The Gathering Business Summit
The Gathering Business Summit
8/31/2026 - 9/2/2026
Description
The Gathering Business Summit is the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma’s premier statewide event dedicated to Native business leadership, economic collaboration, and the future of Native business development across Oklahoma and Indian Country.
Guided by AICCO’s long-term strategic vision, The Gathering brings together tribal leaders, Native-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, corporate partners, government agencies, economic development organizations, and regional stakeholders to strengthen relationships and create meaningful opportunities for growth.
This year’s Gathering expands beyond the traditional conference model by creating intentional space for relationship-building, strategic dialogue, and collaborative leadership focused on Oklahoma’s economic future.
Through keynote discussions, business engagement opportunities, partnership development, exhibitor showcases, and regional leadership conversations, attendees will engage in meaningful dialogue around:
• Native business growth and entrepreneurship
• Tribal and regional economic development
• Procurement and partnership opportunities
• Workforce and infrastructure collaboration
• Leadership development and innovation
• Strategic partnerships across sectors
At the center of this year’s vision is a focus on connection — creating opportunities for tribal leadership, business leaders, economic development partners, and community stakeholders to come together in meaningful conversation that leads to action.
The Gathering is more than a conference.
It is where relationships are strengthened, ideas are shared, partnerships are formed, and the future of Native business and economic opportunity is shaped.
Join us as we come together to build the next chapter of Native business leadership in Oklahoma.
Planned Topic Areas
The Gathering Business Summit 2026 Presented by River Spirit Casino Resort is being thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful educational opportunities, practical business insights, and collaborative discussions that support economic growth across Oklahoma and Indian Country.
While the agenda continues to evolve, the following topic areas represent the types of sessions we are planning to feature through keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and interactive conversations.
Tentative Topic Areas Include:
Technology & Artificial Intelligence
Exploring how AI and emerging technologies are transforming business operations, tribal enterprises, education, healthcare, and government.
Leadership & Economic Development
Strategies for strengthening communities, fostering leadership, attracting investment, and advancing economic prosperity.
Business Growth & Entrepreneurship
Practical insights on starting, growing, and sustaining successful businesses through innovation, strategic planning, marketing, financing, and procurement.
Innovation & Emerging Industries
Discovering new ideas, technologies, partnerships, and workforce solutions that are shaping tomorrow's economy.
Infrastructure, Broadband, Municipalities & Community Impact
Conversations focused on broadband expansion, infrastructure investment, utilities, transportation, municipal leadership, and regional collaboration.
Government Contracting & Procurement
Understanding opportunities to do business with Tribal Nations, federal and state agencies, and corporate supplier diversity programs.
Healthcare & Rural Community Development
Exploring innovative solutions for strengthening rural healthcare, workforce development, behavioral health, telehealth, and community partnerships.
Workforce Development & Education
Building tomorrow's workforce through education, CareerTech, higher education, apprenticeships, talent recruitment, and industry partnerships.
Finance, Capital & Business Resources
Connecting organizations with funding opportunities, financial resources, lending partners, grants, and investment strategies for sustainable growth.
Collaboration & Community Partnerships
Highlighting successful partnerships among Tribal Nations, businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, municipalities, and community organizations that are creating lasting impact.
Secured Topics Coming Soon!
Additional sessions and speakers will be announced as they are confirmed. Our goal is to deliver an engaging and diverse educational experience featuring respected leaders from Tribal Nations, business, government, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and industry.
Interested in presenting? We invite thought leaders and subject matter experts to submit a speaker proposal and help shape this year's program.
No Sales Pitches, Please: We welcome presentations that educate, inform, and inspire. Sessions should focus on sharing knowledge, insights, experiences, and practical takeaways for attendees. While brief references to your organization are acceptable for context, presentations should not be used as a platform for selling products or services.
--
Sponsors
Beaver Sponsor
Golden Feather - Small Business 10 or less Staff
Bronze Feather - Small Business 10 or less Staff
Feather Circle
8330 Riverside Pkwy
Tulsa, OK 74137 United States
23