University of Wyoming Connects Students and Employers at the 2026 Hospitality and Tourism Fair
Published February 16, 2026
The University of Wyoming’s Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute continues to strengthen Wyoming’s workforce pipeline through its annual Hospitality and Tourism Fair, bringing students and employers together to support one of the state’s second-largest sectors.
Held on campus, the 2026 fair provided undergraduate and graduate students with direct access to employers representing hospitality, tourism, outdoor recreation, and outdoor leadership organizations from across Wyoming and the region. Students had the opportunity to explore internships, seasonal employment, and long-term career pathways while building professional connections with industry leaders.
The event was spearheaded by Jordan Kobliska, the WORTH Institute’s Internship and Employment Coordinator, who leads employer recruitment, student outreach, and event coordination.
“This year’s fair was our highest attended yet! It was great seeing so many students interact with each employer about potential career pathways,” says Kobliska. “I am excited to hear that students are submitting applications and preparing to interview with our vendors.”
Jordan Kobliska, the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Insititute's internship and employment coordinator, directing University of Wyoming students at the 2026 Hospitality and Tourism fair in Laramie, Wyoming, Feb. 12, 2026.
Several employers who participated in previous years returned for the 2026 fair, reflecting the event’s growing reputation as a valuable recruitment opportunity. Employers engaged with students across disciplines, while students gained insight into how internships and early career experiences can shape their professional trajectories.
Many students left the event with new connections, clearer career goals, and a stronger understanding of how hands-on experience can guide their academic and professional decisions.
“I’m looking for a summer job, so I thought I’d check things out to see what options there are for me,” says University of Wyoming freshman Ryan Poore. “I feel I have a big advantage coming to things like this, being an Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management student, and everybody in Wyoming wants to help each other out, so the state community really helps you find a job.”
Workforce development is a central pillar of the WORTH Institute’s mission, alongside research and statewide engagement. The institute supports students and professionals through certificates, internships, applied training, and employer partnerships designed to meet the evolving needs of Wyoming’s tourism economy.
University of Wyoming students explore their options at the 2026 Hospitality and Tourism Fair, hosted by the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, in Laramie, Wyoming, Feb. 12, 2026.
“We have excellent partnerships with employers seeking our talent,” says Director of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute Dr. Daniel McCoy. “In addition, we now have an established track record of keeping our youth in the state through these partnerships. It helps that tourism is the largest private employment sector in the state.”
Looking ahead, the WORTH Institute plans to continue expanding the Hospitality and Tourism Fair by deepening employer participation, increasing student engagement, and aligning the event with broader workforce initiatives across the state.
“As we expand our WORTH Institute Partner Program and offer more recurring internships, I hope this fair continues to be a space to recruit for these opportunities. By helping our partners build capacity, we hope these internships grow into long-term careers,” says Kobliska.
Through events like the Hospitality and Tourism Fair, the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute continues to serve as a bridge between education and industry, helping prepare the next generation of professionals to support Wyoming’s outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
