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
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* 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!
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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
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•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.