The Salt Lake Chamber will host the 50th annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon on November 11, 2026, at the Grand America Hotel.
For 50 years, the Women & Business Conference has brought together women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and changemakers from across Utah to learn, grow and support one another. This milestone year celebrates the conference theme, Momentum, the energy that drives progress, creates opportunity and carries impact forward.
Through inspiring speakers, thought-provoking conversations and opportunities to engage with fellow business and community leaders, attendees will explore how momentum is built through leadership, mentorship, innovation and service. The conference agenda, to be announced in Summer 2026, will highlight the ideas, experiences and relationships that help move individuals, organizations and communities forward.
During the luncheon, the Salt Lake Chamber will present the ATHENA Leadership Award to an individual who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession, provides valuable service to improve the quality of life in their community and actively supports women in achieving their leadership potential.
In addition to the ATHENA Leadership Award, the Chamber will recognize business and community leaders with the Pathfinder Award for creating new opportunities and advancing the development, recognition and success of women in business.
*The agenda and honorees will be announced in Summer 2026.
A portion of the proceeds benefits the Women’s Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah), supporting programs and resources that help women start, grow, and strengthen their businesses.
2026 Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon
November 11, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Grand America Hotel
555 S. Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Registration & Breakfast
Location: Grand Ballroom
Check out the exhibitor booths. Be sure to get a sticker or stamp on the official Women & Business Conference exhibitor passport. By completely filling out the passport, attendees have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a major gift! (Drawing will happen during the closing session, must be present to win.)
Welcome
Location: Grand Ballroom
More information to come.
Opening Session:
The Swig Effect: Creating a Culture the World Cannot Resist
Location: Grand Ballroom
How did Swig grow from one small location in southern Utah to a nationwide brand everyone is talking about — even celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Millie Bobby Brown?
The answer is simple: Swig built a culture of care from the beginning.
From day one, Swig focused on creating more than a refreshing drink. The team genuinely cares about every customer and aims to make people feel seen and valued. That commitment is what Swig calls “Day Making.”
In this thoughtful keynote, Nicole Robison, founder of Swig, shares the story behind Swig’s growth and the lessons she learned along the way. She explores how a people-first culture, purposeful leadership and customer care turn small, everyday moments into customer loyalty. Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business or shaping customer experience, Robison’s message is a reminder that lasting success often begins with something simple: trying to make someone’s day.
Speaker:
Breakout Session #1
To be announced soon.
Breakout Session #2
To be announced soon.
ATHENA Awards Luncheon
Location: Grand Ballroom
The Salt Lake Chamber will present the ATHENA Leadership Award to an active member who demonstrates creativity and initiative in business, provides valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and assists women in reaching their full leadership potential.
In addition to the ATHENA Award, the Chamber will also recognize business and community leaders with the Pathfinder Award for their work to create new paths and promote the development and recognition of women in business.
Award honorees to be announced soon.
Breakout Session #3
To be announced soon.
Closing Session
To be announced soon.
Nicole Robison grew up as the fifth of eight children on a farm in Teton Valley, Idaho, where she learned the grit and determination that still drive her today. After earning her associate’s degree from Ricks College (now BYU–Idaho), she poured her boundless energy into raising five incredible children (and now delights in several grandchildren).
In 2010, Robison turned her simple love of Diet Coke, pebble ice and meaningful connection into something extraordinary: Swig! What began as one small drive-thru has grown, through her relentless vision and leadership, into a beloved national brand with more than 160 locations and counting. Her journey hasn’t been without challenges.
At 37, Robison faced breast cancer, overcoming both the disease and the crushing medical debt it left behind thanks to an anonymous donor’s generosity. That life-changing moment fueled her passion not only to build Swig but also to give back.
Today, through Swig’s Save The Cups campaign, Robison helps lift the financial burdens of women battling breast cancer, paying forward the kindness she once received. Save the Cups has raised an incredible 2 million dollars since its beginning in 2020.
