Young Leaders Summit

expand your network. gain new insight. grow as a leader.

The MTS Young Leaders Summit is an exclusive program on Monday, April 7, 2025. The program is open to young professionals under the age of 35 who have a passion for the mountain travel industry and are dedicated to growing their professional community and knowledge-base. During the Young Leaders Summit, attendees will explore critical topics within our industry and focus on their professional development—all while strengthening their leadership skills.

-Networking with and learning from peers
-Active discussions on how to rebuild our industry for the better
-Insights from industry leaders
-Building connections that will last throughout MTS week and beyond
-Recognition as part of an exclusive group
-Current employee in the mountain travel and tourism industry
-35 years of age or younger on April 14, 2025
-Demonstrates drive to be an influential part of the mountain travel industry

Elly Orszulak, Director of Guest Relations, Rental & Retail Operations, Eldora

Adam Feehan, National Sales Director, Alterra Mountain Company

Saundra Kahler, Senior Business Development Manager, Phocuswright Inc.

Josh Pelczar, Senior Director of Lodging, Snowbird

Questions?

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See below for the 2024 Program

9:00am – 9:30am Welcome and Introductions

9:30am – 10:15am Icebreaker

10:15am – 11:00am Industry Resiliency and Stress Management

Stress has a big impact on mental health, not just from resort occupations and seasonal business volume, but from everyday life. It is a big reason why ski resorts are implementing resiliency teams and stress injury awareness. Originating in the armed forces and then adapted by ski patrols, the Stress Continuum program recognizes that stress injuries are physical injuries that require attention to heal, and they've implemented tools to address stress-induced trauma in their field. By expanding the program resort-wide and now into the industry, we will be enhancing each individual employee’s willingness and ability to cope with stress. Learning stress management not only helps employees at work but can also be a lifelong tool. Join this workshop to learn how some resorts are prioritizing mental health to improve retention

11:00am – 11:15am Break

11:15am – 12:15pm Speak Up, Stand Out

In this session, we address a common challenge faced by young leaders—speaking up with confidence. Designed to hone communication skills and establish a strong leadership voice, participants will engage in role-play exercises featuring real-life work scenarios. Attendees will gain practical experience in articulating their ideas, handling challenging conversations, and asserting their perspectives effectively.

12:15pm – 1:15pm Lunch

1:15pm – 2:00pm The Future of Our Industry

The landscape of mountain travel is continually evolving, marked by rapid changes in technology, sustainability practices, and more. In this session, you'll hear from leaders in different segments of the mountain travel industry as they provide straightforward insights into where they see the future heading.

2:00pm – 2:45pm Agree/Disagree

In this session, we’ll throw out a statement that might be considered controversial in the travel world. You’ll have a quick moment to decide whether you agree or disagree with the statement and then you’ll confer with those who are on the same side as you. One member of the Agree and Disagree groups will share the group POV in a friendly debate.