SYTA SUMMIT 2027

January 19 – 22, 2027 | Honolulu, Hawai‘i

A Leadership Summit in Honolulu

Student travel continues to demonstrate resilience in a rapidly changing world, creating opportunities to lead with greater intention and better serve the students and communities at the center of our work. Against this backdrop, the SYTA Summit 2027 in Honolulu will explore how Hawai‘i’s communities have navigated change with strength and innovation—and what that means for the future of student travel.

This summit brings together student travel professionals and industry leaders to learn directly from local voices in Hawai‘i, while gaining a deeper understanding of Hawai‘i as a premier student travel destination. Attendees will see how destination programming, cultural engagement, and community partnership enhance student experiences and create greater impact for student groups.

The goal is an immersive leadership experience that builds professional skills while deepening perspective, empathy, and adaptability in ways that strengthen student travel programs.

By connecting leadership principles with real-world examples from Hawai‘i, attendees will gain practical insights they can apply within their organizations and use to design more impactful, educational, and community-centered student travel experiences.

Why Attend Summit

Attendees will:

- Experience Hawai‘i’s culture and spirit through intentional, community-centered programming designed for student travel professionals.
- Gain a deeper understanding of Hawai‘i as a student travel destination, including how cultural, historical, and community experiences enhance student learning.
- Engage with Hawai‘i leaders and organizations to learn real-world examples of resilience, adaptability, and innovation—and how they apply to student travel programming.
- Participate in service experiences that allow attendees to give back to and support the local host community.
- Translate lessons from Hawai‘i’s communities into practical strategies for building stronger, more resilient student travel programs.
- Connect with industry peers through shared learning focused on the evolving needs of student travel.
- Strengthen leadership skills in empathy, adaptability, and purpose-driven decision-making within student travel operations.
- Summit registration includes three (3) nights of accommodations (January 19–22, 2027). A discounted group rate is available for up to three (3) nights before and after the event (see “Extending Your Stay” for details).

Our 2027 Host Hotel

The Summit will take place at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, located in the heart of Waikīkī just steps from Waikiki Beach.

Attendees will enjoy convenient access to the beach, dining, and local experiences, along with a setting designed to support connection and conversation throughout the program.

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

2552 Kalākaua Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96815

808.922.6611

Holly Avino – Destination Niagara USA

It has been fabulous so far! Everyone has been very welcoming with it being my first summit, being able to talk to just about everyone here has been really helpful and resourceful. The education has been impactful and the topics make complete sense for the demographic of the attendees.

Hollie Stevenson – CCIS, Inc.

For me, SYTA Summit is centered on relationship-building, and Scottsdale has met that expectation. Whether hiking on a scenic trail with stunning views or networking with industry peers over cocktails, the experience was memorable and vital in growing our business. The educational session on sustainable travel was particularly informative, inspiring me to reevaluate our office procedures and their potential impact on student travel.

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.

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.