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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.b. 2018 Vail Symposium Event RecapSurveyed Event/Program Recap: Vail Symposium Education & Enrichment Category July 11, 2018 Vail Symposium Winter 17 -18 Season Kris Sabel Phone: 970.476.0954 ksabel@vailsymposium.org 2 Overall Event or Program Highlights & Successes 3 •Top Successes •83% increase in attendance, from an average of 66 to 121 people per event. •38% increase in donor support from $186,000 to $258,000. In addition, received a $40,000 family foundation grant to provide support to grow fundraising and increase staff. •40% increase in staff with addition of a programming manager. This will help us grow and improve the quality of our programs and allow the Executive Director to focus more attention on fundraising, sponsorship and strategic planning. •Upgraded production elements to enhance the quality and experience for our audience and presenters: microphones, elevated stage, lighting, banner backdrop, projector. Questions from CSE 4 Program Impact, Testimonials & Observations 5 •Based on the insightful and challenging questions our attendees ask, it is clear they are engaged and want to know more. Many attendees stand in line to meet the speakers and ask one-on-one follow up questions after the program. •A number of our programs are cross-generational and include parents or grandparents attending with their children. •We receive immediate feedback as we interact with attendees at the end of our events; this helps us improve the quality and content of our programs. Often people make suggestions for future programs or follow-up programs to continue and enhance the discussion on the program they attended. •”Excellent presentation and film. They have both come up in conversation with friends, colleagues, etc. since the events. Both were eye opening and inspiring.” –Chasing Coral •”Intellectually engaging on well-differentiated subjects. Good presenters.” •”My favorite was the Libya speaker (Jason Pack, “From Qadhafi to Chaos: Libya’s Centrality in Western Geostrategy and the Fight Against Jihadism”)…I learned a TON. I like those events that are just packed full of current event knowledge.” Attendance Estimate 6 •Was this the attendance you expected? We saw an 83% increase in attendance; we are pleased with this growth. •How would you impact attendance next year? Continue to grow and improve our programming which creates stronger brand awareness and improved word -of-mouth marketing. Continue to grow partnerships for cross promotion. Visitor Type 7 •Was this the visitor type split you expected? Yes. As we are dedicated to creating programming for Vail Valley residents, we expect the bulk of our attendees to be residents, both full-time and seasonal, of the valley. •We saw an increased attendance in seasonal residents, which seems to indicate that we’re reaching a wider and younger audience, which is one of our focuses. •We will continue to work to capture the attention of visitors as a secondary focus. Overnight Visitor Profile: Overnight Visitors & Seasonal Residents Only Only 8 What measures did you take to encourage attendees to book lodging in the Town of Vail? Though we don’t expect our attendees to book lodging regularly, we do have a special rate for our attendees through the Antlers at Vail. We also hold programs at Vail hotels to further expose attendees to these properties. Program Attendee Profile 9 •Who was your anticipated target demographic? Our targeted demographic is our entire community, from seasonal residents to full time professionals and second home owners. We strive to have a diverse audience and feel as if we are moving in the right direction. •Did you reach your target demographic? Yes. •What would you change to attract that audience next year? We will continue to do our best to appeal to a large and homogenous audience from our community, including continuing to increase attendance from a younger audience. Role/Importance of Event/Program as Reason to come to Vail 10 As our mission is to provide programming for the community, we see the 67% as a positive. These people may not have come to Vail for the Symposium, but they chose to spend their time at a Symposium program. Actions taken to generate the amount of event attendees: We stay true to our mission and strive to bring the best programs and speakers on a variety of topics. In addition to our marketing plan, we ask our attendees to tell their friends about their experience at our programs and encourage them to look at, and make plans to attend, future programs. NPS (Net Promoter Score)/Likelihood to