EVENTS

You’ll be inspired and challenged by a line-up of engaging speakers, cultivate your network of senior executives willing to hold real conversations with you, all while soaking in the sights and tastes of this top student travel destination.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

Reception & Dinner in Old San Juan
Hosted by Discover Puerto Rico
Casa De España, Old San Juan
6:30 pm- 9:00 pm

Join friends and colleagues at historic Casa de España for the Reception and Dinner hosted by Discover Puerto Rico. Casa de España serves as an exceptional setting to experience the Spanish main cultural of Puerto Rico with its delicate architecture and significant collection of art. After enjoying authentic food and embracing in the local culture, attendees are encourage to explore beautiful Old San Juan, located right outside Casa de España’s doors!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Networking Breakfast
El San Juan Hotel: Gold Foyer
8:00 am – 9:00 am

Attendees may enjoy a continental breakfast, provided by SYTA.

Lunch and Ignite Sessions
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Ignite is a series of sessions where speakers have five minutes to talk on a subject accompanied by presentation slides. The topics may include, personal, professional, hobbies, adventures – any topic you would like to share with Summit attendees. This is the value of Summit – sharing great ideas and building positive relationships.

Ignite Presenters – Special Opportunity at Summit: Scott Whitehair, storyteller will personally coach the Ignite presenters on how to share their story with Summit attendees. If selected to present, attendees will receive this valuable opportunity to work with Scott prior to Summit. Submit your Ignite presentation early as these spots are limited.

Summit Olympics
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Start training for the SYTA Summit Olympics! The Summit Committee is developing team building activities that enhance your Summit experience and connect you with other attendees in a fun and positive way.

Noche Del Encanto Puerto Rico
Reception and Dinner
El San Juan Hotel
7:00 pm- 9:30 pm

Start the evening under the 300-year old Banyan Tree, located at El San Juan Hotel adjacent to the Caña Pool Lounge and the Wellness Pool. Step back in time dressed in your festive 1950’s tropical looks and bold colors. Don’t forget your fedora!

Continue in the Gold Ballroom for a seated dinner. Seating assignments will be provided on-site for dinner. Wear your dancing shoes to salsa the night away!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Breakfast and Education
El San Juan: Gold Foyer and Ballroom
8:00 am – 9:00 am

Attendees may enjoy a continental breakfast, provided by SYTA.

Lunch and Ignite Sessions
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Ignite is a series of sessions where speakers have five minutes to talk on a subject accompanied by 20 slides. The topics may include, personal, professional, hobbies, adventures – any topic you would like to share with Summit attendees.

Lunch with Tourism Cares
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm

Presenter: Greg Takehara, CEO, Tourism Cares

Long time SYTA member, Greg Takehara will share his unique perspective as the new CEO of Tourism Cares and how their goals align with the student travel industry.

Group Activity – Cultural Tours and Evening in Loiza
3:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Experience the sights, sounds and rhythms of a completely different world in the village of Loiza, one of the earliest-settled areas on the island. Similar to Western African coastal villages, Loiza is frequented by locals and visitors who enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food, drinks and culture. The afternoon activity will consist of a tour of Maria de La Cruz (a cave in the center of Loiza), turban head-tying demonstrations, the opportunity to visit the art studio of Samuel Lind and conclude with a performance by the locals. Loiza is the perfect destination for education and entertainment.

The evening will continue at Drift Restaurant located on the beach of Piñones to eat, drink and enjoy one last night in Puerto Rico.

AREA ACTIVITIES

SPONSOR LISTING

Steve Maehl, Global Travel Alliance

It was over ten years ago that I attended my very first SYTA event at the 2009 Summit. I learned a lot, and made new friendships, but what impressed me the most was discovering an organization that desired to come together to collectively improve our industry and continually works together to change young lives for good through travel.

Tara Hippensteel, Director of National Tour & Travel, Hard Rock Café

SYTA Summit provides an unique opportunity to get up close with my SYTA partners and many of our buyers. The environment lends itself to a causal, natural environment – no pressure just building my network!

Kara Mihalevich, President, Adventure Student Travel, LLC

To me, SYTA Summit is the most valuable conference that I attend. I always find the educational seminars very useful and because it is a smaller, more intimate conference, you get to build a much deeper relationship with the sponsors. This is also the only conference that I have ever really had the opportunity to get to know other attendees. I absolutely LOVE SYTA Summit!

Dr. Michael A. Mazzarisi, President, Performing Arts Consultants

The best part of a SYTA SUMMIT is that it provides the opportunity for travel professionals to meet in a conversable setting without the pressure of a 7 minute meeting or have to deal with the barrage of conference masses. Every tour operator has unique abilities, and since I am a big proponent of partnerships, SUMMIT becomes an ideal network to forge plans for new and exciting joint ventures.