THURSDAY, August 20
Conference Committee Reception, Sponsored by Visit Savannah
Open to All Attendees | RSVP Required
Shorty’s Pins x Pints
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Kick off the conference with a lively Welcome Reception hosted by the Conference Committee and proudly sponsored by Visit Savannah.
Join fellow attendees for an energetic evening designed for connection and fun in a social, interactive setting featuring games, great drinks, and plenty of networking opportunities. Please note that dinner is not included as part of the event, and transportation to and from the venue is also the responsibility of attendees.
We ask that if you plan on attending, please complete the interest form here so we can capture an accurate headcount.
FRIDAY, August 21
New Attendee Get Together & Orientation, Sponsored by Visit Mississippi
Open to First Time Attendees | No Additional Cost
DLCC – Meeting Room 330
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
First time attending the Annual Conference? We want to welcome you to the SYTA family! Join us for our New Attendee Get Together and Orientation from 6:00 PM–7:00 PM. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet fellow first-time attendees, ask questions, map out your week, and kick off your conference experience. Enjoy complimentary snacks, generously provided by Visit Mississippi!
Opening Night Event: An Evening in Pittsburgh
Open to All Attendees | No Additional Cost
Pittsburgh Convention Center – Rooftop Terrace
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
SATURDAY, August 22
New Member Dine Around
Open to First Time Attendees | No Additional Cost | RSVP Required
7:00 PM
Will you be attending Conference for the first time? Don’t miss the opportunity to connect through our New Member Dine Around! Taking place at local Pittsburgh restaurants, each group will also include a volunteer from the Conference Host Committee to help welcome attendees and facilitate connections. Space is limited and additional reservations may be added based on interest and restaurant availability. Online sign-ups will close on August 18
Dine Around
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Some of the best partnerships begin over a shared meal! A popular tradition at the SYTA Annual Conference, Dine Around offers attendees the opportunity to experience Pittsburgh’s vibrant culinary scene while building meaningful connections with fellow industry professionals. Whether you’re reconnecting with longtime colleagues, meeting new business partners, or continuing conversations from the day’s education sessions and appointments, we encourage you to make your reservations and Dine Around for a fun evening. Dine arounds take place both Saturday and Sunday evenings during annual conference.
Check out some of the local restaurants here!
SUNDAY, August 23
Afterglow: Under the Stars, Sponsored by Branson (ticketed event, proceeds benefit the SYTA Youth Foundation; separate registration required)
Open to Registered Attendees | Ticketed Event
Kamin Science Center
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Join us on Sunday, August 23, from 9 -11 p.m. for an unforgettable evening “Under the Stars” at the Kamin Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Raise your glass, hit the dance floor, and step out onto the terrace to enjoy a special stargazing experience along the panoramic views of the Ohio River and the Pittsburgh skyline. Whether you are reconnecting with longtime friends or making new connections, Under the Stars promises a fun-filled evening you won’t forget.
Beyond the excitement, there is an even greater reason to attend. This year, we are setting our sights even higher and hope to raise more than $20,000 for the SYTA Youth Foundation. Registrations are already rolling in, and spots are filling quickly. Do not miss your chance to be a part of this exclusive evening.
Come celebrate student travel and contribute to a great cause. Secure your spot for Under the Stars today!
Dine Around
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Some of the best partnerships begin over a shared meal! A popular tradition at the SYTA Annual Conference, Dine Around offers attendees the opportunity to experience Pittsburgh’s vibrant culinary scene while building meaningful connections with fellow industry professionals. Whether you’re reconnecting with longtime colleagues, meeting new business partners, or continuing conversations from the day’s education sessions and appointments, we encourage you to make your reservations and Dine Around for a fun evening. Dine arounds take place both Saturday and Sunday evenings during annual conference.
Check out some of the local restaurants here!
MONDAY, August 24
SYTA Annual Conference Closing Night Event
Open to All Attendees | No Additional Cost
PNC Park
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sponsored by Ottawa Tourism
Open to All Attendees
Join us as we close out SYTA Annual Conference 2026 with an unforgettable evening at PNC Park! Celebrate with colleagues while taking in stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline, enjoying great food, and fun! It’s the perfect way to wrap up an incredible few days together.
SYTA Band: Live Music Begins at 10:00 PM
Open to All Attendees | No Additional Cost
Stage AE
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Keep the celebration going with the SYTA Band! Proudly made up of talented SYTA members, the band will take the stage for an evening of live music, singing, dancing, and unforgettable memories. Gather with fellow attendees for one last night of fun as we close out an incredible Annual Conference together.