Recommend 11 •Do you think the NPS scores reflect the attendee event/program experience? Not necessarily. Since we present so many programs over the entire season, it’s difficult to know if the survey feedback is truly representative of our attendees. We had many great comments and very few negative ones. Several of the negative ones seemed to be confused about our programs or the way the questions were worded (i.e. “Very dissatisfied: All good quality speakers.”). Due to the diverse nature of our programs, some are more controversial than others. Though our mission is to always present a balanced view, sometimes we do hear comments feeling we lean too far right or too far left. •We will continue to present the best possible speakers on a wide variety of topics that appeal to different segments of our community and continue to improve our production values. Estimated Return on Investment (ROI) & Attendee Expenditures 12 •The majority of our attendees live in the valley so their economic impact is not directly tied to attending our programs. •Program attendees are encouraged to dine out at local restaurants following a Vail Symposium event. •We also held more events in Vail during the winter programming season, which can contribute to ancillary purchases in the town. Event or Program Strengths & Weaknesses 13 •How did the event/program exceed expectations? •We had an 83 % increase in attendance over 2017 and very positive response on the improvement in the programming and the presentations. •Due to quality of events and increased attendance, we increased our number of donors as well as increased the donation amount from many donors. •What are areas for event/program improvement? •Continue to increase donor and sponsor involvement. Continue to expand marketing reach and partner with other organizations to cross promote our events. Continue to engage experts and the best speakers on a wide variety of topics. •How did this year’s event/program compare to previous years? •Larger attendance, more engaged donor base, expanded awareness throughout the community. Vail Brand Compatibility The Premier International Mountain Resort Community 14 The event met the standard of excellence in the “Premier International Resort Community” by: •Providing high-level speakers, including nationally and internationally recognized and respected individuals, who are experts in their fields. •Creating diverse and balanced program topics, including discussions on global, national and state economics, environment, spiritual and physical health and more. •Utilizing high-quality venues throughout Vail that demonstrate the fact that Vail is Like Nothing on Earth. •Creating a sense of community among program attendees and starting discussions that are of value to the community as a whole. Community Contribution 15 The Vail Symposium’s Winter Programming impacted Vail’s sense of community by: •Providing weekly (and sometimes bi-weekly) opportunities for residents and guests of the Vail Valley to gather to learn about topics of interest and concern, then discuss those topics both with expert speakers as well as each other. •Our topics and program have also provided the impetus for program attendees and residents to work together and enact change within the community. •We’ve developed (and continue to improve) partnerships with Eagle County, Vail Resorts and Vail Valley Young Professionals Association to offer employees and members specially priced or free admission to nearly all of our programs. •By utilizing various locations throughout the valley, we give our attendees, many of whom are down valley residents, an additional reason to visit Vail. Topline Marketing Efforts 16 What are the top 3 successful marketing tactics, executions or results from your event/program? •The weekly newsletter is one of our most effective marketing tools. We continue to refine and grow our email list and we see a definitive spike in ticket sales when we send out our weekly emails as well as our reminders before programs. •Advertising and editorial in The Vail Daily, as well as other local media efforts, continue to be an effective driver of attendance for our programs. As our attendees are mainly local, this is where they get their news; maintaining a consistence presence is integral to our success. •We’ve also made a concerted effort to consistently update our website with new content and increase our social media presence. Consistently posting new content and buying ads on Facebook helps us target new audience members; updating the website’s blog keeps it fresh; we’ve also created an Instagram account to make sure we’re staying on top of new