Know Before You Go
We’re excited to have you attend the 2019 SYTA Annual Conference. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know before arriving in Birmingham. Explore the conference website and mobile app for more details.
| SYF Golf Classic | Fun Run/Walk/Slumber | ||
| Sightseeing Tours | Blastoff |
Location
Registration, SYTA Central, Education Sessions and the Student & Youth Travel Showcase:
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC)
2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Birmingham, AL 35203
General Sessions, Luncheons and Closing Night Event:
Sheraton Hotel, Birmingham Ballroom
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Birmingham, AL 35203
Round-trip shuttles will be provided to host hotels and BJCC. Learn more.
Time Zone
The state of Alabama observes Central Time.
On-Site Registration & SYTA Central
Registration is located in East Hall 1 at BJCC. This is where you’ll pick up your registration packet, name badge, and purchase event tickets. Registration hours can be found on the schedule in the app or by clicking here.
SYTA Central is located on the Showcase Floor at BJCC. This is your hub for all things SYTA and SYTA Youth Foundation: membership, appointments, elections, future events and general information.
Transportation
Complimentary round-trip transportation will be provided to the BJCC from host hotels. Evening event transportation will depart and return to the BJCC. Hotel shuttles will take attendees back to their hotels from the BJCC. Due to local road improvement, the transportation schedule will be available onsite and online. Attendees are responsible for their airport ground transportation to and from the host hotels.
Conference App
Download the Conference app to keep up-to-date with everything during the SYTA Annual Conference!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please “Allow Push Notifications” from the app! We will be sending out important information, changes and updates, reminders and more via the push notifications.
Conference Program
Check out the 2019 SYTA Conference Program! In effort to go green, the program is now available on the mobile app and the Conference website homepage.
Attire
The SYTA Annual Conference attire is business casual. The Convention Center can be cool, so it would be appropriate to have a jacket/sweater for your comfort. The average Birmingham temperature in August ranges from a high of 91 to a low of 71. Pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Special Events Attire
Friday, August 9
- SYTA Pep Rally – Wear your favorite sport team jersey.
- A Taste of Birmingham! – Comfortable and casual. Jerseys are welcome!
Sunday, August 11
- An Evening At The Track – Comfortable and casual.
Monday, August 12
- Northern Lights and Human Rights Reception, Dinner & Performance – Comfortable and casual.
- Dance Your Meal Off (DYMO) – Comfortable and casual. Make sure to wear your dancing shoes!
Student & Youth Travel Showcase
The Showcase Floor officially opens Friday at 4:30 PM. Join us for the SYTA “Pep Rally” Showcase Reception, sponsored by Marriott International. Showcase hours can be found on the schedule in the app or by clicking here.
New Attendees
First-time Conference attendees are designated with blue ribbons. We encourage you to say hello and welcome them to the SYTA family! If you’re a new attendee, be sure to plan ahead and review the schedule so that you can make the most of your first Conference experience! Click here to access important first-time attendee information.
Volunteer
Looking for a great way to meet new people and play an active role during conference? It’s not too late to become a volunteer! Our volunteers are instrumental in the success of the conference each year. Click here to sign up!
Social Media
Stay connected on-site through social media. Follow all of the events as they occur using our conference event hashtag #SYTA2019.
2019 SYTA Conference Photos
Upload your photos, see everyone’s shared photos and access Group Travel Video’s photos utilizing the SYTA Conference App and click the “Upload Your Photos” icon. IT’S FUN AND EASY!
Login with username: SYTA
Password: 2019
You can even share photos from your Facebook page with the touch of a button. As always, we ask that you only post appropriate photos of friends and colleagues. Nothing that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see!
SYF Online Silent Auction and Chance Drawing
The SYF Auction Committee is excited to present this year’s online silent auction and chance drawing. Proceeds raised from these two events provide scholarships and programming for underserved youth to travel. You can participate by donating or bidding on items in the online silent auction or the chance drawing. Donors and bidders are recognized for their participation.
Online Silent Auction: Bidders register online and manage their bids through Bidding For Good. **It’s free to create an account! Your credit card will only be charged if you’re the leading bidder when the auction closes.** Closes Monday, August 12 at 4:00 PM CT.
Chance Drawing on Showcase Floor – New Opportunity
Opens Friday, August 9 at 4:30 PM CT and closes Monday, August 12 at 4:00 PM CT
Business Appointment Sessions
Business appointments are located on the Showcase Floor.
Saturday, August 10
- 10:30 AM – 12:28 PM
- 3:00 PM – 5:26 PM
Sunday, August 11
- 9:45 AM – 11:57 AM
- 2:45 PM – 5:25 PM
Monday, August 12
- 9:30 AM – 11:56 AM
- 3:15 PM – 5:27 PM
Tour Operators are expected to attend all scheduled appointments. If you’re unable to make an appointment or have to leave unexpectedly, please notify SYTA staff immediately. The discounted tour operator rate and complimentary registrations are based on tour operators meeting all their scheduled appointments. We know this can be a long day and we appreciate your support!
Each Supplier company has one appointment book per company. They’re entitled to a maximum of two attendees sharing the same book of appointments. Both appointment takers must take appointments together and cannot separate on the appointment floor to pick up additional appointments.
Non-appointment taking suppliers cannot be on the Business Appointment Floor without their appointment taker.
Non-appointment taking tour operators are encouraged to rotate with their appointment taking staff so they may attend education sessions and visit the tour operator lounge.
All appointment-taking attendees should have received an email with Login ID and password information on Tuesday, July 23. Access your appointments in the appointment portal.
Appointment Questions? Please contact SYTA Staff at 703-610-1263 or email conference@syta.org.
SYTA Guarantee
If you have not had the opportunity to meet with a particular buyer or seller company, let a member of the SYTA leadership or SYTA team know and we will assist with arranging a personal introduction for you! Our mentors, volunteers and leadership are available to help connect you with other attendees.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wifi is offered to all attendees, courtesy of SYTA.
BJCC– Showcase Floor
Network ID: BJCC Meeting
Pass code: SYTA2019
Sheraton, Birmingham Ballroom
Network ID: Sheraton Conference
Pass code: SYTA2019
If you have any other questions prior to Conference, please feel free to contact the SYTA office: 703-610-1263 or email info@syta.org.
