Vail Symposium survey shows high satisfaction rates as nonprofit wraps up 2023 programming
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Vail Symposium’s annual survey showed high satisfaction with in-person events.
“For 52 years, we have welcomed thought leaders from around the world who donate their time to share their talent with our community,” said James Kenly, executive director of the Vail Symposium. “We feature ambassadors, best-selling authors, Oscar and Emmy Award winners and a wide array of brilliant people to present on a wide range of topics — as our survey results indicate, there is something for everyone at the Vail Symposium.”
Vail Symposium had 5,200 people register for events in 2023, with 60% of those attending one to four programs. Just over 20% attended five to nine, and about 15% attended 10 or more. Overall, on a scale of 0-10, over 70% of people chose “10, or extremely likely” when it comes to recommending the Vail Symposium to others.
In terms of interest in topics, geopolitical ranked No. 1, with just over a 70% rating, followed by “Conversations on Controversial Issues Moderated by Clay Jenkinson” coming in at 60% and history just under 60%. Hot topics ranked around 55%. Health and wellness, arts and culture and environmental awareness ranked equally, just above 40%, followed by science and technology, finance, purposeful living, speaking locally, adventure and consciousness.
“We are honored to be a source of education for our community on important issues. Our Geopolitics series presented programs in 2023 about the global disorder, Ukraine (with former Ambassador William Taylor), American citizenship, China, Russia and Germany, and in 2024 we will learn about the U.S. presidential primary system, Qatar, Israel (with former Ambassador Dennis Ross) and India,” he said. “While attention spans seem to be evaporating (in society in general), Vail Symposium is proud to present long-form intellectual programs on a wide range of topics. This winter, we will present conversations on resilience and perseverance, Israel and the Middle East, banned books and socially beneficial sunglasses.”
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Three events remain in 2023: Wednesday’s talk at Vail Interfaith Chapel on The Invisible Primary for President; Enigmatic Qatar and its Impact on the Global Stage on Dec. 19 at Eagle River Presbyterian Church; and Prosperous Collaboration: Doing Well by Doing Good on Dec. 28 at Donovan Pavilion.
The new year kicks off with Mountainfilm on Tour Jan. 4 at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, followed by a robust lineup of arts and culture, controversial issues, geopolitics, health, hot topics and much more.
“We develop the season very intentionally to be balanced across the spectrum of topics. We receive ideas and introductions from our board of directors, programming committee and community members, and we do our best to secure the most qualified subject matter experts to deliver unique presentations framed just for our audience,” Kenly said. “We are fortunate to live in a community with so many interesting people who have such accomplished friends.”
