JACKSON, Wyo. — In a special meeting on Feb. 20, the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board (JHTTB) approved $900,000 to be allocated among four of the most economically beneficial events in the region. Special event funding from the JHTTB directly benefits the community by using visitor-paid lodging tax funds to support events that will attract visitors during non-peak seasons, drive lodging revenue and additional economic spend, and showcase Jackson Hole as a unique outdoor and cultural destination.
The following events, taking place from October 2025 through May 2026, were awarded signature event funding from the board.
- Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race – $50,000
- Native Voices – $100,000
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) Conference – $450,000
- Rendezvous Music Festival – $300,000
“The board selected these four events for signature event funding with the goal of providing diverse economic benefits for local businesses during historically slower periods of time,” said Mary Bess, Board Chair of the JHTTB. “The events selected are not only a draw for visitors, but for locals as well. We are committed to supporting events that contribute to a sustainable year-round economy while enriching our community’s cultural and outdoor experiences.”
The International Commission for Alpine Rescue received the largest funding sum for their conference in October, which will bring 146 search and rescue teams from more than 40 countries to Jackson. Cody Lockhart, who presented on behalf of Teton County Search and Rescue, noted that they expect 80% of event attendees to extend their stays in the Valley and that other host destinations have very seen high levels of return visitation.
Rendezvous Music Festival received continued support from the JHTTB, though at a lower level than the past three years due to a decreased signature event budget as a result of spending down reserves over previous years. The board decided to support the music festival at $300,000 for its proven ability to drive late ski season visitation, attract over 10,000 attendees annually, and provide a world-class event for locals in early April.
Native Voices, previously known as Teton Powwow, was awarded funds for an 8-day May event, spread throughout the community, that showcases Native art and Indigenous culture unique to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Finally, the Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race was funded $50,000 for its ceremonial start in Jackson Hole, which was praised by the board as a truly unique event for Jackson and the state of Wyoming.
The JHTTB received six qualified signature event applications, requesting a total of more than $2.3 million in lodging tax funds. After careful review of the applications and a preliminary discussion in the February 13 regular JHTTB meeting, the board spent 3.5 hours on Thursday hearing applicant presentations and deciding how to allocate the $900,000 signature event budget for fiscal year 2026. Ultimately, community impact during key times of the year was the deciding factor. The board leaned toward events that promised the highest economic value during the low season while supporting the JHTTB’s mission of promoting Teton County, WY, as a sustainable destination.
Last year, JHTTB event funding provided a $7 to $1 return on investment, injecting an estimated $11 million back into the local lodging community and an estimated $5 million in additional economic benefit.
The JHTTB voted 6-0 in favor of the special event allocation outlined above with one board member abstaining from the vote.
Through strategic allocation of Teton County’s lodging tax funds, JHTTB stewards Jackson Hole toward a sustainable destination, where leadership, marketing, management, and community engagement ensure the vitality of natural and human ecosystems. See VisitJacksonHole.com and Industry.VisitJacksonHole.com for more.
