SYTA Summit 2026
2026-01-20 - 2026-01-23
SYTA Summit 2026
January 20-23, 2026 | Virginia Beach, VA
Join us in Virginia Beach for the SYTA Summit 2026, January 20-23, 2026 for an exclusive opportunity for senior leaders to engage in an interactive and intellectually stimulating experience. This year’s theme, Engage, Connect and Influence will empower attendees to communicate clearly, connect authentically and influence action.

The Importance of Self-Care in Tourism
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit)
What is self-care? (Beyond spa days—rest, nutrition, boundaries)
Why it matters in hospitality and tourism: high-pressure, people-facing roles
Identifying your personal self-care needs
Building daily self-care habits (micro-breaks, hydration, sleep hygiene)
Creating a self-care action plan

ACCESS RECORDING

How to Partner with Receptive Operators & DMCs for International Success
2026-03-05 14:00 - 15:00
Expanding internationally? Your success depends on who you have on the ground.
The International Committee invites you to the first session of a two-part webinar series designed to help you confidently partner with Receptive Operators and Destination Management Companies (DMCs).
In this session, you’ll learn:

The critical role Receptive Operators and DMCs play in international travel
How they serve as your trusted, in-country team
Best practices for selecting the right partner
How to leverage their expertise to minimize risk and maximize impact

If you want smoother operations, stronger local connections, and greater confidence in your international programs, this session is for you.​

ACCESS RECORDING

Leadership in SYTA and SYTA Youth Foundation
2026-03-10 14:00 - 15:00
Interested in a leadership and/or volunteer position within SYTA or the SYTA Youth Foundation? Join Courtenay Betts, Past President of SYTA and Ryan Morris, Past Chair of the SYTA Youth Foundation to learn about available opportunities, what it means to serve, time commitment and more! Webinar will give insight into the upcoming Nominating and Election process for serving on the Boards.

ACCESS RECORDING

Welcome to SYTA!
2026-03-20 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for this live New Member Webinar designed to help you make the most of your membership. During this session, you’ll learn how to navigate SYTA’s member resources, discover key programs and events, and find out how to connect with fellow members across the student travel industry.
Whether you’re a tour operator, destination, supplier, or service provider, this webinar will give you the tools you need to maximize your membership and start building meaningful industry connections right away.
In this session, we’ll cover:

An overview of SYTA and its mission
Key member benefits and resources
How to get involved in SYTA programs and events
Tips for connecting with fellow members
A live Q&A to answer your questions

This interactive session is the perfect way to start your SYTA journey and ensure you’re taking full advantage of everything your membership offers.

Tourism Cares' 2026 North American Meaningful Travel Summit
2026-04-14 - 2026-04-16 | Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Build the knowledge, relationships, and perspective needed to lead on sustainability in today’s travel industry. This three-day Summit is designed for travel professionals seeking practical ways to integrate sustainability, community impact, and resilience into their business models, products, and partnerships.
Through focused education, peer exchange, and hands-on learning, attendees will explore how meaningful travel is being applied across destinations and organizations, and how those approaches translate into stronger performance, credibility, and long-term value. The Summit brings together industry leaders who are committed to moving sustainability beyond intention and into implementation.
Hosted in Asheville, North Carolina, the 2026 North American Meaningful Travel Summit uses the destination as a living case study. Asheville’s commitment to environmental responsibility, social impact, and recovery following Hurricane Helene offers timely insights into how tourism can support communities while remaining commercially viable. From engaging with local enterprises to experiencing trade-ready impact in action, the learning is designed to inform and strengthen your work — wherever you sit in the industry.

U.S. Travel's Destination Capitol Hill
2026-04-14 - 2026-04-16 | Washington, District of Columbia
Travel is Essential

Destination Capitol Hill (DCH) is the leading advocacy event for the travel industry.
Join us in Washington, D.C. from April 14-15, 2026 as hundreds of travel industry leaders come together to showcase the economic power of travel and advocate for policies that ensure America is prepared to seamlessly welcome millions of visitors during a historic decade of events—including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America250, and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Learn more on the U.S. Travel Association website.