When Robison is not leading Swig or championing Save The Cups, you’ll find her exploring the world with her husband, hiking the beautiful mountains of Utah and Idaho or soaking up time with her growing family. Her motto says it all: Life is a gift, make it count by loving deeply, connecting often and chasing every dream.
| 2020-Present | 2010-2019 | 2000-2009 | 1990-1999 | 1984-1989 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020: Molly Mazzolini, Infinite Scale | 2010: Dr. Cynthia A. Bioteau, Salt Lake Community College | 2000: Patricia Richards, First Security Bank | 1990: Jacqueline Nicholes, Quality Press | 1984: Phyllis Steorts, Westin Hotel Utah |
| 2021: Natalie Gochnour, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute | 2011: Beverley Taylor Sorenson, Sorenson Foundation | 2001: Lori Giovannoni, Lori Giovannoni and Associates | 1991: Patricia Freston, Ph.D., Questar Corporation | 1985: Carol Fay, Internal Revenue Services |
| 2022: Vicki Varela, Utah Office of Tourism | 2012: Gail Miller, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies | 2002: Susan Glasmann, Questar Gas Company | 1992: Rhoda Ramsey, Ramsey Group | 1986: Isabelle Jensen, Questar Corporation |
| 2023: Amanda Covington, The Larry H. Miller Company | 2013: Dr. Linda Leckman, Intermountain Healthcare | 2003: Becky Berkey Potts, AT&T Wireless | 1993: June Morris, Morris Air | 1987: Patricia Shoemaker Glessner, KSL TV |
| 2024: Dr. Donna Milavetz, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah | 2014: Peggy Larson, WCF Insurance | 2004: Gov. Olene Walker, Utah State Governor | 1995: Joan Lewis, Nesco Service, Inc. | 1988: Carol Browning, CLU |
| 2025: Ally Isom, Clyde Companies, Inc. | 2015: Karn Gunn, Salt Lake Community College | 2005: Pamela Atkinson, Community Advocate | 1996: Ramona Rudert, Predictable Building Systems | |
| 2016: Lori Chillingworth, Zions Bancorporation | 2006: Marilyn Tang, Certified Handling Systems | 1997: Carol Carter, IC Products | ||
| 2017: President Deneece Huftalin, Salt Lake Community College | 2007: Margo Provost, Log Haven | 1998: Deborah S. Bayle, American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter | ||
| 2018: Cindy Crane, Rocky Mountain Power | 2008: Senator Patricia W. Jones, Dan Jones & Associates | 1999: Lorraine Miller, Cactus & Tropicals | ||
| 2019: Linda Wardell, City Creek Center | 2009: Chris Redgrave, KSL News Radio |
| 2020-Present | 2010-2019 | 2000-2009 | 1990-1999 | 1983-1989 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020: Allyson Bell, Silvia Castro, Darla Gill, Beth Holbrook, Abby Murtagh, Heidi D. Ruster | 2010: Amy Rees Anderson, Amanda Dickson, Diane Mansfield, Nicole Mouskondis, Luz Robles | 2000: Maun Alston, Marjean Daniels, Maxine Turner, Junior League of Salt Lake City | 1990: Richard Davis, Ann Erickson, Irene Fisher, Tinby Milne, Elizabeth Pierce, Ramona Rudert | 1983: Carol M. Fay |
