We’re so excited to see you at the 2023 SYTA Annual Conference! Here’s your full guide to everything you need to know before you arrive in Winnipeg, MB.
Know Before You Go: Supplier Edition
CONFERENCE LOCATION
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Located in the geographic centre of Canada, Winnipeg is easily accessible by air, land or rail.
All events, unless otherwise noted, will take place at the:
RBC Convention Centre
375 York Ave
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J3
Canada
TIME ZONE
Winnipeg is in the Central Time Zone.
WEATHER
Winnipeg summers are warm and not overly humid. The temperature during this season ranges from the mid to high 20°’s Celsius (around 75-85° Fahrenheit).
EXPLORE WINNIPEG!
Sign up for a Sightseeing Tour on Friday.
Or if you are looking to explore on your own, take advantage of area activity discounts by showing your badge.
CONFERENCE MOBILE APP
SYTA is dedicated to being more sustainable, and with that comes an electronic conference program through use of a mobile app. SYTA will not be providing any paper copies of the conference program/schedule this year.
Don’t wait until you arrive in Winnipeg to start planning your schedule and networking with fellow attendees, exhibitors and speakers. Download the SYTA Conference event app today, set up your profile and start connecting with your peers!
We highly recommend that you contact your cell phone carrier prior to traveling to ensure you will be able to communicate while in Winnipeg. Some carriers may require you to add an international data plan for the time you are on travel, while others will have it included. It’s best to check now to ensure you will not have any trouble navigating the conference or communicating as needed.
GET THE APP
Access the App Store on iOS devices and the Google Play Store on Android. Use the store buttons above (or below) for direct links to the app or search “CVENT”. Install the app.
Once the CVENT app is installed on your device, tap its icon on your home screen. In the search bar, type SYTA to find the 2023 SYTA Annual Conference event, then click on Download.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please allow push notifications from the Conference app! We will be sending out important information, updates, reminders and more via the push notifications.
To access all the benefits of the app, you’ll first need to log in.
When prompted by the app, follow the prompts to complete the log-in process. You’ll receive a verification email to complete setup. (Verification code email comes from Amy Cannon.)
Verify your account by entering the unique six-digit verification code in your mobile app that was emailed to you.
Now you’re ready to get started!
Here are a couple useful ways to utilize the app:
- Access the full schedule of events. You can save events to your personal schedule and set reminders for education sessions, events and appointments.
- Join the discussion(s) and share updates with others on the app, ask questions, plan meetings.
- Search for event attendees or exhibitors and use the app to send direct messages to other event attendees.
- Join the fun! Network and earn points through the Conference Game.
These are just a few of the features of the app. We can’t wait to see how you’ll use it!
WIFI
Wireless internet is available throughout the RBC Convention Centre.
Network: Events-3
Password: WCCEvents123
AIRPPORT
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
2000 Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3H 1C2 Canada
P: (204) 987-9402
AIR TRANSPORTATION TO HOST HOTELS
Tourism Winnipeg will be providing airport shuttles from the airport to host hotels:
- Thursday, August 17 from 9:30 AM through 12:00 PM
- Friday, August 18 from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Please note: There will be an information desk and signage will be at the baggage claim to assist with questions. Airport shuttles will be outside of Door 1.
Shared ride services such as Uber are available, along with traditional taxi service to transport attendees from the airport to your hotel. For more details, click here.
CANADIAN TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
If you are traveling inbound to Canada, here are some things you should be aware of upon crossing the border and for the duration of your time in Canada.
AIRPORT CUSTOMS
ARRIVAL: In preparation for going through customs upon your arrival in Winnipeg, please bring a printed copy of the Canada Border Services Agency Official Letter of Recognition which officially recognizes the 2023 SYTA Conference. Although not mandatory, showing this letter at customs may assist in expediting your process through customs.
DEPARTURE: Travelers to the USA go through customs in Winnipeg upon departure. Plan your arrival time at the airport accordingly to allow ample time to go through customs before departing.
CURRENCY
For our U.S. members, remember, you are subject to the U.S. Exchange Rate! Flights, hotels and restaurants are all shown with Canadian pricing—which is slightly higher than the U.S. dollar. The easiest way to make purchases and account for the exchange rate is to use a credit card. Be sure to alert your bank or credit card company prior to travel so you don’t run into any issues while on travel.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
For anyone shipping to the 2023 STYA Annual Conference in Winnipeg, SYTA has secured ConsultExpo to assist in getting shipments to Canada and through customs.
ConsultExpo will need the following forms completed and returned for review prior to the materials leaving the USA: ORDER FORM AND CANADA CUSTOMS INVOICE
If shipping via a courier such as FedEx, UPS or DHL, you will still require customs clearance services. Therefore, please complete the PDF Order Form and Canada Customs Invoice and return to ConsultExpo along with your tracking number.
Forms should be returned to their operations department attention: Jeff Labbé, [email protected], Tel: 514-709-0739.
For more information, click here.
DELTA HOTEL
Guests must have the physical credit card upon check in unless someone else is paying for your room.
The credit card will be pre-authorized for your whole stay plus $100 CAD security deposit that will be released once you check out and usually reflects back to the account after 3-5 business days.
Discounted parking rate – $17.00 CAD plus 5% GST.
- Parking entrance is beside the hotel, with parking on Level D, E, F, G.