outreach opportunities. Potential for Growth & Sponsorships/Media Exposure 17 How do you see the event/program evolving next year? •We will continue to look for ways to improve our product. With the addition of a third full-time member of our team, we will be able to focus more attention on programming and fundraising. Improvements in both areas will provide opportunities to try new types of programs. What sponsors do you plan to target next year? (Including existing and potential sponsors) •We will work to retain all existing donors and sponsors. We have already increased our venue sponsors by 130% for our summer program. How will you leverage media exposure and extend the marketing reach next year? •We will continue to use existing media exposure (editorial, videos, etc.) in our social media outreach to grow our potential audience base. While we have been utilizing various resources, we will continue to search out new ways to attract new audience members. Sustainability Efforts 18 What measures were taken at your event/program to support the environmentally-friendly goals of the Town of Vail? •We recycle at program venues and in our office. •We provide recyclable and/or reusable plates and glassware at program receptions. •We work with speakers and other organizations to provide programs that help generate an awareness and appreciation for sustainability efforts across the county, state and nation. What waste reduction methods were used during your event/program? •We buy the food for our opening receptions in bulk, helping to reduce the amount of packaging. •We encourage people to reuse their glasses and plates when going back for refills or seconds. How could you improve on sustainability efforts for next year’s event? •We’ll work to incorporate verbiage encouraging attendees to carpool or use public transportation to attend our events. The Town of Vail is committed to the stewardship and protection of our unique mountain environment. In consideration of both our local and global impacts and opportunities, our environmental vision is to demonstrate and promote: renewable energy, resource efficiency,ecosystem protection, and community awareness and education. Event Budget 19 * Event producer to attach detailed budget for recap Item $ Total Event/Program Budget : full year $521,979 CSE Funds:$35,000 Cash Sponsorship (not CSE):$267,200 In -kind Sponsorship:$167,888 Marketing Budget:$138,200 Profit & Loss:$6,109 How did you use the CSE funds? (marketing, operations, staff, venue, etc.) Travel, venue rental, equipment rental, marketing expenses. Thank You! 20 Our goal is to provide an event that increases the sense of community and enhances the quality of life for residents of the Vail Valley. With the support of the Town of Vail and the Commission on Special Events, we will continue to bring high-quality, thought-provoking, diverse and affordable programs to Vail. We look forward to providing our community with the outstanding programming that they have become accustomed to, both this summer and in our upcoming Winter 2018-19 season. Thank you! Additional Information/Appendix 21 •Detailed budget in the Appendix •Final marketing plan in the Appendix •Full version of the Survey Dashboard PDF in Appendix •Summer 2018 At-a -Glance and virtual copy of Summer 2018 brochure. Vail Symposium Profit Loss Vail Symposium 2018 Budget Budget Jan - Dec 18 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Total Event Sales 58,000.00 Fund Raising Fund Raising Events 25,000.00 Fundraising-Giving Board Member Donations 42,500.00 Corporate Underwriting 13,200.00 Major Donors > $1000 90,000.00 Patron's Circle 0.00 General Donors < $1000 25,000.00 Grant Donations 81,500.00 Individual Underwriting 25,000.00 Total Fundraising-Giving 277,200.00 Total Fund Raising 302,200.00 IN Kind Income In-Kind Administrative Services 1,763.00 In-Kind Event Goods and Services 83,325.00 In-Kind Marketing Services 82,800.00 Total In-Kind Services Income 167,888.00 Total Income 528,088.00 Expense Administration Accountant 2,500.00 Bank Service Charge Computer Services 1,800.00 Credit Card Discount 600.00 Donations 2,500.00 Dues and Subscriptions 600.00 Vail Symposium Profit Loss Budget Jan - Dec 18 0 Education/Conferences 350.00 Insurance 3,200.00 Interest Expense 600.00 Licenses and Permits 650.00 Meals and Entertainment 600.00 Office Expense 12,500.00 Mileage Reimbursement 1,000.00 2400 Professional Fee 2,600.00 Rent 7,500.00 Shipping and Postage Supplies 800.00 Tax Telephone 3,400.00 In-Kind Administration Services 1,763.00 Total Administration 42,963.00 Event Expense Lodging 1,400.00 Speaker Fees/Promises 0.00 Audio-Visual Rental 