The schedule below is for general information purposes. For further details, please click on the event title.

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Summit Early Arrivals

Location: Hotel Lobby Summit Early Arrivals Wednesday night hotel is not included in Summit Registration Fee. Attendees can add this night to their registration for $294.00 plus tax. Extra night can be added through December 16th, 2024. For more information, click here.

Welcome Desk / Registration

Location: Hotel Lobby Summit Early Arrivals Wednesday night hotel is not included in Summit Registration Fee.Attendees can add this night to their registration for $294.00 plus tax. Extra night can be added through December 16th, 2024.For more information, click here. 

Optional Hotel Evening Reception

Location: AZUL Clubhouse Unwind and connect with colleagues at our optional evening reception during happy hour. Join us in the hotel lounge for refreshing beverages and casual conversation in a relaxed setting. Attendance is optional!

Welcome Desk

Location: Hotel Lobby

Heard Museum and Desert Botanical Garden Self Guided Tours

Discover the rich and vibrant world of American Indian art, from traditional artworks to contemporary creations at the Heard Museum, Phoenix. Then experience the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden and learn about the plants and animals that thrive in the desert. Lunch on own at Museum or at the Garden. For more information on the Desert Botanical […]

Guided Sonoran Desert Hike

Spend some time exploring the Sonoran Desert with a guide. Learn about the plants and animals of the Phoenix area while you hike through the rocky landscape in the desert. The hike is designed for mild to medium levels.A minimum of 12 attendees are required for the desert hike. The hike will be confirmed by […]

Tour of Historic Valley Ho Hotel

Originally opened on December 20, 1956, Hotel Valley Ho, one of the leading Historic Hotels of America, stands as a mid-century modern icon in Downtown Scottsdale. Owned by John B. Mills, and managed and developed by Robert Foehl and his wife Evelyn, it was built on the belief that “the important thing is to make […]

Summit Sunset Reception at Valley Ho Hotel (Rooftop)

Admire panoramic views of Camelback Mountain and Downtown Scottsdale on the rooftop of the legendary Valley Ho Hotel. Sunset is scheduled for 5:44pm so arrive early and experience the beautiful desert sky with your friends and colleagues. Enjoy a heavy cocktail reception with a signature mocktail to kick off the evening. Dress warmly in layers […]

Summit Meet Up

Location: Hotel Lobby/Walk/Run Scottsdale Join Summit attendees for a fun walk/run of the local area. Dress warmly and meet in the lobby by 6:00am. We will informally connect walkers and runners. No sign up necessary.   

Summit Welcome

Location: Hacienda 1-Paloma III Bring your cup of Joe to the traditional Summit Welcome by your SYTA President, Courtenay Betts. Don't miss your opportunity to be recognized in front of your colleagues.

General Session: Thought Leader

Location: Hacienda 1-Paloma III Speaker: Sheri JacobsUnleash Your Creativity: Empowering Your Team to Take Risks and Innovate What does it take for an organization to thrive—not just survive—in today's environment? If you think it's connected to the value your organization offers, you're not wrong. The problem is that with increasing competition and a rapidly changing […]

Networking Break

Enjoy your “second cup of joe” and morning healthy snack.Location: Hacienda 1-Paloma III

Lunch and Learn

This luncheon discussion aims to inspire and equip Summit attendees with practical steps to operationalize meaningful travel initiatives. Each of our panelists has approached their sustainability journeys in a different way and have unique stories to tell about how they started incorporating more responsible practices into their business operations. Check out our other education sessions […]

Cultural Tourism and Student Group Travel: Group Activity at Talking Stick Entertainment District. Hosted by Discover Salt River

“Cultural tourism is backed by a desire to discover, learn about and enjoy the tangible and intangible cultural assets offered in a tourism destination, ranging from heritage, performing arts, handicrafts, rituals and gastronomy.” -UNESCOSummit attendees will spend the afternoon with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), an established sovereign tribe experiencing their history and […]

Summit Meet Up

Hotel Lobby/Walk/Run Scottsdale Join Summit attendees for a fun walk/run of the local area. Dress warmly and meet in the lobby by 6:00am. We will informally connect walkers and runners. No sign up necessary.   

Innovations in Engaging Students in Climate Issues in the Field

Clare Sisky will share the results of a multi-year study focused on how educators in schools (and their partners) are equipping and empowering students to take action in response to climate change through travel experiences. Sisky will share real world examples that will help your teams respond to clients asking for more sustainable travel.For more […]

Tour Operator and Supporter Round Up (Session 2)

Tour Operators and Summit Supporters will connect with each other on opportunities for the coming year. Tour Operators are asked to attend both sessions. Supporters will be divided between each session.

Lunch and Learn: AI and Responsible Travel

In this presentation, Andrew McCauley will explore the critical reasons why embracing AI is no longer optional for businesses in the tourism Industry. He will highlight how AI-driven technologies can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and provide personalized, data-driven insights that drive growth. Through real-world examples, McCauley will demonstrate how AI can automate tasks, improve […]

MIM: Musical Instrument Museum/Tour/Education/Reception

Location: MIMExperience this unique museum with a collection of  7,500 instruments from more than 200 world countries and territories.  MIM began with a vision to create a musical instrument museum that would be truly global. MIM’s founder Bob Ulrich (then CEO of Target Corporation) was inspired to develop a new kind of museum that would […]

Summit Reception/Dinner

Location: Silverman Terrace, Embassy Suites Hotel Enjoy a seated dinner with friends and colleagues. Dance under the stars to your favorite tunes.

Certification Workshop

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in risk and safety management. This workshop will cover key concepts and practical applications while providing hands-on activities to encourage collaboration and creativity. It is free to attend, and multiple attendees from the same company are welcome. Whether your company […]