
“I honestly can't remember the last time I left a conference feeling so inspired, and with so many ideas I could start working on immediately.”
– Allison Yamamoto-Sparks, San Juan County
Hosted in the Heart of Kane County
We are thrilled to partner with our Workshop Host, the Kane County Office of Tourism. Kanab is a world-class destination and the perfect backdrop for our workshop. We encourage attendees to stay and play.
Special thanks to the following hotels for offering discount rates during the workshop.
COMFORT INN KANAB
150 W Center St, Kanab, UT 84741
Group Rate
HAMPTON INN KANAB
98 S 100 E, Kanab, UT 84741
Group Rate
PARRY LODGE
89 E Center Street, Kanab UT 84741
Use Code: UTAH2026 for 20% off
ZION STAYS
Area vacation rentals
Use Code: UTAH26 for 20% off
DINING: Passionate locals blend fresh regional ingredients with world-class techniques, crafting traditional French fare, innovative new American and plant-based cuisine that would make any food lover's heart race against a backdrop of breathtaking sandstone formations
THINGS TO DO: This red rock wonderland beckons with world-class 4-wheel drive trails that wind through technicolor canyons, hiking paths that lead to secret hanging gardens and ancient petroglyphs, and pristine fishing spots where the desert meets crystal-clear streams.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS: Find the perfect accommodation in Kanab, unpack once, and be free to explore
An Event Brought To You By
Sponsor Partners
With Special Thanks to Our Partners
This event is guided by out dedicated Agritourism, Astrotourism, and Creative Economy collaboration committees.
Katherine Potter, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement
Tracy Hansford, Utah Division of Arts & Museums
Sorell Grow, Utah Office of Tourism
Emma Kwanin , Utah Office of Tourism
Melissa Jackson, Utah Film Commission
Virginia Pearce, Utah Film Commission
Christina Martin, Utah Film Commission
Questions
For more information about the workshop, speaking opportunities, or sponsorships, please reach out.
AGRITOURISM & GENERAL
Rachel Creer
Partner Resources Manager
[email protected]
ASTROTOURISM
Laici Shumway
Partner Outreach & Collaboration Coordinator
[email protected]
CREATIVE ECONOMY - FILM & CULTURAL
Melissa Jackson
Sr. Manager of Operations & Workforce Development
[email protected]