1,500.00 Event CC Fees 1,200.00 Event COGS 0.00 Film Royalties 250.00 Food and Refreshments 4,000.00 Gifts 500.00 Honorarium 0.00 Paid Dinners 4,500.00 Set-up and New Equipment 10,000.00 Travel 15,000.00 Venue Costs 10,000.00 Presenter Pass-through Costs 0.00 In-Kind Event Goods and Services 83,325.00 Event Expense - Other 0.00 Vail Symposium Profit Loss Budget Jan - Dec 18 Total Event Expense 131,675.00 Fund Raising Expense 2,500.00 Operating Costs Advertising/Media 5,000.00 Brochures and Programs 12,000.00 Design 2,400.00 Postage 3,000.00 Promotional Materials 2,500.00 Web Site 1,500.00 Web Site Maintenance 1,500.00 In-Kind Marketing Services 82,800.00 Total Payroll Expenses 234,141.00 Total Operating Costs 344,841.00 Total Expense 521,979.00 Net Ordinary Income 6,109.00 2018 Vail Symposium Marketing Plan June 28, 2018 The Vail Symposium would allocate funding from the TOV to fulfill the following marketing and communications efforts of the organization: • Printing 12,000 brochures (6,000 in the winter, 6,000 in the summer) and distributing them, including geotargeting to specific neighborhoods. • Running ads in the Vail Daily 150 of 365 days a year (one unique ad running three days in the lead up to each event for approximately 50 events). • Submitting 50+ unique press releases to the Symposium’s media list. • Updating and streamlining website to incorporate more advanced web analytics in order to get more in-depth understanding of ROI on marketing efforts. • Social media: Increase social presence on Facebook through partnerships and paid promotion for event. Utilize new Instagram account to help target and appeal to more expanded audience. • Appear on TV8 the day before each program. Print Biannual Brochure The Vail Symposium has a program brochure produced twice each year. The brochure features program descriptions, donation information, season recaps, letters from the board chair and program committee chair, a volunteer spotlight, advertisements from businesses or organizations that support the Symposium and other information for the community. • 12,000 brochures printed • 10,000 brochures mailed directly to Vail Symposium supporters and delivered directly to Vail and Edwards Post Office boxes • Distribution at all programs • Distribution to concierges at strategic locations • Distributed to Vail Welcome Center Vail Daily 15,000+ circulation daily newspaper with 300 strategically placed pickup locations in the community and resort locations resulting in 91% penetration in Eagle County. In 2018 - 2019, the Vail Symposium plans to release in the Vail Daily: • Season release articles in Winter and Spring (typically High Life cover) • 50+ press releases submitted as unique content for each program typically featured in the Vail Daily and the Vail Daily Weekly. • Letters from the Board of Directors Chair, Dale Mosier, as appropriate. • Work with the A&E to assign additional stories based on Symposium events (including stories covering the event). • One ad, typically running continuously from three days before an event until event date, totaling 50 unique ads appearing 150 days in the Vail Daily. • Inclusion in the weekly calendar of events. • The Vail Symposium also participates in the annual “GIVE” magazine. 40,000 copies of GIVE are printed; the Vail Symposium has a one-page promotion of the organization and our upcoming programs. Digital Website The 2018, the Vail Symposium hopes to implement: • A new integrated system that includes software to streamline donor communications and better tracking between attendees and the Vail Symposium. • New ticketing platform that will allow us to improve communication with attendees and track purchasing history more accurately. • An update of the overall appearance of Vail Symposium website so that it appears fresh and assists guests in finding the information they need, quickly. Social Facebook proves to be an incredibly useful and informative tool for informing the community of Vail Symposium events. The Symposium Facebook page has more than 1,300 followers/”likes”. Organic posts usually reach 900 or more people in one week resulting in 50 post engagements. Programs that are boosted also receive strong engagement, reaching more than 1,000 people in 4 or 5 days leading up to the event and receiving nearly 180 post engagements. In 2018 the Vail Symposium plans to: • Continue expanding Facebook engagement with posts and strategic promotions that both promote the organization’s page as well as boosts ticket sales for particular events. • Continue to utilize the target marketing tool to increase awareness and drive event traffic from the Front Range when