2026 Tourism Business Development Workshop


April 22-23, 2026
 The Kanab Center | Kanab, Utah

Thank you for joining the Utah Office of Tourism and Film for the workshop on agritourism, astrotourism and the creative economy (film & cultural tourism). We look forward to seeing you next year at the third annual workshop.

Kanab was buzzing as the 2026 Tourism Business Development Workshop took over "Little Hollywood." With a sold-out crowd of industry enthusiasts and friends from all corners of the state, the energy at the Kanab Center was inspiring. Sessions focused on leveling up Utah’s "Experience Economy," diving into trending niche markets agritourism, astrotourism, film, and cultural tourism. From learning how to host like a five-star pro to exploring how to expand your product offering, participants left with fresh ideas to help their businesses thrive.

Between networking and puppies at Best Friends Roadhouse and a nostalgic Western-style dinner and performance at Iron Horse restaurant, attendees made meaningful connections and experienced first hand how Kane County has leaned into niche tourism segments at the hands-on experiences. The night ended under the stars at Jackson Flats Reservoir, where attendees snapped photos of the night sky during a peak meteor shower, listened  to indigenous storytelling under the stars, and looked through telescopes at the beauty beyond.

Our team at the Utah Office of Tourism and Film thank those who attended and participated in an experience we hope left attendees inspired and ready to elevate and build even stronger resiliency in Utah’s visitor economy.

Workshop Resources


Main Stage and Breakout Presentation Decks Available 

Additional Resources

  • Night Sky Photography Guide- Special thanks to Carly Stocks, owner of Dark Sky Utah  
  • Photos - Thanks to the Kane County Office of Tourism, photos of the event are available for you to share out.
  • Agritourism Survey - Support the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food and the Utah Office of Tourism in their efforts to conduct an agritourism economic impact study by completing the survey for agritourism providers by Friday, May 1. 
  • Attendee Survey - Share your thoughts about and support for the 2026 Tourism Business Development Workshop with the Utah Office of Tourism by completing the attendee survey by Friday, May 8.  

Capitalizing on Utah's Experience Economy


Join the Utah Office of Tourism and Film for two days of actionable insights and engaging networking opportunities.

Woman riding a horse with the sunset in the background

AGRITOURISM

Learn to combine agricultural production with tourism to create unforgettable educational and recreational experiences. 

Man with camera under red rock arch with stary sky

ASTROTOURISM

Harness the economic power of Utah's world-class dark skies and celestial events. 

Learn more about Utah's Astrotourism
Tuacahan outdoor theater with audience

CREATIVE ECONOMY

Explore strategies to showcase your destination's unique heritage, historic sites, and cinematic appeal. 

Learn more about Utah's Creative Economy

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

Graphic 2 Days
Graphic 2 Keynotes
Graphic 6 Breakout Sessions graphic
Graphic 1 Hands on 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

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

Two women talking with each other

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

Man giving a presentation to a crowd

“Thank you for making this event so accessible and welcoming... amazing to see community members and government have an in-person dialogue.”

–  Anonymous

Woman giving a presentation to a crowd

“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.

Join us for a guided tour of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary April 23. 
Our guide will drive you in our tour van where you will get an overall introduction of the Sanctuary, meet a few residents, and learn about our mission to Save Them All.
Tour will leave the Kanab Center at 2:15pm and will return at approximately 4:30pm.
Secure your registration: Sanctuary Tour Form
Kanab tourism logo
Man and woman sitting in red rock cave looking outward
Hot air balloons in air at the Kanab Balloons and Tunes festival
Hikers at night with stary sky

Special thanks to the following hotels for offering discount rates during the workshop.

Hotel

COMFORT INN KANAB
150 W Center St, Kanab, UT 84741
Group Rate

Hampton Inn hotel exterior

HAMPTON INN KANAB
98 S 100 E, Kanab, UT 84741
Group Rate 

Lodging property

PARRY LODGE
89 E Center Street, Kanab UT 84741
Use Code: UTAH2026 for 20% off

Accommodation grounds

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

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food logoDepartment of Culture and Community Engagement logoUtah State University logo

With Special Thanks to Our Partners

This event is guided by out dedicated Agritourism, Astrotourism, and Creative Economy collaboration committees.

Agritourism Collaborative Partners:
   Adrianna Franco, Utah Department of Agriculture & Food
   Caroline Hargraves, Utah Department of Agriculture & Food
   Emily Ashby, Utah Department of Agriculture
   Harmony Cox, The Ranch at Wild Rose
   Joan Hammer, Box Elder County Tourism Office
   Kamille Combs,  Cornbelly’s & The MAiZE
   Kynda Curtis, Utah State University
   Loretta Clayson, Journey Farm
   Mike Higbee, Higbee Honey
   Natalie Kane, Utah Department of Agriculture & Food
   Payton Fisher, The Farm
   Rachel Creer, Utah Office of Tourism
   Sara Patterson, Red Acre Farm & Red Acre Center
   Sheri Staheli, Staheli Family Farm
   Terry Camp, Utah Farm Bureau
   Victoria Xiong, Utah State University
 
 
 
Astrotourism Collaborative Partners:
   Ben Muhelstein, Blanding City
   Diana Davidson, Business Owners of Bluff
   Eric Simms, Stellar Vista Observatory 
   Jason Murray, Southwest Adventure Tours 
   Jayme Church, Kane County Office of Tourism
   Koye Willis, Fremont Indian State Park
   Laici Shumway, Utah Office of Tourism
   Matthias Schmitt, Stargazing Zion/Stargazing Moab
   Sarah Burak, Bears Ears Partnership
   Troy Allan, USU Dark Sky Cooperative
 
Creative Economy Collaborative Partners:

   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]