Know Before You Go: Tour Operator Edition

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. 

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!

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU – THE TOUR OPERATOR

EDUCATION

SYTA is pleased to offer you multiple education sessions as part of your registration. We encourage you to look through the schedule and plan your day accordingly. The full schedule can be accessed on the website and in the mobile app. In addition to all the wonderful education developed, there are a few sessions geared toward the Tour Operator audience:

TRAVEL TALKS

These unique sessions allow tour operators to gain in-depth knowledge on a destination, region, or product. We strongly encourage tour operators to attend.

• Saturday, 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Travel Talk – The Smoky Mountain Student Partners
• Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Travel Talk – Explore. Dig. Discover. – Williamsburg, Virginia OR Travel Talk – Canadian Museum for Human Rights 

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

We invite you to join fellow tour operators and sponsors for breakfast or coffee each morning. These breakfasts are a great place to set up a meeting, network and on Monday morning, hear from a speaker.

• Saturday, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Sponsored by: AON, Broadway Inbound, Fly My Group, CF Travel Insured
• Sunday, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Sponsored By: Visit Orlando & SYTA Summit at Sea 2024
• Monday, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Morning Joe and Education Session: CEO Insights with Paul Soubry, MCI

ADDED EVENT: AFTER HOURS AT THE LEAF, Canada’s Diversity Gardens

Enjoy a nightcap or cocktail, coffee and dessert and experience a stunning showcase of our diversity, expressed through plants that shape our lives here and across the globe.

TRANSPORTATION AND RSVP

• 9:00 PM — 10:00 PM: Transportation is provided from the zoo then back to host hotels.
• RSVP by signing up in the Tour Operator Lounge.

TOUR OPERATOR LOUNGE

TOUR OPERATOR LOUNGE RECEPTION
Saturday from 4:3o PM – 6:00 PM

Join our Canadian partners for a

in the lounge where Canadian beer, wine and appetizers will be served.

BUSINESS APPOINTMENT SESSIONS

Business Appointments Hours:

Daily Saturday – Monday

10:00 AM – 12:12 PM

3:00 PM – 5:12 PM

SYTA GUARANTEE

If you have not had the opportunity to meet with a particular 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].