appropriate. • Target particular age groups to continue our success in attracting a super boomer audience as well as targeting millennial achievers. • Collaborate with other groups in the valley, like the Vail Valley Partnership, Walking Mountains and the Vail Library, to cross-promote events where we see synergies. • Engage with users to increase community reception and appeals The Vail Symposium recently created an Instagram account is actively curating an account that showcases the programs that we present as well as drawing on the history of our organization to interact with our audience in a new way. We Other Media Radio • Though the Vail Symposium has not utilized radio advertising in several years, the Vail Symposium will revisit the possibility of creating a radio partnership for promotion of programs, season releases and talk show slots in 2018. With new ownership in several local radio stations, we will investigate the best fit and determine if radio is a wise spend of our marketing dollars. Television The Vail Symposium will again work with TV8’s Good Morning Vail show that is available to more than 900,000 Comcast subscribers throughout the State. • The Vail Symposium utilizes this medium to promote program on the day before the program through morning interview on Good Morning Vail. We often give tickets away or have the speakers themselves address the community about their programs. We then post the video clips to social media to help expand the marketing reach. Grassroots Partnerships The Vail Symposium has been working on expanding our network within the community, leveraging relationships where there is cross-over in terms of focus. In addition to working with concierges in hotels to distribute our information for inclusion in guest communications and suggesting programs when guests inquire about things to do, we will continue to work with other non-profit and for-profit organizations to ensure their members are aware of programs of interest. We have worked on identifying various community groups to ensure that they are aware of, and are sharing information about, our programming (for example, working with local churches and synagogues to promote the Dead Seas Scrolls program; distributing information about health programs through Vail Health; partnering with Walking Mountains for our environmentally-focused programs). We will continue to collaborate with other public relations entities, like Vail Resorts and the Vail Local Marketing District, to ensure that our programming is top of mind for visiting media and messaging. Presented by Katie Coakley, Marketing and PR Manager Total economic impact per attendee day Restaurants/bars/ food concessions Recreation Shopping Other items Lodging $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 Economic Impactper Attendee-Day$11 $9 $1 $1 $0 $0 Direct Economic Impact to TOV per Attendee-Day In commercial lodging In rent-by-owner lodging Vacation home/timeshare With friends/family Other 43% 43% 14% Overnight Visitor Profile 1 2 3 4 5 6 or more 29% 43% 14% 14% 1 2 3 - 5 6 - 8 9 - 14 15 or more 17% 17% 33% 17% 17% Edwards Other Avon Beaver Creek Vail Eagle/Gypsum Summit County 29% 29% 14% 14% 14% Under $50k $50k-$100k $100k-$150k $150k or more 18% 24% 17% 41% Overall Visitor Profile Under 18 18 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65 - 74 75 or older 12% 19% 10% 21% 23% 12% 1% Male Female 47% 53% Promoter Passive Detractor 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%Percent Responding68% 23% 10% Likelihood of Recommending Event to a Friend or Family Member 0: None, I would have come to Vail anyway 1 2 3 4 5: Half my reason for coming to Vail 6 7 8 9 10: My only reason for coming to Vail 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%Percent Responding67% 14% 1%3%4%1%4%1%3%1% Importance of Event in Decision to Visit Vail Today - Overall 2018 funding Direct economic impact to TOV Economic impact payback ratio TOV/VLMD sales tax impact TOV/VLMD sales tax impact ratio $0.02 $861 $0.74 $25,963.37 $35,000.00 Return on Investment: Funding vs. Impact Summary of Key Trip Characteristics and DemographicsAttendee Days0K 10K 20K 2.3K Attendance Est 58% NPS Net Promoter Score Overnight visitor Seasonal resident of VailValley Full-time resident ofTown of Vail Full-time downvalleyresident 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%Percent Responding22%19% 52% 6% Visitor Type Colorado Florida North Carolina Texas California 1% 2% 2% 3% 79% No 38% Yes 62% Attended Event Last Year? 2018 Vail Event Visitor Summary: Vail Symposium Winter 2017/18 Season Dec. 2017 - Apr. 2018 Survey technique: Post-event web. Overall