
THOUGHT LEADER SESSIONS
Thought Leader Sessions are one of the highlights of SYTA’s Annual Conference. These sessions will help you grow, learn and improve your business. With over 20 education sessions expected, there is something for everyone. All sessions are open to all attendees and each session qualifies for CSTP credit.
SATURDAY
Saturday, August 23 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Exit Readiness: Build Enterprise Value, Gain Freedom, and Plan for the Future
Speaker: Andrea Ross & Jovan Land
Did you know that nearly 50% of all business exits are involuntary, often forced by dramatic external factors? Yet, 79% of business owners have no exit plan (Exit Planning Institute). Whether you’re considering stepping back from the day-to-day or thinking about your long-term exit strategy, preparing your business now is key to future success.
Join Andrea Ross, Senior Business Advisor from Cultivate Advisors, and Jovan Land, student researcher in travel business exits, as they discuss how to increase your business’s enterprise value, build a sustainable team, and transition smoothly—on your terms.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Enterprise Value – Why your business is your greatest asset and how to maximize its worth.
Stepping Back Without Losing Control – Strategies to replace yourself in daily operations and empower your team.
Building a Business That Works for You – Practical steps to improve your business health, profitability, and scalability.
Planning for an Exit—Now or Later – Why exit readiness is a long-term strategy, not a last-minute decision.
Why This Matters:
Many travel business owners find themselves caught in the day-to-day, putting out fires instead of focusing on long-term strategy. By building a business that thrives without you in every role, you can create more freedom, more profit, and a smoother transition—whether you plan to exit in 1 year or 10.
Who Should Attend?
• Business owners looking to increase the value of their company
• Entrepreneurs wanting to step back from daily operations
• Anyone considering selling, transitioning, or restructuring their travel business in the future
This session will provide actionable insights, expert advice, and real-world strategies to take control of your business’s future.
Saturday, August 23 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Bill’s Big Beautiful Presentation
Speaker: Bill Caldwell
- The key implications of the new tax legislation
- 7 essential documents and plans everyone should have in place for their Next of Kin
- The critical importance of Business Continuity Planning, brought to life through a compelling real-life experience that underscores why every business needs a plan in place
Saturday, August 23 | 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
The Power of Voice: Advancing Tourism Through Effective Advocacy
Speaker: Carylann Assante and Brent Imrie
Saturday, August 23 | 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
AI & Marketing in Tourism – Enhancing the Traveler Experience!
Saturday, August 23 | 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
How the Law Impacts Student Travel
Speaker: Jeff Ment
Saturday, August 23 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Uniting DMOs and Tour Operators for Success
Speaker: Noelle Piche with Tourism Kingston
Noelle Piche, Travel Trade and Tourism Development Specialist for Tourism Kingston, along with a panel of DMO’s and Tour Operators, will answer questions that will enhance the relationship between these two entities while outlining the resources and opportunities available from DMO’s to Tour Operators in the travel planning process.
Saturday, August 23 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Mindful Muscle Method, “Learn How To Move Again, Pain Free” – Seated Version
Speaker: Karyn Hendricksen
Tired of feeling stiff, sore, or achy after sitting for hours?
Join expert Kinesiologist Karyn Hendricksen, MS—bringing 25 years of experience—for a strength and mobility program that’s designed to increase strength and flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent injury. These gentle, science-based movements are ideal for anyone spending long hours at a desk or in front of a screen. Each session blends movement, breathwork, and meditation to relieve muscle pain, reduce stress, and invigorate your entire body. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a smarter, more holistic approach to fitness, you’ll walk away feeling stronger, more mobile, and deeply renewed.
Saturday, August 23 | 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Traveling within Latin/South America- Panel of SYTA Latin/South American Members
Speaker: Dave Henley
Saturday, August 23 | 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Pricing Power: Dynamic vs. Static Strategies in the Evolving Tourism Economy
SUNDAY
Sunday, August 24 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Step Into the World of Healing Scents and Natural Wellness!
Speaker: Karyn Hendricksen
Join Aromatherapy Specialist Karyn Hendricksen, MS, for a hands-on, immersive experience exploring the powerful benefits of essential oils. In this feel-good class, you’ll discover how these plant-based wonders can support your emotional balance, deeper sleep, immune health, stress relief, and more. You won’t just learn—you’ll experience. Throughout the session, you’ll get to smell, sample, and connect with a variety of essential oil blends designed to elevate your mood and wellbeing. Whether you’re brand new to aromatherapy or already a fan, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, uplifted, and inspired to bring these natural tools into your daily life.
Sunday, August 24 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Courageous Leadership: Trauma-Informed Strategies To Build Resilient Teams
Speaker: Dave Dennis
Sunday, August 24 | 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Traveling within Europe – Panel of European SYTA Members
Speaker: Dave Henley
Sunday, August 24 | 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Sustainable Tourism: Building a Greener Future for Travel
Sunday, August 24 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Boost Your Social Media Presence: Strategies for Impact and Engagement
Sunday, August 24 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
From Customers to SuperFans: How to Turn Engagement into Obsession
Speaker: Sheri Jacobs
Sunday, August 24 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Strategic Insights and Leadership Perspectives on the Year Behind and the Road Ahead
Speaker: Carylann Assante and Brent Imrie
Sunday, August 24 | 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Panel Discussion: Cultural Tours through the Eyes of Middle & High Schoolers!
Sunday, August 24 | 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Beyond The Screen: Connecting With Potential Visitors With Experiential Marketing
Speaker: Angela Westerfield with Visit Savannah
Explore how experiential marketing can elevate your brand and create lasting connections with audiences. This presentation will showcase Visit Savannah’s innovative journey, from piloting pop-up experiences in key markets to executing an eleven-city mobile tour. We’ll break down how the campaign leveraged paid media, earned media, and influencer partnerships to create a fully integrated marketing approach.
MONDAY
Monday, August 25 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Cybersecurity Essentials: Protecting Your Data in a Digital-First World
Monday, August 25 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Strategic Sponsorships: Maximizing Trade Show Impact
Monday, August 25 | 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
How to Properly Sell Your Business
Speaker: Robert (Bob) Sweeney
Monday, August 25 | 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Insurance & Risk Management Hot Topics: Agreements with the Schools, Parents, Hotels and More!
Speaker: Ken Whitman
PRE-CONFERENCE VIRTUAL EDUCATION
Tuesday, June 10, 2:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM PST
Join SYTA Staff and SYTA Annual Conference Committee to learn what to expect during your one-on-one business appointments.
Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM PST
Join the group of mentors and mentees to learn the ins and outs of SYTA’s Annual Conference!
Tuesday, July 22, 2:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM PST
We cannot wait to see you in Savannah, GA for SYTA’s Annual Conference 2025! Join SYTA Staff and SYTA Annual Conference Committee to learn everything you need to know for the upcoming conference. Be sure to join us to learn what is new!
Tuesday, July 29, 2:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM PST
Join the group of mentors and mentees to learn the ins and outs of SYTA’s Annual Conference!
Tuesday, August 12, 2:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM PST
Join SYTA Staff and the Annual Conference Committee to learn about volunteering at SYTA’s Annual Conference.






