From Expectations to Action: How Associations Are Driving Industry Change
2026-04-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Tourism Cares’ 2026 North American Meaningful Travel Summit Panel Discussion
Travel is changing. And expectations around sustainability, community impact, and accountability are only growing.
At this year’s North American Meaningful Travel Summit, association leaders from the United States Tour Operators Association, SYTA: Student & Youth Travel Association, ASTA – American Society of Travel Advisors, National Tour Association, and Destinations International will come together to discuss how our industry can move from intention to action.
Hear from: SYTA CEO Carylann Assante, CAE, Terry Dale, Zane Kerby, Catherine Prather, CTP, and Don Welsh as they share how associations are helping guide the industry toward more responsible, community-centered travel and why coordinated leadership matters more than ever.
Learn more on the Summit agenda page.

National Travel and Tourism Week 2026
2026-05-03 - 2026-05-09
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is the U.S. travel industry’s annual tradition of recognizing the essential role travel plays in powering our economy, strengthening communities and connecting America.
Established by U.S. Travel Association, NTTW brings the industry together each year to spotlight travel’s impact—from supporting 15 million jobs to generating critical tax revenue that funds public services and infrastructure in communities nationwide.
In 2026, the theme “Postmarked: Essential” highlights a simple truth: travel is not optional—it is fundamental to America’s economy, workforce and way of life. Every trip taken, every visitor welcomed and every experience created leaves a mark on communities across the country. Travel drives opportunity, fuels growth and keeps America connected.
As the nation looks ahead to major global moments and milestones—including its 250th anniversary—NTTW is a moment to recognize the industry that drives travel to and across America—and the communities it supports.
Learn more on the U.S. Travel Association website!
Image courtesy of the U.S. Travel Association.

Understanding and Preventing Burnout
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:00
Burnout defined: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced performance
Unique burnout triggers in tourism (seasonal peaks, customer stress, long shifts)
Early warning signs and how to spot them
Proactive strategies: workload management, rest cycles, mental reset rituals
When to seek professional support

Welcome to SYTA!: New Member Webinar
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for this live New Member Webinar designed to help you make the most of your membership. During this session, you’ll learn how to navigate SYTA’s member resources, discover key programs and events, and find out how to connect with fellow members across the student travel industry.
Whether you’re a tour operator, destination, supplier, or service provider, this webinar will give you the tools you need to maximize your membership and start building meaningful industry connections right away.
In this session, we’ll cover:

An overview of SYTA and its mission
Key member benefits and resources
How to get involved in SYTA programs and events
Tips for connecting with fellow members
A live Q&A to answer your questions

This interactive session is the perfect way to start your SYTA journey and ensure you’re taking full advantage of everything your membership offers.

REGISTER

DC Loves Buses Day 2026
2026-05-14 | Washington, District of Columbia
DC loves buses – and the people who keep them moving! Now in its 15th year, DC Loves Buses Day honors the motorcoach professionals whose hard work fuels local tourism and connects visitors to unforgettable DC experiences.
Image courtesy of Destination DC.

U.S. Travel's IPW 2026
2026-05-17 - 2026-05-21 | Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316, United States
Bringing the World to America
IPW is the premier travel trade show driving international visitation to the United States. In 2026, thousands of buyers, suppliers and media will gather in Greater Fort Lauderdale to connect, collaborate and generate billions in future U.S. travel.

Learn more on IPW’s webpage.

Image courtesy of U.S. Travel’s IPW.

NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo
2026-05-26 - 2026-05-29 | Orange County Convention Center, West Building, 9800 International Dr, Orlando, F, 32819, United States
Global by Design
The NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo is the largest and most dynamic international education event in the world. Uniting thousands of professionals from more than 100 countries, the NAFSA International Education Expo highlights the diverse and innovative programs, products, and services advancing the future of international education and exchange.

Learn more on the NAFSA 2026 website.

Image courtesy of NAFSA.