sample size: 117 (Please note that sample sizes are smaller for subgroups.) Number of years event has taken place in Vail (including 2018): 48 Overall Overnight visitor Seasonal resident of Vail Valley Full-time downvalley resident 3.2 0.0 3.9 2.3 Are you staying: How many people are staying in your accomodations unit? Nights in the area this trip Where are your lodging accommodations located? Annual Household Income Age State/Country Gender Nightly Rate (if Paid) Average: Median: $227 $225 Overall Overall event Null Burton US Open Legacy Fighting Alliance Spring Back to Vail - All (Concert & Other) Spring Back to Vail - All Except March 31 Concert Spring Back to Vail - All except March 31 Concert & Pond Skim Spring Back to Vail - Concert Only Spring Back to Vail - March 31 Concert & Pond Skim Spring Back to Vail - Pond Skim Only Taste of Vail: Debut of Rose and American Lamb Cook-Off TEDxVail Vail Symposium Winter 2017/18 Season Summer 2018 6.3.18 Life After Cancer: How to Not Only Manage, but Thrive Living at Your Peak Fred Bartlit, Helen L. Coons, Ph.D., Tracy Crane, Ph.D., and Dr. Elizabeth O’Donnell, moderated by Dr. Patricia Hardenbergh Join a panel of experts as they discuss issues that affect cancer survivors such as sexuality, diet, exercise and overall lifestyle and share positive outcomes that result from successfully managing these issues. 6.13.18 How the Railroads Built Colorado Speaking Locally with Fred Frailey 150 years ago, Colorado was awash with riches but with no way to move them, or people, through the area. The frenzy of railroad construction changed the face of our state, with Eagle County playing a significant part of the story. 6.20.18 An Insider’s Look at Lobbying in America Hot Topics With Catherine Bennett, Nancy Zirkin and Rick Rodgers, moderated by Ron Elving Lobbying is a time-honored yet often misunderstood function in government. Join our panel of experts for a discussion on the history of lobbying, its pros and cons and the controversies surrounding this venerable vocation. 6.28.18 After Engagement: The Unfolding U.S.-China Strategic Competition and What it Means for Global Peace and Prosperity Geopolitical Series With Minxin Pei The U.S. has pursued a policy of comprehensive engagement since 1972, but it lately seems as if the engagement policy toward China has failed and must be replaced. This program will discuss the causes of the failure of the engagement policy, the emerging contours of a more robust and confrontational China strategy and its potential impact on U.S.-China relations. 7.12.18 The Health of America: Health Care Policy, the ACA and the Opioid Crisis Living at Your Peak With Dr. John Z. Ayanian, Dr. A. Mark Fendrick, Christopher Friese, Dr. Rebecca Cunningham and Dr. Chad Brummett Everyone has a stake in health policy. A policy can save lives, just as a gap in policy can leave the window open for a crisis. This two-session program, in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, will explore distinct policy issues in American health care: the past and future of federal and state reform (including the ACA) and using policy to fight the opioid crisis in America. 7.18.18 The Man Who Found Saddam and the Power of Listening Without Bias Hot Topics With Eric Maddox How do you find a man halfway around the world, one who most definitively does not want to be found? For Eric Maddox, it took hours of trials, attempts and failures but with a new way of listening, he ultimately found Saddam Hussein. 7.30.18 Understanding the Mess in the Middle East and Its Effects on the U.S. Geopolitical Series With Ambassador Dennis Ross and moderator Greg Dobbs The United States has been the go-to nation in the Middle East for decades. But conflicts in the region have reached a fever pitch. Now is a time of questions: What caused this dangerous instability and can it be reversed? Join Ambassador Dennis Ross for an insider’s insight into this hot topic. 8.2.18 Debunking Death: The Science of Reincarnation and Eternal Life Consciousness Series With Mark Anthony the Psychic Lawyer® Our soul is on a perpetual journey between physical lives in the material world to a purely energetic state of being on the other side. Mark Anthony the Psychic Lawyer® will present the scientific basis for the existence of the soul, the afterlife, spirit communication and reincarnation. 8.3.18 Workshop: An Evening of Interdimensional Communication Consciousness Series With Mark Anthony the Psychic Lawyer® Mark Anthony the Psychic Lawyer® (aka The Psychic Explorer™) is a science-based evidential medium. In this unique event, Mark will connect random audience members with loved ones in spirit. 