Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Beautiful scenery, plenty of outdoor recreation, a family-friendly atmosphere, booming business and a thriving economy — there's a lot to love about the Beehive State. Perhaps that explains why Utah is one of the top 10 states for percent growth from 2022-2023, according to the U.S. Census.
Yet, with all this rapid growth, many Utahns may wonder what government, business and community leaders are doing to keep pace with these changes. If you've got questions about Utah's future, economic outlook and more, here's a golden opportunity to get some answers and even a little inspiration for your business ventures.
The One Utah Summit is a biannual event where you can network with the state's top thought leaders, learn about pressing issues, explore business opportunities and give back to the community. This spring, the summit is returning to downtown Salt Lake, providing attendees with unique opportunities to network, collaborate and learn from leading Utah organizations.
Here's a snapshot of what you can expect at the 2024 One Utah Summit — and why you won't want to miss it.
Keynote speakers
In addition to hearing from Gov. Spencer Cox, First Lady Abby Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, you'll also get the chance to listen to some of Utah's best and brightest. Keynote speakers and panelists include entrepreneurs, government leaders and CEOs from top companies across the state.
A key highlight will be Your Leadership Promise, a keynote entertainment experience by Utahn Jason Hewlett, a globally sought-after presenter, leadership expert and author. Summit attendees can pick up a copy of Hewlett's book, "The Promise to the One."
You can check out the full list of speakers online.
Breakout sessions
Along with a service project beginning after the morning session, you'll be able to attend one of several breakout sessions. For example, the Venizia room will feature the topic, Now Hiring: Out-of-the-Box Ideas to Address Workforce Shortages. This session will help you think outside the traditional HR playbook and consider innovative solutions, such as family-friendly policies and fair chance hiring practices, to tackle workforce challenges.
For a full list of breakout session options, be sure to check out the One Utah Summit agenda.
Learn to disagree better
After lunch, the afternoon includes the Governor's Awards ceremony and a keynote address from Gov. Cox, who will be speaking about the Disagree Better Initiative.
As chair of the National Governors Association, Gov. Cox says, "Through healthy conflict, we're confident that we can find common ground and improve our families, our communities and our nation. Together, we can disagree better."
Next, you'll hear from a variety of speakers tackling subjects ranging from Utah's economic outlook to its film and television history and its position as the startup capital of the world. You'll expand your professional network and leave with a greater understanding of what the future holds for the Beehive State.
Startup State Entrepreneur Challenge
The night before the main event, there will be a Startup State Entrepreneur Challenge where Utah entrepreneurs will go head-to-head to present their best ideas to the judges, which include Gov. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson. The challenge includes pitches, a Q&A with the judges, and voting for the 2024 people's choice winner.
Once the winners are announced, enjoy hors d'oeuvres with other summit attendees at a networking reception following the competition.
The Utah Innovation Center, within the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, produces the annual challenge.
Register for the One Utah Summit today
The One Utah Summit, presented by the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, Utah Office of Energy Development, Salt Lake Chamber and World Trade Center Utah, will be April 11-12, 2024, at The Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.
It kicks off with the Startup State Entrepreneur Challenge at 5 p.m. on April 11. On April 12, the summit goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each One Utah Summit ticket includes admission to both events.
For more information, visit oneutahsummit.utah.gov, sign up for the One Utah Summit email newsletter, and follow @OneUtahSummit on social media to receive updates.
