What happens when you combine a world-class, accessible ski destination with the largest gathering of ski resorts, tour operators, ski clubs, meeting planners and mountain travel service providers on the planet? The annual Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS). At over 1,200 delegates strong, the 2016 MTS was the largest, and according to many, best symposium ever.
MTS is an eclectic mix of motivation and marketplace, inspiration and insight. Simply put, it’s THE must attend event for anyone involved in the business of winter ski sports. The weeklong conference features a venerable who’s who of industry thought leaders, lined up to present what’s working and not working on the mountain. From the latest tech tools and marketing techniques, to distribution channel debates , industry key execs vie for supremacy during this week-long event.
For ski & snowboard group trip planners, it’s an opportunity to learn from the major players in the industry and plan next winter’s trips. A full-day marketplace matches mountain travel vendors with ski club trip coordinators in one-one-one 10 minute appointments.
Learn more about MTS by following along on our Twitter recap as the event unfolds.
Mountain Travel Symposium Opening remarks by Mike Pierson, general manager #mtntrvl @KeystoneMtn pic.twitter.com/3FkhEXFOqK
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 6, 2016
Here’s a novel idea, let the audience decide on panel topics…maximum audience engagement.
#innovative live voting on conversation topics panel discussion @MTNTRVL pic.twitter.com/cn2JrsDW83
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 6, 2016
Election-year inspired Distribution Debate as key players battle on stage…
Distribution Debate on at #mtntrvl as key players from the lodging sector chime in on shifting landscape pic.twitter.com/MSiDgU5OQj
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 6, 2016
More ingenious ideas, live polling of audience as the distribution debate continues.
Majority of @MTNTRVL delegates feel OTA’s should represent 0-25% of their lodging bookings. #traveltrendspic.twitter.com/OiNFPDCKV6
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 6, 2016
Representatives from Google and Facebook show up to disclose “what’s next” with their platforms, share trends.
#google talks mobile conversion rates and consumers turn from lookers to bookers on their smartphones @MTNTRVLpic.twitter.com/e2iomhDn9O
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 6, 2016
Time out for networking @ MTS, the Snowbound booth was busy!
Break time = networking time @MTNTRVL, stop by the booths and say hello! pic.twitter.com/ftHy8Nh9nQ
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 6, 2016
Modeled after the infamous “Ted Talks” MTS brings inspiration and innovation to the stage during rapid-fire presentations.
Tania Leichliter talks #innovation during MTS Talks. Are you acting on or reacting to market trends? @MTNTRVL pic.twitter.com/0NnWppYJk2
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 6, 2016
Evening Networking Events Give Delegates a Chance to Unwind #playhard
Packed house at group #skiclub mixer, hors d’oeuvres, hugs and handshakes. @MTNTRVL pic.twitter.com/cn4PkYP0Cv
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 7, 2016
The Popular Group Exchange, where ski clubs meet with destination & resort representatives to book business
The Group Exchange is in full swing – buyer/seller appointments getting biz done! @MTNTRVL pic.twitter.com/Dj3umIaYcq
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 8, 2016
After a hard day’s work, what’s better than bbq-inspired outdoor networking?
A fitting finish to a busy Group Exchange, outdoor bbq & beer, perfect weather @MTNTRVL @KeystoneMtn pic.twitter.com/GIYVceARbh
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 9, 2016
Keystone still had plenty of snow on the mountain, ideal for quick breaks from MTS
Still plenty of #snow for late season skiing @KeystoneMtnpic.twitter.com/v7tQ9QkaaN
— SnowBound Magazine (@BoundForSnow) April 11, 2016
For more information about Mountain Travel Symposium, visit the website.