8.8.18 Africa Matters: A Perspective on U.S.-Africa Relations Geopolitical Series With Monde Muyangwa and moderator Peter Matlon The United States has a long and complex history of engagement with Africa. This presentation will map the historical trajectory of U.S.-Africa relations and speak to the current state of affairs; highlight key political, economic, and security developments and trends in Africa; assess the challenges and opportunities offered by these developments to address why Africa matters. 8.15.18 Art, A Matter of Mind Arts & Culture With JoAnn Gonzalez Hickey, Mardee Goff and Flux In our culture of increasing distraction, what drives our connection to art and how might we truly connect with the beauty around us? An art collector, curator and neuroscientist lead an intimate journey into the mind of the observer to answer this radically topical and complex question. 8.20.18 “Rembrandt: Painter as Printmaker” Pulling Together the Exhibition Arts & Culture With Timothy Standring In advance of the Denver Art Museum’s world-exclusive exhibition, get insights into Rembrandt and his work, both as a printmaker and as an entrepreneur with the man who curated the event. 9.6.18 Cyberwarfare: How Disruption Becomes Destruction Hot Topics With James Andrew Lewis Cyberwarfare is a war on all fronts where countries, companies and individuals come to clash. As purported attacks on banks, companies and even governments are launched across international borders nearly every day, it makes you wonder: how strong are our defenses? 9.12.18 Rocky Roads or Smooth Sailing? A Discussion on the State of Transportation in Colorado Speaking Locally There are few topics that get locals talking as quickly as transportation. Join us for a discussion with state and regional transportation experts and local ECO-Transit Director Chris Lubbers as we explore transportation in Colorado and within Eagle County. 9.13.18 Russian Attacks on Democracy: What’s Next? Hot Topics With Laura Rosenberger and Rand Waltzman, moderated by Greg Dobbs It’s agreed that Russia interfered in the last U.S. elections but what does this mean for the 2018 elections and beyond? Learn about the issues, past success and failures and technology that’s in the wings to be deployed. 9.20.18 Enviromedics: Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health Environmental Awareness With Kim Knowlton and Dr. Jay Lemery Though many of us have concerns about the effects of climate change on Earth, we often overlook the essential issue of human health. This panel of experts will discuss how climate change impacts our physical and emotional well-being. 9.27.18 What's Next for North Korea Policy? Geopolitical Series With Jung Pak Receive an analysis of the Trump Administration's policy on North Korea, how North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been maneuvering despite the US "maximum pressure" strategy, and hear an outlook for what we are likely to see in the coming months. 10.3.18 The Law of the Colorado River: Conflict and Collaboration Speaking Locally With John McClow, Anne Castle, Pat Mulroy and Eric Kuhn, moderated by Holly Luff Join this panel of experts as they discuss the management of the Colorado River Upper and Lower basins in a time of growing stressors such as drought, climate change and population growth as well as the innovative strategies being implemented to combat the growing threats to the river. 10.10.18: Inside House of Darkness, House of Light: The Real Story of “The Conjuring” Consciousness Series With Andrea Perron In 1970, Roger and Carolyn Perron purchased what seemed to be the home of their dreams, but it turned out to be the stuff of nightmares. Learn the real story behind the movie “The Conjuring.” 10.11.18 Orbs and the Afterlife: Survival of the Soul Consciousness Series With Virginia Hummel What are orbs and what do they mean for our lives? This fascinating program will discuss the link between the orb phenomenon and our true identities as eternal souls. 10.18.18 Land Conservation vs Development: What Will Be Our Legacy? Community Conversations with Rob LeVine and Jim Daus In this special edition of the Vail Symposium’s Community Conversations, join several community leaders and stakeholders in conversing about key points on the conservation vs. development discussion. 11.7.18 The State of the Valley Speaking Locally Join us as we explore the latest hot issues of the day in Eagle County like housing, health insurance, transit, workforce development and sustainability. This will be an interactive panel discussion between local leaders from throughout the valley and the audience.