Know Before You Go

PROGRAM AGENDA

Check out our program agenda for a look at all that is planned to make the most of your time at the Forum and in the New York City.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!

A special thank you to our host, NYC & Company and all our event sponsors who played a key role in making the Tour Operator Forum a reality!

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

We also recognize our SYTA Strategic Partners who have supported SYTA during the Pandemic. A few that were able to attend will be at the events and Forum.

SYTA AND HOTEL SAFETY GUIDELINES AND HEALTH GUIDELINES – KEEP YOU SAFE DURING THE FORUM

Your health and safety are of the utmost concern as we plan for and prepare to your participation in the Tour Operator Forum.

SYTA continues to monitor CDC & NYC guidelines and will be following the Key to NYC Vaccination Policy for Indoor Activities, including the following policies:

• Proof of 2-dose vaccination prior to arrival or one dose of Johnson & Johnson.
• Masks are required in all indoor events and meetings, with the exception of eating or drinking. Masks are also required on all meeting/event transportation.
• If a medical condition prevents an individual from wearing a mask, a written statement from your doctor is required to verify.

Here is what you need to do PRIOR to arriving at the forum:

1. Upload your vaccination card to NYC COVID Safe App: Android | iOS

• • You can upload to this app a photo of your CDC vaccination card or other official record, along with your photo ID.

2. Complete the SYTA COVID Liability Waiver

FORUM MEETING & HOTEL INFORMATION

The SYTA Tour Operator Forum will be held at the The Westin New York at Times Square.

270 West 43rd Street
New York, New York
212-201-2700

For those staying on property: Check-in time is 4:00 pm. If you arrive prior to 4:00 pm, the hotel will store your bags until your room is available. Check-out time is at 12:00 pm. Hotel rooms must be cancelled 72 hours prior to arrival.

EDUCATION

We want to make sure your time with us is valuable and we encourage your participation in the education sessions. The sessions have information for both the tour operators and suppliers.

Your participation in the full Forum Program is encouraged!

FORUM REGISTRATION DESK & HOURS

The SYTA Forum registration desk will be located in the Broadway Foyer on the 3rd Floor of The Westin. Attendees may pick up their registration materials during registration hours. If registration is closed, please go directly to the scheduled event and staff will provide you with your badge. Name badges must be worn at all times. The lanyards are color-coded to designate registration types and help with networking!

DRESS ATTIRE, CLIMATE & TIME ZONE

Education Sessions: Business Casual
Monday Evening: Ski Lodge Chic
Tuesday: Business Casual

Be sure to dress warmly and bring coats to the meeting room as portions of our meeting require us to walk outdoors.

Climate in New York City: In January, the average high temperature is 30 degrees and the average low temperature is 16 degrees.

Time Zone: New York City is located in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone.

SPECIAL EVENTS

SYTA and NYC & Company have some wonderful special events planned during your stay as part of the great New York City experience!!

Monday, January 24
Ice Skating at The Rink and Chalet Experience
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Rockefeller Center

Skaters: Skates will be provided; all you need is to dress for the outdoors and bring your mittens! Lockers are available and all personal belongings will need to be locked-up during skate session.
Non-skaters: Those who chose not to skate, or perhaps those who do not wish to skate the entire session, will be accommodated in the skate chalets to stay cozy and warm  as you take in the beauty of and experience of one of the most famous ice rinks!

Group transportation will depart promptly from Westin at 5:30 PM.

Welcome Reception

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Bar SixtyFive at the Rainbow Room
49 West 49th Street – enter 30 Rock under the marquis on 49th Street that says – Top of the Rock & Rainbow Room

Once inside follow the RED CARPET that leads you to an escalator that will bring you up to the mezzanine level for your Vaccination and ID check (every guest must have ID and proof of both vaccinations). Coat check is also located on the mezzanine, from which the hostess will call the elevators and send you up to the 65th floor of iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza to Bar SixtyFive.

We’ve waited a long time to catch up with old and new friends – in person! Breathtaking NYC views, amazing food and great friends, this will be an event and night to remember!

Transportation will not be provided back to the hotel following the welcome reception. We will walk together in groups.

Tuesday, January 25

SYTA Social (Ticketed Event)
Benefits SYTA Youth Foundation and NYC Foundation
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Hard Rock Cafe

Another spectacular evening begins with the SYTA Social! Fun food and drinks will be provided and should be enough to fill you up prior to the theater.

Those attending are responsible for getting to the Hard Rock and back to the Westin. For those that want to walk over together, meet in the Front Lobby of the Westin, group will depart promptly at 5:15 PM.

Evening on Broadway

Show Time: 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM based on show. Click here for details.
Broadway is BACK! And SYTA is here to take it all in at some wonderful Broadway shows!

Tickets will be pre-assigned and attendees will be notified by email of their assignment. Show tickets will be issued in advance electronically or a physical ticket will held at Will Call. Those attending are responsible for getting to the theatre and back to the Westin.

PRE OR POST-FORUM TOURS (if applicable)

TOUR: CULTURE ATTRACTIONS
Monday, January 24, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Transportation will be provided by Academy Bus. 

Please dress appropriately for outdoor temperatures as you will be going in and out of buildings.

TOUR: HOTELS
Wednesday, January 26, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
This is a walking tour, please dress appropriately for outdoor temperatures.

In the case of any travel delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, please contact SYTA Staff at info@syta.org.

It’s been a long time! We look forward to welcoming you to NYC and to the Tour Operator Forum.  Safe travels!

SYTA STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

Carylann Assante, CAE, Chief Executive Officer
703-625-0172
cassante@syta.org

Becky Armely, Director of Operations
703-887-0753
barmely@syta.org

Betty Ford, Director of Meetings
651-238-4179
bford@teamprecision.com

Katy Summers, Sr. Manager of Education & Professional Development
509-290-4998
ksummers@syta.org

Amy Cannon, Director, Communications & Membership
703-966-2712
acannon@syta.org