2026 USTOA Congressional Caucus
2026-06-02 - 2026-06-03 | Washington, District of Columbia
SYTA partners with Allied Associations to address important legislative issues.
Once again we will be attending the USTOA Congressional Caucus with SYTA members. This event is June 2 & 3 in Washington, DC. Now more than ever, it is important for our Members to get together and meet with elected officials on Capitol Hill to talk about our Industry’s core issues.
The Legislative Issues are available in more detail here.
Learn more on the USTOA website.

MPI's World Education Congress (WEC) 2026
2026-06-02 - 2026-06-04 | Henry B. González Convention Center, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX, 78205, United States
Bring Your Events to Life
World Education Congress (WEC) is designed to empower you with the knowledge, connections, and inspiration needed to drive the future of meetings and events. Ignite your thinking, charge your business, and awaken to what’s possible with events.

Learn more on the MPI WEC 2026 website.

Image courtesy of MPI.

How to Partner with Receptive Operators/DMCs for International Success: Part 2
2026-06-04 14:00 - 15:00
The International Committee invites you to the second session of a two-part webinar series designed to help you confidently partner with Receptive Operators and Destination Management Companies (DMCs).
In this session, you’ll learn:

How to co-design an international travel program once that partner relationship is in place. Topics may include:

Financials — deposits, payments, student money management on the ground, gratuities, and clearly outlined budgets
Insurance & liability — travel and medical insurance for international travel
Transportation — private vs. public, safety and efficiency
Staffing — international background checks and training
Data protection & cybersecurity — including real-world examples like vendor fraud
Trip design — aligning your vision with your DMC’s, sending staff on early departures, brand training, and incorporating your own learning outcomes
Performance groups — instrument rentals and transport logistics
Managing expectations on both sides of the partnership
Supplier perspective — tools and resources DMCs/attractions offer to outbound operators
Promoting the trip — equipping teachers with local knowledge, history, and resources to sell the program to students

This webinar is facilitated by International Committee and SYTA member Receptive Operators and DMCs.

SYTA Social: Washington, DC
2026-06-11 11:30 - 13:00 | Silver Diner, 1250 Half St SE, Suite 111, Washington DC, 20003, United States
We invite you to join SYTA for a Lunch & Learn Social in Washington, DC!

Join fellow student and youth travel professionals for an afternoon of networking, lunch, and a brief industry update while connecting with colleagues from across the SYTA community.

Cost is $40, with proceeds benefiting the SYTA Youth Foundation and helping provide life-changing travel experiences and opportunities for students.

REGISTER

Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band & New England Brass Band in Concert
2026-06-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
SYTA Member Tour Resource Consultants would like to invite SYTA members, families and friends to this concert. Join them for a special performance featuring two of the finest British Brass Bands in North America—Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band and New England Brass Band!
Part of Chesapeake’s 30th Anniversary Tour, this concert showcases the power and precision of British and American brass band traditions. Featuring soaring brass, lively percussion, and a repertoire that spans marches, big band standards and pops, the program also explores adventurous works that may surprise even aficionados of horns, concert, and military bands. Each band performs separately and as a combined ensemble for a spirited and unique experience.
Learn more and get your tickets on the Mechanics Hall website!
Image courtesy of Mechanics Hall.

Insurance Trends and Updates
2026-07-07 14:00 - 15:00
Please join SYTA Chief Executive Officer, Carylann Assante, for a conversation addressing top concerns for our membership regarding the rising costs of benefits and commercial insurance. SYTA has invited two experts from USI Insurance Services, Joe Coscia, VP of Employee Benefits and former SYTA member, and Erik Bohar, VP of Commercial Lines to supply our membership with industry trends and relevant updates. SYTA listened to feedback at Summit to compile questions and we welcome your additional feedback, participation, and questions during the call. We hope you can join us and can utilize our friends at USI for additional consultations at no charge via SYTA’s partnership.

REGISTER

Destinations International Annual Convention
2026-07-21 - 2026-07-23 | Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR, 97232, United States
EXPLORE: Solutions for Today. Strategies for Tomorrow.

