About Gov Con
Dedicated to celebrating and educating Wyoming’s hospitality and tourism industry, the Wyoming Governor’s Convention is the year’s single event that brings together over 300 influential tourism and hospitality industry representatives.
Salute to the Industry Gala
WHTCEF | In conjunction with the Wyoming Governor’s Convention, students from all corners of Wyoming will gather to compete in the Wyoming ProStart Invitational, an exhilarating exhibition of our accomplished ProStart students and programs throughout the state of Wyoming. Competing in areas of Culinary, Management, Cake Baking, and Bread Baking, students will vie for scholarships and the opportunity to represent their state at the esteemed National ProStart Invitational.
This event provides a remarkable platform to witness and promote Wyoming’s emerging generation of talent in the hospitality industry. Join us for the Salute to the Industry Gala, an unparalleled opportunity to connect and support these bright minds shaping this industry’s future, where over $600,000 in scholarships will be awarded to top schools and outstanding students.
Full Registration or Salute to the Industry Gala registration required for entry.
Big WYO Award
WHTC | Each year the Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition is proud to present the Big WYO Award to a private sector individual who has done an outstanding job promoting hospitality and tourism for the State of Wyoming.
In 2026, WHTC recognized Debbie Pummel, Regional Director of Sales at Safari Hospitality, a long-time WHTC Board Member, President of the WHTC Education Foundation Board, and a member of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute Advisory Board. Debbie Pummel’s career and service exemplify the leadership, passion and commitment that define Wyoming’s thriving visitor economy. Throughout her decades-long career in Wyoming’s hospitality and tourism industry, Pummel has been a steadfast advocate for local businesses, rural communities and statewide collaboration. Her leadership has strengthened partnerships across the public and private sectors, elevated Wyoming’s presence as a premier travel destination and ensured that tourism continues to benefit communities large and small.
How to nominate: Email Chris Brown at chris@wyohtc.org with the nominee’s name, their organization or business, and a brief explanation (500 words or less) of their accomplishments and why they deserve recognition by November 16th, 2026.
Who will be recognized this year?
2026 Debbie Pummel
2025 Diane Shober
2024 Jim Waldrop
2023 Tim O’Leary
2022 Renee Penton Jones
2020 Darren Rudloff
2019 Rick Hoeninghausen
2018 Doug & Kathleen Campbell
2017 John Johnson
2016 Jerry Blann
2015 Clay Miller
2014 Kari Cooper
2013 Chuck Coon
2012 Rex Brown
2011 Steve Meadows
2010 Gov. Dave Freudenthal
2026 Debbie Pummel 2025 Diane Shober 2024 Jim Waldrop 2023 Tim O’Leary 2022 Renee Penton Jones 2020 Darren Rudloff 2019 Rick Hoeninghausen 2018 Doug & Kathleen Campbell 2017 John Johnson 2016 Jerry Blann 2015 Clay Miller 2014 Kari Cooper 2013 Chuck Coon 2012 Rex Brown 2011 Steve Meadows 2010 Gov. Dave Freudenthal
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities
We invite you to spend a few days in Cheyenne getting to know industry leaders, take in all of the benefits the conference has to offer and have some fun with a great bunch of people. As a vendor we want you to connect to members in the hospitality and tourism industry who need and value your products, services and expertise.
Your support of the industry and this conference is greatly appreciated.
Attendee Resources
Book A Room
Little America Cheyenne
Special Group Rate: $159/night
Making a Reservation: Book through our online portal.
Dates: January 31st - February 2nd, 2027 (Pre & Post Dates Available)
Last Day to Book at Discounted Rate: January 28th, 2027
Dietary Needs
We are pleased to offer Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, and Shellfish-Free options for conference meals. While we strive to meet a variety of dietary needs, please note that the kitchen handles ingredients like gluten, dairy, nuts, and shellfish, so cross-contact is possible.
Please indicate dietary restrictions during registration or contact us at least two weeks in advance to ensure your needs are met.
Attire
January 31st, 2027: On “Destination Day,” represent your town, county, or business, in logoed gear and goods.
Convention: Business Casual
Salute to the Industry Gala: Cocktail/Formal
14-Day Cancellation Policy
This event has a 14-day full refund policy. If we receive your written cancellation 14 days or more before the event, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations received less than 14 days from the event will not be refunded.
Sponsors
