EDUCATION
SYTA Summit at Sea education is exclusively created and designed for Business Owners and Senior Executives, providing opportunities to network, learn, and discuss critical issues facing student travel companies with their peers.
Friday February 2
Learn how to better work with your partners in 2024 and hear industry updates.
9:20 AM- 9:55 AM | Air & Charter Transportation
Anthony Hilden
Director of Sales for AFC Travel
Emily Donovan
VP of Business Development for Fly My Group
10:00 AM – 10:35 AM | Motorcoach Transportation
Karen Pitcherello
Director of Business Development for Mears Transportation
Kathryn Fischer
Vice President of sales for Transportation Charter Services
Leah Ann Ingram
Director of Sales for Escot Bus Lines
Terry Fischer
President for Transportation Charter Services
10:40 AM – 11:10 AM | Hotel Trends
Amanda Thibeau
National Account Director for Aimbridge Hospitality
Ellen Lurz
Partner for Book My Group
Teresa Vlasic
Sales Manager for Universal Orlando Resort
Saturday February 3
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Interactive Workshop with Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown
Learn more about Kevin Brown down below!
Sunday February 4
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Cruising with Students: Learn all about how to cruise with student groups, tips & tricks, and unique opportunities when cruising!
Mike Mazzarisi
President for Performing Arts Consultants
Dave Mazzarisi
General Manager for Performing Arts Consultants
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | SYTA Huddle – join us for announcements!
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Sustainability & Travel: The Case for Meaningful Travel – What is it? Why does it matter? How to build it!
Greg Takehara
CEO for Tourism Cares
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | AI & Legal Considerations
Without a doubt, AI is a force to be reckoned with. When used cautiously, it can make planning tours more efficient. (At least that’s what AI tells us.) But what are the concerns for travel professionals? If you are a tour operator, supplier, or guide, you will soon be faced with understanding how AI can help or hurt you. Does using AI leave you vulnerable for claims? Is it reliable in all applications? Do you need to add some protective language to your terms of service or your terms and conditions? This session (presented by a person, not a computer) will help you navigate these previously uncharted territories.
Jeff Ment
Managing Partner for Ment Law Group
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Scaling Your Business for Sustainable Growth
Tour Operators, join Andrea in learning about how to grow your business in 2024, build your team to be stronger, and improve your leadership skills.
Andrea Ross
Business Advisor with Cultivate Advisors
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Sponsors, join SYTA staff to learn all about upcoming sponsorship opportunities for 2024.
KEVIN BROWN
Kevin Brown kicked off the 2022 SYTA Annual Conference with standing ovations. Kevin’s unconventional path to business and personal success has taught him that winning in business and in life requires anything but conventional thinking. With a streetwise aptitude and a never quit attitude, he worked his way from the front lines in business to the executive boardroom. For two decades, Kevin was a sales and marketing executive that helped grow a little-known family business into an industry giant with annual revenues reaching two billion dollars.
At the SYTA Summit at Sea, you will have the unique experience of joining your peers in a two-hour workshop led by Kevin with exclusive content and a Q & A session.
- Six legacy questions that define the ultimate influence of high-performance leaders.
- A simple RECIPE for creating a culture that drives organizational excellence and customer loyalty.
- How to master every moment and create the habit of excellence at work and in life.
Sunday, February 4
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
AFTERNOON GROUP ACTIVITIES AND THOUGHT LEADER DISCUSSIONS
Sunday, February 4
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
