Aron Ralston, whose harrowing survival story included cutting off his own arm to escape a red rock canyon in Utah after a climbing accident, will be a keynote speaker during the two-day Forum at the upcoming Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS) in Beaver Creek, Colo., April 3-9, 2011. Ralston’s dramatic and inspirational story was recreated in the hit movie 127 Hours, a film that garnered six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Best Screenplay.
The Forum is the educational and training portion of the week-long MTS-now in its 36th year. This year’s Forum, held April 6-7, also includes two other compelling sessions that address this year’s theme: Adaptation in Mountain Travel.
The Forum opens at 8:30 am on Wednesday, April 6 with the first general session featuring Travelocity founder Terry Jones with his presentation “Adaptation in Travel: Be Quick or Be Dead.” In addition to his role with Travelocity, Jones created and is chairman of Kayak.com. His experience leading companies whose innovations have changed the travel industry have established him as a visionary and leader in travel technology.
Immediately following Jones’ remarks is the second general session–a blockbuster panel that includes some of the top travel executives in the U.S. In “What Really Matters: Perspectives from Leaders of the Pack,” four veterans from different segments of the travel industry will share their insights on what they believe matters most to adapt and survive. John Garnsey, co-president of the mountain division at Vail Associates, will focus on the importance of branding using Beaver Creek as a case study. Mike Kaplan, president of Aspen Ski Company will focus on sustainability including short-term profitability and long-term viability. Steve Rice, senior vice president of CNL Lifestyle Company will describe how to devise strategies that allow for survival and then success. The fourth panelist is Dave Hilfman, senior vice president of sales for United Airlines with his perspectives on the crucial connection for air transportation and mountain travel.
For pure inspiration and profound personal insights on the mental and physical fortitude required to survive and adapt in the most extreme circumstances, featured speaker Aron Ralston will address the estimated 1,100 participants at the Forum’s third general session on Thursday, April 7 at 8:30am. Ralston is internationally recognized following his ordeal in 2003 when he became trapped by a half-ton boulder while hiking in a Utah canyon. Alone and desperate, he escaped by amputating his right arm with a dull pocketknife. He then hiked and rappelled for five hours before being rescued. Ralston documented his phenomenal story in the best-selling book Between a Rock and a Hard Place, that was adapted into the screenplay for 127 Hours.
“We like to bring in thought-provoking and inspiring speakers who can address current issues from a unique angle for our final Forum general session,” explained Symposium partner Michael Pierson. “We were blown away by Aron’s story and think it will deeply resonate with our attendees.” Added Symposium partner Ralf Garrison, “This year’s Symposium theme is about adapting to survive, and it’s hard to find a better example than Aron. He is the epitome of survival and we know there is much to learn from him both personally and professionally.”
The MTS Forum also includes small group workshops and presentations in several travel-related tracks that focus on how travel professionals can better adapt to the changes occurring in today’s economic environment. Registration for the two-day Forum is $595 and includes entrance to all three general sessions and a dozen individual workshops on issues ranging from resort branding to the newest developments in travel technology. The New Media Showcase is also included as well as lift tickets at Beaver Creek during MTS week and admission to all MTS social events throughout the week.
