SYTA

Understanding and Preventing Burnout
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit)
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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

The Importance of Self-Care in Tourism
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00
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

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.

2025 SYTA Annual Conference
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-26
The 2025 SYTA Annual Conference will be hosted in Savannah, GA August 22 – 26, 2025. To learn more, please visit the Annual Conference website here.
