The Vail Valley Partnership- the Chamber & Tourism Bureau today announced that it will host the fifth annual Vail Valley Business Forum on July 28 at The Sebastian-Vail from 8:00-11:30 a.m. The forum is the Partnership’s largest educational event and will feature experts from various business segments to serve on a panel discussion on the topic of “Eagle County Economic Development, from Planning to Implementation.”
The event will also feature a local business expo, which provides an opportunity for businesses throughout the valley to showcase their organization and the latest services and products they provide. Expo booths are available for $150 and include 2 tickets to the event.
Following the business expo, there will be a keynote address by Senator Al White, director of the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) and John Ricks, associate director of the Colorado Tourism Office. Prior to his position with the CTO, White served eight years in the Colorado House of Representatives before he was elected to the Colorado Senate two years ago. Ricks possesses years of experience in travel e-commerce and digital media, including time spent as vice president of marketing for the Online Vacation Mall and chief marketing officer for Leisure Travel Auctions. Both White and Ricks bring expertise in the upcoming Colorado marketing and branding campaign.
After the keynote address, forum attendees will have the chance to participate in a question and answer format during the panel discussion on the topic of “Eagle County Economic Development, from Planning to Implementation.” Panelists include; Ms. Christine O’Donnell, president of the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association, Mr. Bryan Simpson, media relations director of New Belgium Brewery, Ms. Doris Kirchner, president and CEO of Vail Valley Media Center and Dr. Stan Jensen, CEO of Colorado Mountain College.
Panel speakers will share their know-how and provide perspective on how individuals and businesses move from the planning phase to the execution stage at both a micro and macro level. Audience participation and questions are a key component of the event and guests are encouraged to submit questions in advance.
“The Partnership is thrilled to continue the dialogue and momentum generated during the Eagle County Economic Development Planning process earlier this year by way of an expert panel discussion with an emphasis in all three areas outlined in the county plan: Tourism & Recreation, Health & Wellness and Education & Learning,” said Chris Romer, executive director of Vail Valley Partnership.
Tickets to the Vail Valley Business Forum are available at $45 for VVP members and $60 for non-members. Booths for the local business expo are also available for $150 and include two tickets to the event.
RSVP’s are required. To RSVP, please contact Jen Weintraub, Events & Membership Manager at (970) 477-4001. If you would like more information about the Vail Valley Business Forum, please visit us online.