Utah’s Environmental Future | 10-11 am | Imperial C

According to a 2019 Pew Research Center survey, Millennial and Gen-Z voters (ages 18-38) are twice as likely than older generations to prioritize climate change and energy are important issues.

This panel will explore how nonprofits, government, and industry are working to address the environmental challenges like air quality and also minimize the environmental impacts of population growth and economic initiatives like the inland port.

Fake News & You: Media in the Digital Age | 10-11 am| Imperial D

Often referred to as the fourth estate, the media have played an essential role in democracy and society. However, in an era of “fake news,” alternative facts and disinformation – how can you know what media to trust?

This panel—featuring some of Utah’s top young reporters—will address the challenges facing how we consume media, how we distinguish facts from alternative facts, and how the media can build trust in an age of disinformation. How do accusations of fake news impact trust in media? How do Millennials consume their news, is it podcasts or Twitter? Why is trust in the media important?

Changing How Change is Made | 10-11 am| Imperial C Reception

Millennials and Gen-Z are swiftly overtaking Boomers and Gen-X as the largest percentage of the workforce. In Utah, one in every four people is a millennial. Time and time again, studies show that these younger voices are changing how change is made in their workplaces, communities, and government. According to a PwC corporate social values become more important to millennials when choosing a job than compensation.

This breakout session will explore who are Millennials and Gen-Z? What do they care about? How do they connect with each other, their employers and their government? Most importantly, this panel will help equip younger leaders with the necessary tools and skills to make a difference in their communities.

Priced Out: Affordable Housing | 11:15 am to 12:15 pm| Imperial D

Did you know? Just one-third of people ages 18-35 owned a home in 2015. In comparison, nearly half of all Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1980) had purchased a home by the time they were 35.

Why are younger Americans buying later? Here in Utah, the answer is simple: there is a serious housing shortage. There are 54,000 more families and individuals in Utah needing housing than there are housing units in Utah.

What is Utah doing to address this housing shortage? What are the ways policymakers and developers can develop innovative affordable housing solutions? What does this housing shortage mean for your rent or chances of purchasing a home? Join us to find out.

Elevating Underrepresented Voices  | 11:15 am to 12:15 pm| Imperial C

Utah is the youngest state in the nation and 30.4 percent of Utah’s population is between the ages of 20-40. However, just five percent of elected state-officials in Utah are under the age of 40.

How do we elevate the voices of communities like younger generations, who are underrepresented in government? This panel will explore the importance of diversity and inclusion in workplaces, boardrooms, communities, and government.

State of the State | 11:15 to 12:15 pm| Imperial C Reception

What can we expect to happen in Utah in 2020? This breakout session will explore trends in policies in Utah at the municipal, county and state levels.

In this session, we’ll go beyond the headlines to explore Utah from the view of citizens, public sector leaders, nonprofits and businesses at the frontlines of Utah’s biggest challenges and opportunities. From workforce retention to rural economic challenges to tax reform, this panel will explore the state’s priorities for this year and beyond.