Wyoming FCCLA Youth Leadership Fall Conference Brings Student Leaders Together in Casper

On Tuesday, October 6, Casper will become a gathering place for young leaders from across Wyoming as the WYFCCLA Youth Leadership Fall Conference brings Family, Career and Community Leaders of America members, educators, and chapter advisers together at the Ramkota Hotel.

The annual state fall conference gives Wyoming FCCLA members an opportunity to step outside their individual schools and chapters and connect with students and educators from communities around the state. The 2026 conference carries the theme “Sketch Your Future,” placing an emphasis on looking ahead and considering how leadership, education, and personal strengths can shape the paths students take. The Wyoming High School Activities Association also lists the State Fall Conference in Casper for October 6, 2026.

The day begins with registration from 8:45 to 9:50 a.m., giving participants time to arrive, connect with other chapters, and prepare for the day's programming. The opening session follows from 10 to 10:20 a.m., before students move into a series of rotation workshops.

From 10:30 a.m. through 1:25 p.m., participants will take part in rotating workshops and lunch. The published conference schedule divides this portion of the day into focused 40-minute sessions, with attendees moving through the scheduled workshop rotations. After that, students will have an opportunity to choose two additional workshops during the Choice Workshops period beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The conference is closely connected to the mission of FCCLA, a student organization that functions as part of Family and Consumer Sciences education and provides opportunities for students to participate in leadership and service at the local, state, and national levels. The statewide gathering gives those lessons a practical setting, allowing students to develop leadership skills while connecting with peers who share similar interests and goals.

Leadership development and community involvement are central to the experience. Rather than simply listening to presentations throughout the day, students participate in workshops and collaborative activities designed to encourage personal growth, service, and practical leadership. The conference also creates space for chapters to exchange ideas that can be taken back to their own schools and communities.

Career preparation is another important part of the FCCLA experience. Because the organization is rooted in Family and Consumer Sciences education, its activities connect classroom learning with real-world skills and opportunities. Students can explore interests and develop abilities that can support future education, employment, service, and leadership.

The afternoon will culminate with keynote speaker Rob Surette, whose presentation is scheduled for 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Surette is known for his speed-painting performances, bringing art, energy, and storytelling together in a presentation designed to inspire audiences. His appearance fits naturally with this year's “Sketch Your Future” theme, giving students an opportunity to think about their own abilities and the possibilities ahead of them.

The conference will conclude with a closing session from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Before participants return to their individual communities, the final portion of the day provides an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned and carry those ideas back to their local FCCLA chapters.

There will also be a strong visual sense of unity throughout the gathering. WY FCCLA's published dress code calls for an official FCCLA polo paired with black pants or a black skirt, creating a consistent look among participating students and reinforcing the shared identity of the organization.

For Casper, hosting the conference means welcoming students and educators from communities throughout Wyoming for a day centered on learning, connection, and leadership. For the students attending, it is an opportunity to meet peers beyond their own schools, learn from others, explore new ideas, and begin shaping what their own future might look like.

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Visual Credit: WY FCCLA