| 2021: Beth Colosimo, Ibi Guevara, Rep. Sandra Hollins, Aubriana Martindale, Brittany Westover, Lori B. Williams | 2011: Christy Alter Haymond, Marsha Gilford, Melia Tourangeau, Jody Williams | 2001: Steven B. Allnatt, Marsha Fetzer, Connie Holbrook, Dr. Peggy Stock, Marilyn Tang | 1991: Mayor Palmer DePaulis, Isabelle Jensen, Verl Topham, Josie Valdez | 1984: Bernice Galbraith, Ruth Hardy Funk |
| 2022: Heather Doggett, Marlise Fisher, Natalie Kaddas, Kacie Malouf, Sui Lang L. Panoke, Pres. Astrid Tuminez | 2012: Dr. Sarah B. George, Debra Hoyt, Dr. Vivian Lee, Dr. Susan Madsen, Molly Mazzolini | 2002: Afton Bradshaw, Lisa Eccles, Gladys Gonzales, Karen Meacham, Jeanetta Williams | 1992: Judith Bell, Judge Judith Billings, Brenda Hancock, Patricia Richards, Douglas Tapking, Olene Walker | 1985: Vee Carlisle, Joe Pacheco, Madily Parker, Joe Siciliano, Doty Williams |
| 2023: Lucy Cardenas, Natalie El-Deiry, Kaitlin Eskelson, Deneiva Knight, Pauline Ploquin | 2013: Jennifer Danielson, May Kay Griffin, Susan Mayo | 2003: Sherrie Hayashi, Jane Shock, Arlene Urias | 1993: Barbara Dirks, Linda Galindo, Jan Graham, Margaret Hunt | 1986: Dee Dee Corradini, Linda Jensen, Jinnah Kelson, Jane Marquardt, Dee Rowland, Elaine Weiss |
| 2024: Sen. Ann Millner, Kerry Norman, Liz Owens, Noella Sudbury, Diana Young, Jessica Yurgaitis | 2014: Patrice Arent, Juanita Damon, Martha Eining, Denise Winslow | 2004: Margo Salazar Rillston, Hydee Willis, The Utah Women’s Alliance for Building Community (UWABC) | 1994: Pamela Atkinson, David M Jones, Joan Lewis, Lynne Ann Tempest | 1987: Deborah Bayle, Kaye Coleman, Lorraine Miller, Karen Shepherd |
| 2025: Melanie Bowen, Jenny Groberg, Lauren Gustus, Sara Jones, Monnica Manuel | 2015: Rebecca Dutson, Jodi Holmgren, Cathy Keen, Fraser Nelson, Kathy Ricci | 2005: Allison Bridges, Ana Maria Fereday, Mary Mark, Susan Peterson and The Jones, Kevin Potts, Jennifer Scoffield, Waldo Women Lawyers Group, Lauryn Wingate | 1995: Carol Carter, Julie Kilgore | 1988: Fred Ball, Carol Dunlap, Lee Ence, LouJean Flint, Jim Herbster, Kent Moon |
| 2016: Maura Carabello, Dr. Ivy Estabrooke, Laura Kaiser, Kathy Luke | 2006: Paulette Cary, Leigh von der Esch, Dr. Linda Leckman, Leann Linderman, Sabina Zunguze | 1996: Aileen Clyde, Cecilia Foxley, Linda Kruse, John E Mooney | 1989: Laura Benson, Kenneth Hill, Ruth Novak, Rhoda Ramsey, D.N. Nick Rose | |
| 2017: Amanda Covington, Mary Crafts-Homer, Lavanya Mahate, Heidi Prokop, Maureen Riley, Vicki Varela | 2007: Michelle Flynn, Annette Jarvis, Peggy Larsen, Brenda Scheer | 1997: Susie Adams, Grethe Peterson, Kayleen Simmons | ||
| 2018: Kristen Cox, Katie Holland, Dr. Donna Milavetz, Hollie Pettersson, Amanda Smith, Emily Wright | 2008: Silvia Norman, Nancy Nowak, Karen Suzuki-Okabe, Lisa Vehrenkamp, Andrea Wolcott | 1998: Mary Ann Flinders, Jean Fox, Kathy Hillis | ||
| 2019: Theresa Foxley, Mikelle Moore, Christy Tribe, Melanie Vartabedian, Jennifer Williams | 2009: Shauna Bona, Diana Kirk, Judy Reese, Lynne Ward | 1999: Becky Berkey Potts, Beverly R. Cooper, Bernadette Martinelli, Jamee J. Roberts, Linda Thompson |