SYTA Conference 2025

General Session: All Attendee Luncheon
2025-08-24 12:30 - 14:30 UTC | Governor’s Ballroom, GA, United States
Speaker: Sheri Jacobs

In the fast-paced world of student and youth travel, loyalty is more than repeat business, it’s a community of believers who choose you or refer business time and again. In this dynamic keynote, Sheri Jacobs reveals how all representatives from the global market can create unforgettable moments that turn customers, teachers, parents and other influencers into lifelong Ride-or-Die supporters. Packed with real stories and insights, this session will leave you inspired and ready to act.

Audience Takeaways:

Learn why unforgettable marketing doesn’t require a big budget, just a bold moment of connection.
Understand why your most loyal fans are the future of growth in the student travel industry.
Find out how to recognize your biggest cheerleaders and what to do to keep them talking about you.
Uncover the “Ride-or-Die Rule” that helps travel brands become legendary in the eyes of their customers.
Learn more strategies by attending Sheri’s workshop from 3:00pm-4:00pm.

Breakfast and Supplier Forum (Suppliers)
2025-08-24 07:30 - 09:30
Enjoy a hot breakfast with your peers followed by a panel of student tour operators who will share their perspectives on the 2025 year and what they see ahead in 2026. Suppliers will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions.

Disney Spotlight Session: The Impact of Performing Arts on Students with Actress Susan Egan
2025-08-23 12:30 - 14:30 | Governor’s Ballroom, GA, United States
Speaker: Susan Egan

Experience an unforgettable General Session with Disney icon, Susan Egan, voice of Megara from Disney’s Hercules! Susan’s Performing Arts background runs deep with memorable performances as the original Belle in the Broadway adaptation of Beauty and The Beast as well as numerous appearances across animated films and other exciting Broadway productions.
In this spotlight, Susan will share her insights on students today and how Performing Arts plays a crucial role in creativity, imagination, and following your dreams, all with a touch of magic along the way!

Sponsored by Disney Imagination Campus & Disney on Broadway

Puppy Park
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00
Take a break from the hustle of business appointments and find a little joy at our Puppy Park, proudly sponsored by The Edge at Hudson Yards. This dedicated space offers attendees a chance to unwind, recharge, and connect with the unconditional love of some very special guests—adorable, adoptable dogs from Renegade Paws Rescue and the Humane Society for Greater Savannah.

Whether you’re seeking a moment of calm or simply a furry friend to brighten your day, the Puppy Park is the perfect place to relax and give some well-deserved belly rubs. Learn about the amazing local organizations behind these pups and the impactful work they do in their communities.

Stop by, meet the dogs, and leave with a smile—and maybe even a new best friend.

Discover Puerto Rico Barista Bar
2025-08-23 09:30 - 12:00
Start your day—or recharge between sessions—with a visit to the Discover Puerto Rico Coffee Cart. Enjoy a complimentary cup of rich, aromatic Puerto Rican coffee, brewed fresh and served with island warmth!

This cozy stop brings a taste of Puerto Rico’s vibrant coffee culture straight to the conference floor. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, take a moment to sip, savor, and discover why Puerto Rico is known for some of the best coffee in the world.

Branson Ice Cream Booth
2025-08-23 09:30 - 12:00
Take a break from your busy appointment schedule and cool off from the Savannah summer sun at the Branson Picnic Ice Cream Booth. Branson will be serving six hand-picked flavors of Leopold’s famous ice cream—a Savannah favorite since 1919. While you enjoy a scoop, meet the Branson businesses who sponsored the booth, learn more about our brand-new “Under the Stars” event, and pick up a copy of their latest Student Resource Guide. Throughout the day, connect with Branson’s team, network with fellow attendees, and experience a taste of Branson’s signature charm. Adding a musical note to the festivities, Branson’s own Craig Wescott will share acoustic sets that highlight the city’s rich entertainment legacy.

Wellness Lounge
2025-08-23 09:30 - 12:00
Step into serenity at the Wellness Lounge, generously sponsored by Visit Williamsburg. Designed as a peaceful escape from the busy conference flow, this space offers attendees the chance to unwind, recharge, and prioritize self-care.

Enjoy a 15-minute chair massage with one of our licensed massage therapists—perfect for releasing tension and resetting your energy. While you relax, calming sound meditation will play in the background to enhance your experience.

As a special treat, guests will also receive a complimentary spa kit to take the relaxation home with them.

Appointments are required and spaces are limited, so be sure to book early. Let the Wellness Lounge be your moment of calm in a packed conference day.

Headshot Lounge
2025-08-23 09:30 - 12:00
Need an updated professional headshot? Visit the Headshot Lounge, proudly sponsored by AFC Travel. This exclusive opportunity allows attendees to refresh their personal brand with a complimentary, high-quality headshot—perfect for LinkedIn, your company website, or your next conference bio.
Appointments are required and space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance. The lounge will be set up onsite with a professional photographer and a relaxed environment to help you look and feel your best.
Don’t miss your chance to capture a polished new photo while you’re with us in Savannah!

Tour Operator Lounge
2025-08-23 09:00 - 17:30
Need a place to recharge, network, or dive into meaningful one-on-one conversations? The Tour Operator Lounge is your dedicated space to connect directly with Fly My Group and our Canadian partners: Destination Toronto, Tourism Winnipeg, Ottawa Tourism, Destination Northern Ontario, Niagara Falls Tourism, Travel Manitoba, and Visit Saskatoon.

Whether you’re looking to build new relationships or strengthen existing ones, the lounge offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere complete with comfortable seating, refreshments, and light snacks. It’s the perfect spot to take a break between appointments—or get business done in comfort.

Networking Breakfast and Annual Meeting (All Attendees)
2025-08-23 08:00 - 09:30
Join your colleagues for an energizing breakfast and welcome by SYTA President Courtenay Betts and SYTA Youth Foundation Chair, Ryan Morris as they introduce their Boards, share insights from the past year and congratulate the newly elected leaders to the Board.
Help us recognize your peers who have earned their CSTO and/or CSTP and demonstrated their commitment to student group travel.
Meet the Visit Savannah Team under the leadership of Joseph Marinelli, President & CEO and our colleague and friend, Anjuli King, SYTA Board of Director and Director of Domestic Group Tour & Entertainment Sales for Visit Savannah and Visit Tybee.
Hear what matters most to SYTA members from the 2025 Membership Survey presented by Courtenay Betts, SYTA President.

Explore Branson Meet and Greet
2025-08-22 16:00 - 17:00
Join Branson from 4–5 PM for a special meet‑and‑greet with the Branson CVB team and local partners—an ideal way to kick off the weekend and learn more about Branson’s student‑travel offerings. At 5 PM, the ice cream booth opens, serving six hand‑picked flavors of Leopold’s famous ice cream. While enjoying your treat, check out our Student Resource Guide, connect with local hosts, and enjoy some ice cream before the opening night event!
