Conference


Rodeo's Next Up
December 7–8, 2026 • Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Level 2, S202/203
Your Next Starts Here.

You've put in the hours, made the runs and logged the miles. But where can all that hard work take you next?
Rodeo's Next Up is two days of real conversations, practical advice and opportunities to explore what's ahead. From building your brand and strengthening your mental game to navigating college rodeo, managing money and going pro, we're bringing the tools and connections straight to you.

Two days. Two tracks. A whole lot of possibilities.


MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

DAY ONE | BUILD YOURSELF

The skills you build today can take you a whole lot further tomorrow.

Day One is all about investing in yourself, building confidence and developing skills that will help you succeed inside the arena and beyond.

9:45–10:00 AM | Welcome: Your Next Starts Now

Get the rundown on what's ahead, meet some new faces and get ready for two days of opportunities and connections.

10:00–10:45 AM | Get Noticed for the Right Reasons
Want to work with your favorite Western brands?

Learn what sponsors really look for, how to approach potential partners and what it takes to build relationships that go beyond a logo on your shirt.

10:45–11:15 AM | Your Name Is Your Brand
What do people know about you beyond the leaderboard?

Your reputation matters. Discover how to build your personal brand, communicate with confidence and make a great first impression. Then put it to the test with a 30-second introduction challenge.

11:30 AM–12:15 PM | Lunch + Next Up Challenge
Grab some lunch, meet fellow athletes and jump into a little friendly competition.

12:15–12:45 PM | Rodeo Won't Last Forever. Your Skills Will.
Turns out, rodeo teaches you a whole lot more than how to win.

From discipline and resilience to problem-solving and performing under pressure, discover how the skills you're building through rodeo can open doors to scholarships, careers and opportunities beyond the arena.

12:45–1:30 PM | The Head Game
You've trained your body. What about your mind?

Explore how mental performance training can help you manage pressure, build confidence and bounce back from tough runs. Walk away with practical tools to strengthen your mindset in competition and everyday life.
 
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

DAY TWO | BUILD YOUR PATH

There's more than one way forward. Let's explore your options.

From college rodeo to professional competition and everything in between, Day Two is about understanding your opportunities and making a plan for what's next.

9:45–10:00 AM | Day Two Kickoff: Pick Your Path

Start the day thinking about your goals, your options and the opportunities waiting ahead.

10:00–10:30 AM | Make the Money Count
Earning it is one thing. Knowing what to do with it is another.

Learn practical ways to manage money, plan for expenses and build financial habits that can help you reach your goals, both in and out of the arena.

10:30–11:15 AM | College Rodeo: How It Really Works
Thinking about rodeoing in college? Let's break it down.

Get the inside scoop on recruiting, scholarships, eligibility and what coaches look for. Learn how to find a program that fits your academic and rodeo goals.

11:15 AM–12:00 PM | What I Wish I Knew Before College Rodeo
The stuff you really want to know, straight from athletes living it.

Hear what college rodeo is actually like, from balancing classes and competition to navigating campus life. Ask questions and get advice from athletes who've been in your boots.

12:00–12:45 PM | Lunch Break

Recharge, connect and get ready for the afternoon.

12:45–1:15 PM | There's More Than One Way to Go Pro
Dreaming big? You might have more options than you realize.

Explore the different professional pathways in Western sports, including growing opportunities for women, and learn how to find the direction that fits your goals.

1:15–2:00 PM | Going Pro: What Changes?
Ready to take the next step? Here's what comes with it.

From memberships and permits to entering events, travel and expenses, get a practical look at what it takes to compete professionally and how to prepare for the transition.

2:00–3:00 PM | Equine Health
Healthy Horses. Stronger Sport.

Equine athletes are an important part of Western sports, and their care plays a big role in success in the arena. Learn from one of the industry's leading veterinarians about equine health, conditioning and how advances in biomarker testing can help us better understand health, recovery and performance.

3:00–4:00 PM | Next Up College + Industry Fair
Good connections can open big doors.

Meet college coaches, rodeo organizations and Western industry professionals. Ask questions, explore opportunities and make connections that could help shape your next chapter.
 
Come Curious. Leave With a Plan.

You don't have to have everything figured out. That's the whole point.

Bring your questions, an open mind and a willingness to try something new. We'll bring the tools, connections and conversations to help you take your next step.

Your future is yours to build. Let's get started.
 
 
 

Junior NFR Returning to Las Vegas for the 11th Time

For the 11th time, more than 700 of the nation’s top young cowboys and cowgirls are headed to Las Vegas in December as the YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo returns to Vegas on Dec. 3-12. For the third year in a row, the Wrangler Rodeo Arena will be set up inside a 49,500-square-foot tent across […]

Bulldogging, Team Roping, Poles and Barrels Wrap Up Junior NFR

LAS VEGAS – The YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo crowned the final champions of its 10-day run Saturday, with steer wrestling, open team roping, 17-and-under pole bending and junior and senior barrel racing bringing the rodeo to a close. Here’s a look back at the final day of action at the Junior NFR. Steer Wrestling […]

Oregon’s Cline is Stealing the Show

LAS VEGAS – Teagan Cline is making the KK Run for Vegas at the YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo her personal playground. The 10-year-old from Roseburg, Oregon, and her horses have dominated the field in both the 17-and-under pole bending and the junior barrel racing through the first two rounds. Cline enters Saturday’s short go-round […]

Zvonar’s Houdini has ‘The Biggest Heart Ever’

LAS VEGAS – For a barrel racer, River Zvonar is a pretty good pole bender. Zvonar finished fourth in the first round of the KK Run for Vegas Pole Bending with a 20.470-second run and followed that with a 20.621 Thursday to take the lead in the average at the YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo. […]

Wyoming Team Ropers Win a World Title

LAS VEGAS – Consistency paid off for team ropers Ryder Kerr and Case Kerr at the YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo. The 18-year-old twins from Afton, Wyoming, won the #10.5 division as the only ones among 22 teams that caught all five head. They didn’t finish higher than fourth in any of the first four […]

CLICK HERE FOR MORE BLOG POSTS