{"id":492,"date":"2019-05-17T13:51:55","date_gmt":"2019-05-17T13:51:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/syta.org\/summit2020\/?page_id=492"},"modified":"2026-08-10T20:24:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T20:24:33","slug":"education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/syta.org\/conference2026\/education\/","title":{"rendered":"EDUCATION"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/syta.org\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/05\/SYTA-Header-ThoughtLeader.jpg” title_text=”SYTA-Header-ThoughtLeader” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

THOUGHT LEADER SESSIONS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Thought Leader Sessions are one of the highlights of SYTA\u2019s Annual Conference.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Session details are currently being finalized, with additional information to be shared soon.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 | 3:30 PM \u2013 4:30 PM<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||39px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

FROM STEEL TO SUSTAINABLE: EXPLORING THE IMPACT LEVY AND DLCC ARE MAKING IN PITTSBURGH<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Discover how Pittsburgh is transforming from its steel industry roots into a leader in sustainability and innovation. This session will begin with a brief presentation highlighting the sustainability initiatives and community impact efforts led by the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, followed by a guided tour showcasing these initiatives in action throughout the facility.<\/p>\n

SPEAKER:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Ryan Buries<\/strong>, Assistant General Manager, David L. Lawrence Convention Center<\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Meeting Room 328<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS 2026: WHAT TO START, STOP, & KEEP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cut through the noise and build a social strategy that actually works in 2026. This session will focus on helping you navigate what\u2019s truly changing in social media, and what isn\u2019t. Platforms evolve, algorithms shift, and new features launch constantly, but your purpose and strategy should remain grounded in clarity and outcomes.<\/p>\n

Together, we\u2019ll examine the trends shaping 2026, the audience behaviors gaining momentum, and the tactics quietly losing impact. You\u2019ll learn how to align your content, time, and budget with what drives engagement and action, not just visibility.<\/p>\n

Whether you manage social media daily or guide strategy at a leadership level, this session will help you prioritize confidently and act intentionally.<\/p>\n

SPEAKER:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Sarah Benoit<\/strong>, Lead Instructor, Learn Tourism<\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Meeting Room 329<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

BEYOND THE CHECKLIST: THINKING ON YOUR FEET IN STUDENT TRAVEL<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Student travel leaders prepare for countless possibilities\u2014but no checklist can anticipate every situation. This interactive session explores how awareness, preparation, communication, and adaptability help leaders make thoughtful decisions when plans change.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through engaging scenarios and collaborative discussion, participants will experience a practical decision-making framework they can use to better support students, navigate uncertainty, and lead with confidence.<\/p>\n

Whether you are applying for your CSTO or CSTP, this is a must attend session for Certification.<\/p>\n

SPEAKER:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Louis Imler<\/strong>, Decision Tactical<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Terrace Outside M<\/span>eeting Room 328<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 | 10:00 AM \u2013 11:00 AM<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||45px|||” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

A YEAR IN REVIEW: HEALTH & SAFETY LESSONS FROM THE STUDENT TRAVEL INDUSTRY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hosted by SYTA\u2019s Health & Safety Committee, this panel will reflect on key health, safety, and operational challenges that shaped the past year in student travel. Facilitated by the Committee Chair, join SYTA tour operators as we share brief case studies and lessons learned from real situations faced by tour operators both domestically and internationally.<\/p>\n

Discussion will explore how organizations navigated evolving regional political dynamics, immigration and border complexities, global events, and other emerging risks while supporting participant well-being and maintaining program continuity. Panelists will highlight practical strategies, decision-making frameworks, and policy adjustments resulting from these experiences.<\/p>\n

This session aims to foster open industry dialogue and provide attendees with actionable insights that strengthen preparedness, collaboration, and resilience across student travel programs.<\/p>\n

SPEAKERS:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Brent Imrie<\/span><\/strong>, Managing Partner, Tour Time<\/span><\/span>
Dave Dennis<\/strong>, Founder & Executive Director, Cornerstone Safety Group (Moderator)<\/span><\/span>
Jeff Ment<\/strong>, Director & Visionary, Ment Law Group<\/span><\/span>
Michael Holzer<\/strong>, General Manager, Educational Travel Adventures<\/span><\/span>
Natalie Rice<\/strong>, CEO & Owner, Scholastica Travel<\/span><\/span>
Neal Waldman<\/strong>, Owner, GLR Tours<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> M<\/span>eeting Room 328<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

THE\u00a0HUMAN FUTURE OF\u00a0TOURISM: EVERYTHING IS MARKETING, EVERYTHING IS TECHNOLOGY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The travel, tourism, and hospitality industries are entering a new era. One where technology shapes everything we do, yet human connection matters more than ever.<\/p>\n

In this inspiring keynote, explore how marketing, technology, storytelling, and education have become part of every role in tourism. As AI and digital tools evolve, professionals across the industry are being called to lead with curiosity, empathy, and values while guiding technology rather than being guided by it.<\/p>\n