- Guests must inform the Front Desk of their license plate number upon check in. In and out privileges are unlimited.
REGISTRATION LOCATION
Carlton Concourse, Third Floor, North Building, RBC Convention Centre
- Thursday, August 17, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Friday, August 18, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, August 19, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, August 20, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday, August 21, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
ATTIRE FOR CONFERENCE
Business Casual
The SYTA Annual Conference is business casual. As a reminder, the Convention Centre and other buildings can be cool, so it would be appropriate to have a jacket or sweater for your comfort.
The Showcase Floor is not carpeted, comfortable shoes are recommended.
BUS AND SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION DURING THE MEETING
Please note walking distance:
The Delta Hotel is adjacent to the RBC Convention Centre
The Alt and Ft. Garry Hotels are a 10-15 minute walk to the RBC Convention Centre.
All shuttle service is provided by Tourism Winnipeg and Travel Manitoba
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Friday, August 18
If you signed up for a sightseeing tour:
- Morning Tours: Bus shuttles will run from the Ft. Garry, Alt and Delta Hotels from 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM to the RBC Convention Centre. Tours will depart from the Main Entrance, York Street of the Convention Centre at 8:00 AM.
- Afternoon Tours: Bus shuttles will run from the Ft. Garry, Alt and Delta Hotels from 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM to the RBC Convention Centre. Tours will depart from the Main Entrance, York Street of the Convention Centre at 1:00 PM.
- Delegates will be shuttled back to their hotels following the tours.
HOTEL SHUTTLE BUS LOOP
Saturday, August 19, Sunday, August 20 and Monday, August 21
Delta, Alt and Ft. Garry Hotels and RBC Convention Center Loop
- Morning shuttles will run from 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Afternoon shuttles will run from 3:00 PM – 5:45 PM
Full transportation schedules will be available on the Annual Conference Mobile App.
GENERAL SESSIONS AND LUNCHEONS
Don’t miss the excellent program in store for you in 2023!
General Sessions and Luncheons from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM features:
- Saturday: Annual Conference Welcome Luncheon. Featuring speaker Mark Messier. Sponsored by Disney on Broadway and Disney Imagination Campus
- Sunday: SYTA Youth Foundation Luncheon. Featuring speaker Julie Hasson. Live Auction to immediately follow luncheon. Sponsored by: Golden Corral
- Monday: Presidential Speeches & The Best of Broadway Luncheon. Sponsored by Group Sales Box Office at Broadway.com
STUDENT & YOUTH TRAVEL SHOWCASE
Be where the action is…at the Showcase! Visit with over 30 exhibitors daily Saturday – Monday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with one exception: the Showcase is closed during General Session Luncheons.
SYTA CENTRAL
Showcase Floor
Your hub for all things SYTA: Membership, appointments, Board election, new attendee information, upcoming meeting information and more.
SYTA YOUTH FOUNDATION (SYF)
“I will no longer run. I will adventure.” Hannah, 12th grade
The SYTA Youth Foundation invites you!
Impact a life and fulfill a dream with a donation to the SYTA Youth Foundation at Conference this year. Every dollar donated will help connect youth with the resources required for travel experiences that will inspire them to be confident, connected, and globally responsible citizens. Your donation transforms lives!
Participate in the silent auction and chance drawing located in the SYF Lounge on the appointment floor. Your participation will provide the necessary funding needed to change young lives through travel. The silent auction and chance drawing currency is USD. To participate in this year’s auction and chance drawing, please create an account.
Attend the SYTA Youth Foundation luncheon on Sunday, August 20, 12:30pm-2:30pm to hear the impact the Foundation has made in 2023. Hear from keynote speaker, Julie Hasson, to learn how you can “Be a Ripple Maker”. In small ways every day, you make an impact on the people around you. With intention and awareness, you can make the kind of impact that changes lives for the better. You can create ripples that positively impact communities. Take part in the live auction that will immediately follow the luncheon program in the York Ballroom.
Together, we can make a difference!
BUSINESS APPOINTMENT SESSIONS
Business Appointments Hours:
Daily Saturday – Monday
10:00 AM – 12:12 PM
3:00 PM – 5:12 PM
Some Important Reminders as a Supplier Company:
- One appointment book per member company.
- When sharing the book of appointments, we ask no more than two attendees participate in the appointment. 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 and are encouraged to network on the Showcase Floor, visit the SYF Lounge and attend Education Sessions.
- All appointment-taking attendees should have received an email with Login ID and password information and access to appointment schedules on Tuesday, August 8. Access your appointments in the appointment portal.
REMINDER: Be sure to download or print your appointment schedule prior to your arrival. SYTA will not provide you with a copy of your appointment schedule.
Appointment Questions? Please contact SYTA Staff at 703-610-1263 or email [email protected].
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 staff, volunteers and leadership are available to help connect you with other attendees.
NEW ATTENDEES
Welcome to the SYTA family! Pick up your new attendee ribbon at registration, this will make it easier for all attendees to add their own welcome. Plan ahead and review the schedule so that you can make the most of your first SYTA 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 the events as they occur using our conference event hashtag #SYTA2023.
2023 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!
Post your photos on Facebook and other social media. Remember – don’t post anything you wouldn’t want you grandmother to see!
QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFERENCE
If you have any other questions prior to Conference, please feel free to contact the
SYTA office: (703) 610-1263 or email [email protected].
