EDUCATION

 

Engage, Connect and Influence—A Leadership Retreat by the Sea

 

Step into a warm, inspiring setting where timeless charm meets forward-thinking leadership. Held in a historic oceanfront hotel, this January retreat offers the perfect balance of personal connection and visionary growth.

 

Day One focuses on communication—mastering one-on-one conversations, virtual presence, and public speaking to engage with authenticity and influence.

 

Day Two looks ahead—exploring new technologies and bold ideas to extend your impact and lead with clarity in a changing world.

 

Fireside discussions, meaningful connections, tour operator roundtables, and a stunning coastal backdrop make this more than a meeting—it’s a transformative experience.

Join us to Engage deeply, Connect meaningfully, and Influence the future.
 
Featuring Keynote Speaker and Author, Stacey Hanke

In today’s fast-moving, distraction-filled world, it’s not enough to be a good communicator—you need to be an influential one. The kind of leader who earns trust, commands attention, and drives others to act long after the conversation ends. Influence doesn’t come from what you say—it comes from how consistently you show up. And that kind of presence isn’t built by accident—it’s built by design.

Join Stacey Hanke—Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, best-selling author, and CEO of a top communication consulting firm—for an energizing and practical session that will challenge how you think about leadership presence, influence, and how others truly experience you. Through dynamic stories, high-impact visuals, and actionable strategies, Stacey helps leaders break through the noise and lead with credibility, confidence, and clarity.

Today, Stacey is the CEO of a highly sought-after consulting and training company where she mentors leaders who want to ensure their employees perceive them as an influential leader – those who are working towards a promotion – and sales professionals to ensure their message and style resonates with their clients.

An inductee into the Speaker Hall of Fame, she has been a featured guest on media outlets including: The New York Times, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Thrive, SmartMoney Magazine, The Economist and Business Week. Her client list is vast: FedEx, McDonalds, Google, Kraft Heinz, Nationwide, American Express, Discover and Oracle. Her knowledge leading diverse, high-level teams makes her a sought-after speaker and consultant and she has inspired thousands around the world through her ability to connect with an audience and one-on-one.

With over 20 years of studying influence across cultures and industries, leading large corporate teams makes her the perfect fit for organizations large and small who are ready to influence on a consistent basis. Clients hire Stacey because of her implementable strategies that help leaders get to the point, communicate with confidence and credibility, to build trust and deliver messages that drive action, creating lasting result.

 

Additional speakers and session topics coming soon.

 

If you would like to present, share your ideas or offer suggestions for Summit sessions, please email Carylann Assante, CAE at cassante@syta.org.

Jessica Johnson – Disney Imagination Campus at Walt Disney World Resorts

This years annual Summit was by far one of the best! The educational components were very robust and relevant to all in the Youth Travel Industry. The engagement opportunities allowed for deep connections amongst our community of professionals that strive to create opportunities for students to Perform, Learn, and Celebrate.

Tara Hippensteel, National Director of Tourism, City Cruises

You get what you give- there are opportunities to network and learn ALL day. The Tour Operators are more open and relaxed. I’ve had the opportunity to discuss strategy and build the business- a much deeper dive than any other show.

Beth Beccone – Peak Group Travel

SYTA Summit is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and network with my industry colleagues. The education sessions help to expand my understanding of current trends and the activities with my colleagues create friendships that go well beyond the conference. Already looking forward to next year!

Greg Dotson – Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts

There is so much value in attending Summit! The networking opportunities with leaders in the student travel industry are priceless. I was inspired by the great conversations around Sustainability and Responsible Travel and moved when our former scholarship winner, Gandi, shared his story. Scottsdale was a perfect destination for exploring and spending time with new and old colleagues.

SYTA STRATEGIC PARTNERS