This year’s Annual Convention brings together the leaders tackling today’s most pressing challenges and shaping what’s next for destination organizations. Over three high-impact days, you’ll engage with peers redefining revenue growth, strengthening community trust, building resilient teams and delivering measurable results.
Set in a city known for bold thinking and purposeful innovation, Annual Convention delivers practical insight, real-world case studies and actionable takeaways you can implement immediately — alongside the connections that will support you long after you leave.
Come ready to engage.
Leave ready to lead.

Learn more on the Destinations International website.
Graphic courtesy of Destinations International.

Discover the Possibilities at Mount Vernon
2026-07-28 12:00 - 13:00
Go beyond the grounds pass and discover how George Washington’s Mount Vernon empowers tour operators to create personalized itineraries through customizable add-ons and immersive experiences. In this webinar, explore options such as private tours, musical performances, wreath laying, hands-on learning, river cruises, dining experiences, and more. Learn how to design unforgettable visits that inspire deeper engagement, meaningful connections, and lasting memories for travelers of all ages.

REGISTER

2026 SYTA Annual Conference
2026-08-21 - 2026-08-24
2026 SYTA Annual Conference
August 21-24, 2026 | Pittsburgh, PA
The SYTA Annual Conference welcomes all representatives from the global student and youth travel market to join us as we collaborate for a better student travel industry. The SYTA Annual Conference is the only annual conference in North America where anyone who is passionate about promoting, selling, and providing travel experiences for students will find dedicated, insightful and actionable collaboration that will advance their student and youth travel business.
Registration is now open, visit the official conference website to learn more and secure your spot.

SYTA SUMMIT 2027
2027-01-19 - 2027-01-22
A Leadership Summit in Honolulu

Student travel continues to demonstrate resilience in a rapidly changing world, creating opportunities to lead with greater intention and better serve the students and communities at the center of our work. Against this backdrop, the SYTA Summit 2027 in Honolulu will explore how Hawai‘i’s communities have navigated change with strength and innovation—and what that means for the future of student travel.

This summit brings together student travel professionals and industry leaders to learn directly from local voices in Hawai‘i, while gaining a deeper understanding of Hawai‘i as a premier student travel destination. Attendees will see how destination programming, cultural engagement, and community partnership enhance student experiences and create greater impact for student groups.

The goal is an immersive leadership experience that builds professional skills while deepening perspective, empathy, and adaptability in ways that strengthen student travel programs.

By connecting leadership principles with real-world examples from Hawai‘i, attendees will gain practical insights they can apply within their organizations and use to design more impactful, educational, and community-centered student travel experiences.

Visit the official summit website to learn more.

2027 SYTA Annual Conference
2027-08-13 - 2027-08-16
2027 SYTA Annual Conference
August 13-16, 2027 | Ottawa, Ontario
The SYTA Annual Conference welcomes all representatives from the global student and youth travel market to join us as we collaborate for a better student travel industry. The SYTA Annual Conference is the only annual conference in North America where anyone who is passionate about promoting, selling, and providing travel experiences for students will find dedicated, insightful and actionable collaboration that will advance their student and youth travel business.

2028 SYTA Annual Conference
2028-08-18 - 2028-08-21
2028 SYTA Annual Conference
August 18-21, 2028 | St. Louis, MO
The SYTA Annual Conference welcomes all representatives from the global student and youth travel market to join us as we collaborate for a better student travel industry. The SYTA Annual Conference is the only annual conference in North America where anyone who is passionate about promoting, selling, and providing travel experiences for students will find dedicated, insightful and actionable collaboration that will advance their student and youth travel business.

2029 SYTA Annual Conference
2029-08-10 - 2029-08-13
2029 SYTA Annual Conference
August 10-13, 2029 | Boston, MA
Details coming soon!

2030 SYTA Annual Conference
2030-08-16 - 2030-08-19
2030 SYTA Annual Conference
August 16-19, 2030 | Branson, MO
Details coming soon!
