BUILT WITH PURPOSE

Join us for Southern Utah's Largest Business Gathering

Presented by Intermountain Health
and Select Health

JANUARY 14TH, 2027

At the Dixie Convention Center

Get Notified When Early Bird Tickets are live!

SUMMIT

about

What’s Up Down South

Washington County proudly presents the “What’s Up Down South” economic summit. This annual event is designed to provide business and community leaders with the latest economic insights for planning in the year ahead. The summit includes keynote speakers, skill-based workshops, and endless networking opportunities. With its focus on regional economic trends and strategic business planning, the summit plays a central role in shaping the economic landscape of Southern Utah.

WHAT'S UP DOWN SOUTH

Empowering Southern Utah Businesses with Economic Insights

Gain essential economic insights, connect with industry leaders, and prepare your business for success in 2027.

January 14, 2027

7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Dixie Convention Center

1835 S Convention Center Dr, St. George, UT 84790

WHAT'S UP DOWN SOUTH

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7:00 AM

Summit Registration & Buffet Breakfast

Greater Zion Video Reel

8:00 AM

Pledge of Allegiance

Presentation of Colors by Washington County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard

8:15 AM

Welcome

Emcee Welcome & Opening Remarks

8:25 AM

Keynote – Jason Chaffetz

Fox News contributor, author, and former U.S. Congressman who served as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee

8:55 AM

WUDS Sponsor Presentation & Video

9:25 AM

Keynote – Nicole Tanner-Robison

Founder of Swig, credited with popularizing the nationwide 'dirty soda' phenomenon

9:50 AM

WUDS Sponsor Presentation & Video

9:55 AM

Keynote – Dr. Thomas Mertens

Senior Vice President and Associate Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

10:25 AM

Break

Network, visit vendor booths, and participate in the vendor contest

11:00 AM

Breakout Session #1

11:45 AM

Breakout Intermission

12:00 PM

Breakout Session #2

12:45 PM

Lunch

Greater Zion Video Reel

1:25 PM

Keynote – Ben Crabb

Chief Economist at Utah Department of Workforce Services

1:35 PM

Keynote – Zach Renstrom

General Manager for Washington County Water Conservancy District

2:05 PM

Keynote – Dr. Hank Smith

Bestselling author, educator, and speaker on building high-trust cultures, improving workplace morale, and maximizing employee happiness and productivity

2:45 PM

Thank You & Closing Remarks

THANK YOU TO OUR

2026 Keynote Speakers

Steven Nelson

Entrepreneur/Cellist

Keynote Speaker

Trent Staggs

Trump Administration Region 8 Advocate for the US Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Paula Fellingham

Founder, Director of Global Prosperity and Peace Initiative

Keynote Speaker

Zach Renstrom

General Manager for Washington County Water Conservancy District

Keynote Speaker

See More Speakers

Tickets

Ready to Join Us?

Early Bird Tickets
On Sale Oct 15

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversation shaping Utah’s future. Save the date and get ready for an event packed with inspiration and opportunity!

General Admission

$200

Entrance to Event
Breakfast & Lunch
Networking Opportunities

Buy Tickets

RUDS Ticket

$25

Rural Utah Data Symposium (Post-Conference Session)

January 15th, 2026
Entrance to Event
Networking Opportunities

Buy a Ticket

Generous Sponsors

We’re deeply thankful for the generous support of our sponsors who make this event possible. Click on each logo below to learn more about their impactful contributions to Utah’s growth and how their businesses continue to shape the community.