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Illuminating the Abyss:

The ocean is Earth’s most complex and powerful machine—a massive engine that powers planetary systems on which we all depend. It feeds billions, underpins our economy, and regulates the temperature and weather we experience every day. Join Dr. Peter de Menocal, President and Director of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution—the world’s leading ocean science nonprofit—for a … Continued

Is the American Healthcare System Broken?

Healthcare is a difficult and contentious issue that everyone must face. The costs keep rising, especially for end of life care (which takes 17-25% of total healthcare spending). Clay Jenkinson will lead the discussion with experts on various aspects of the US healthcare system. They will discuss access to healthcare, the cost of current healthcare … Continued

The Fords in Vail: A Presidential Legacy

Join Susan Ford Bales as we celebrate their legacy and share the story of the Fords in Vail. In 1968, the Ford family first came to Vail, purchasing their first property in Eagle County in 1970. Their influence was soon felt throughout the growing community, through varied projects including the Jerry Ford Invitational Golf Tournament … Continued

The Supreme Court in Crisis

How important is the credibility of the Supreme Court? What structure is laid out for the Court in the Constitution? What accountability and ethics systems are in place, and how has the system developed over the years? The Supreme Court is under increasing scrutiny for its role and the manner in which it executes its … Continued

The Changing Nuclear Landscape in a Turbulent World

With his expertise in nuclear security, Dr. Hecker shares his insights on the new Russia-North Korea relationship and the destabilization in the global nuclear order resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  He will give a wide view of the changing nuclear landscape.  Will Putin use nuclear weapons? What is North Korea’s capacity?  What about China … Continued

In the Room Where it Happened

Through his first-hand experience “in the room where it happened” and his perspective as the CEO of major institutional asset management firm, Anthony (Tony) Ryan will share the lessons learned from 2008 to the present day and the implications for the future. He will address topics including the national debt, inflation, regulation, the U.S. dollar … Continued

Loaded Words and The Power of Language

What words do we use, how do we use them, and who gets to say what, and who decides?  In an era when we are at times becoming more aware of renaming of places (i.e., removing “Squaw” and reassessing violent figures), we also seem less prone to check our language in other arenas, with extreme … Continued

Physicians’ Perspectives on Near Death Experiences

What have physicians across various fields learned as patients recount near death experiences?  How have their own near death experiences challenged what they learned in medical school, and how have they come to understand them and incorporate them into their practice?  Join neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander, emergency physician Dr. Jeff O’Driscoll, and radiation oncologist Dr. … Continued

Solar Energy 2035: Technology and Economics

Join Vail Symposium’s panel of experts as they take us through a deep look at the costs of electricity and solar grids, the technology as it exists today and what is on the horizon (including a discussion of power storage, battery technologies, and power grids) and what implementation looks like in various communities.  Our panel … Continued

Why the US government takes the UAP (UFO) Issue Seriously?

In December 2023, unidentified drones flew over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for 17 days, leading to the cancellation of training missions and the relocation of the F-22 Raptors, in just one of several similar events in a short time frame.  How is the US Government responding to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (i.e. UFOs)? Join … Continued

Vail Symposium | Life in the Wrong Lane

When disasters and conflicts strike and people flee, journalists run against the flow of traffic, straight into places where everyone else wants out.  What compels them to go in, and how do they calculate the risks when they’re there? Join veteran journalist and former foreign correspondent Greg Dobbs for his behind-the-line stories that range from … Continued