Salt Lake City Thrives with 20,000 Attendees at Recent Winter Roundup and SUMMIT 2026 Events

A Celebration of Culture and Innovation

From February 4 to 7, 2026, Salt Lake City became a bustling center of activity as it hosted the 10th Annual Silicon Slopes Summit alongside the 3rd Annual Winter Roundup. With over 20,000 attendees joining in this lively celebration, the city proved its ability to blend innovation with its rich Western culture.

The four-day event showcased Salt Lake’s commitment to being a national hub for technology and recreation. The Silicon Slopes Summit brought together the brightest minds in technology and creativity, while the Winter Roundup invited locals and visitors to partake in unique winter festivities that highlighted the area’s heritage.

Setting the Scene: The Winter Roundup

The Winter Roundup culminated with a spectacular festival that filled the streets with a fresh blanket of snow, transforming urban Salt Lake into a vibrant winter wonderland. The highlight of this year’s roundup was the first-ever metropolitan skijoring event in the United States. This thrilling sport, where a horse and rider pull a skier through an obstacle course, drew avid spectators who lined West Temple starting at 1 PM.

This premier event honored Salt Lake's historical roots tracing back to 1847 while also positioning the city as a leading destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In collaboration with the Days of '47 Rodeo, the roundup created a thrilling experience that captivated all ages.

Beyond skijoring, the Winter Roundup continued throughout the day, featuring a host of activities for families and visitors. From pony rides to line dancing and cultural performances, the streets echoed with live music and the aromas of delicious food from local vendors. The vibrant atmosphere fostered community engagement, with events that appealed to everyone, young and old alike. The action carried through the evening, featuring performances such as the PBR Unleash the Beast, Ballet West, and the Utah Symphony at the nearby Delta Center.

SUMMIT 2026: A Hub for Change

Running simultaneously with the Winter Roundup, SUMMIT 2026 showcased an intersection of ideas, providing a platform for collaboration among founders, executives, and creatives. The conference delved into a broad array of topics including innovation, artificial intelligence, funding, and human performance, reinforcing Salt Lake's reputation as a nexus for economic growth and leadership.

Lasting from February 4 to 7, the summit featured world-class speakers such as Mark Cuban and Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, who shared insights on technology and creativity. In addition to keynote addresses, attendees participated in hands-on labs and exclusive networking sessions, fostering cross-industry dialogues among tech and creativity sectors, further highlighting Salt Lake’s innovative spirit.

A Boost for the Local Economy

The successful synergy of the Winter Roundup and SUMMIT 2026 generated significant economic activity across Salt Lake City. Local hotels, restaurants, and nightlife establishments saw substantial increases in traffic, contributing to the area’s visitor economy, estimated to be worth $6.1 billion. Both events underpinned Visit Salt Lake’s ongoing mission to provide economic support and relief to residents through increased tourism.

Kaitlin Eskelson, CEO of Visit Salt Lake, expressed pride in the weekend’s outcomes, stating, “This was a monumental weekend for Salt Lake. Seeing that level of community engagement alongside the global innovation on display underscores Salt Lake's unique ability to deliver world-class experiences—both recreationally and economically.”

As Salt Lake continues to build on this momentum, future events at this intersection of business, culture, and community promise to showcase the city as a remarkable destination for both visitors and locals alike, enhancing its status on the national stage.

For more information about Salt Lake City events, visit VisitSaltLake.com.