Together, we\u2019ll explore how authentic human stories shape the identity of places, why emotional intelligence will become a critical leadership skill in the age of AI, and how building a culture of learning will help our communities adapt and thrive.<\/p>\n

Through reflection and conversation, attendees will examine how tourism can remain deeply human-centered while embracing innovation and change.<\/p>\n

SPEAKER:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Sarah benoit<\/span><\/strong>, Lead Instructor, Learn Tourism<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Meeting Room 329<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 | 11:15 AM \u2013 12:15 PM<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||45px|||” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT \u2013 EXAMINING SCHOOL, PARENT AND SUPPLIER AGREEMENT CONCERNS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What kind of things can go wrong based on your signed agreements?\u00a0 How can they be changed to protect your business?\u00a0 We will also open the floor up for current insurance and risk management trends or concerns.<\/p>\n

SPEAKER:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Jeff Ment<\/span><\/strong>, Director & Visionary, Ment Law Group\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
Kenneth Whiman<\/strong>, Program Leader and Counsel to the Travel Agents and Tour Operators, Aon<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> M<\/span>eeting Room 328<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||45px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

BETWEEN EXPECTATIONS & OPERATIONS: DESIGNING THE PERFECT STUDENT ITINERARY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The best student trips feel spontaneous, but they’re deliberately designed. Every operator wants tours that produce powerful, transformational moments, but too often ops departments leave that to chance \u2014 focusing on pricing and availability but not pacing, theme, sensory contrast, and other psychological principles.<\/span><\/p>\n

This session breaks down the architecture of a great student itinerary: not just what to book, but how to shape attention, energy, and emotion across a full day and a full trip. We’ll look at why most itineraries lose students by mid-afternoon and how to build in moments of surprise without blowing your logistics. But we’ll also tackle real constraints: how to do this within existing budgets, how to elevate a trip without adding stops or stretching an already packed schedule, and how to make the case to teachers in a way that sets your company apart. You’ll leave with a practical framework that unites sales, marketing, ops and guides for a powerful guest experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

SPEAKER:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Mitch Bach<\/span><\/strong>, Co-Founder & CEO, TripSchool<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> M<\/span>eeting Room 329<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 | 3:00 PM \u2013 4:00 PM<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||45px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

WHEN COST IS THE BARRIER: HOW THE SYTA YOUTH FOUNDATION HELPS GROUPS TRAVEL<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The SYTA Youth Foundation is the philanthropic arm of SYTA, helping remove financial barriers so more students can experience educational travel.<\/p>\n

Join us to learn how scholarships and programs can help your schools and youth organizations overcome funding challenges and turn “we can’t go” into “we’re going.” Hear stories of impact and discover how SYF works alongside tour operators, educators, and suppliers to expand access to student travel.<\/p>\n

SPEAKERS:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Dayne Whitehurst<\/span><\/strong>, Vice Chair, SYTA Youth Foundation<\/span><\/span>
Greg Dotson<\/strong>, Chair, SYTA Youth Foundation<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> M<\/span>eeting Room 328<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||45px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

BEYOND THE ROOM NIGHT: MEASURING AND COMMUNICATING THE TRUE IMPACT OF GROUP TRAVEL<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Destinations have long relied on traditional metrics; room nights, attendance, and economic impact, to measure the value of group travel. But today\u2019s stakeholders, communities, and decision-makers are asking for a more complete story.<\/p>\n

This session explores how destinations can move beyond standard reporting to more effectively measure and communicate the full economic and community impact of group and student travel. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, attendees will learn how to leverage visitation data; such as origin, movement patterns, and behavioral insights\u2014to uncover where visitors go, how they engage, and how their presence supports local businesses and communities.<\/p>\n

Designed with the student and youth travel segment in mind, this session will provide actionable strategies for translating data into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with partners, policymakers, and the broader community\u2014ultimately strengthening the case for investment and support.<\/p>\n

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to not only measure the value of group travel\u2014but how to communicate it in a way that drives alignment, support, and long-term investment.<\/p>\n

SPEAKER:<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span>Donald Lilley<\/span><\/strong>, Vice President of Technology & Business Intelligence, Visit Baltimore<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> M<\/span>eeting Room 329<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 | 4:15 PM \u2013 5:15 PM<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”EDUCATION” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ text_text_color=”#000000″ link_text_color=”#0079A5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||45px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

GETTING ON THE ITINERARY: WHAT STUDENT TOUR OPERATORS NEED FROM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What does it take for a student tour operator to introduce a new international destination\u2014and what can destinations and suppliers do to become part of the program?<\/p>\n

Join a panel of experienced student tour operators for a candid conversation about how they evaluate new destinations, partners, and travel experiences. Designed for DMOs, DMCs, receptive operators, attractions, hotels, and other international suppliers, this session will offer an inside look at the factors that move a destination from initial interest to a marketable student itinerary.<\/p>\n

Panelists will share what they need from prospective partners, the common challenges that can prevent a destination from being considered, and how suppliers can demonstrate that they understand the operational, educational, safety, and budget requirements of student groups.<\/p>\n

Participants will learn:<\/p>\n