SUMMIT OVERVIEW

The SYTA Summit is a curated leadership experience for student group tour operators and key industry suppliers, blending immersive destination learning, hands-on engagement, and high-level industry connection.

Set in Hawai‘i, the Summit goes beyond traditional conference programming by engaging attendees directly with local leaders, communities, and cultural perspectives. Through intentional programming, participants explore how destination engagement, service, and storytelling can strengthen student travel experiences.

Over three transformative days, the Summit combines peer collaboration, destination immersion, and service-based experiences designed to spark new ideas, deepen industry understanding, and strengthen leadership within student travel.

Attendees will engage with dynamic speakers and thought leaders who offer real-world insight into the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. The experience is designed not only to inform, but to inspire practical application within attendees’ organizations.

The SYTA Summit is an opportunity to step outside of daily operations, gain perspective through place-based learning, and return with renewed clarity, purpose, and actionable strategies for the future of student travel.

SYTA THANKS ALL OF OUR SUMMIT DESTINATIONS

Anaheim Irvine
Banff Lake Louise New Orleans
Branson NYC
Cancun Puerto Rico
Chicago Punta Cana
Colorado Springs Quebec
Costa Rica San Diego
Cruise Bahamas St.Louis
Fort Myers Tampa
Hawaii Toronto
Scottsdale Virginia Beach

Interested in hosting a future SYTA Summit? Contact Chelsea MacKenzie, Director of Conferences and Meetings, at [email protected].

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.

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.

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.

Heather West

What I love about the SYTA Summit is how intimate it is. Every year it moves to a new destination, and the upcoming trip to Hawai‘i is all about diving deep into the local culture. The scheduled appointment sessions of the SYTA Annual Conference are excellent, but the smaller group size at Summit gives you the opportunity to make deeper connections. Between the great speakers, learning sessions, and hands-on community projects, you actually get to slow down and work side-by-side. It’s the...

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.

Teresa Vlasic

SYTA Summit is one of my favorite industry events because it is so much more intimate than a traditional trade show. The smaller setting creates meaningful opportunities to connect with clients on a deeper level and build genuine relationships. I especially enjoy participating in local activities with current and prospective clients, as it allows us to get to know one another in a relaxed, informal business environment. As a supplier, those shared experiences often lead to stronger...

Abby Holbrook

SYTA Summit gives me a unique opportunity to connect with other tour operators on a deeper level, talk through shared challenges, and exchange ideas and best practices. It also allows for more meaningful conversations with vendors and the chance to really learn about their offerings in a way that the shorter appointments at Annual Conference don’t always allow. At the same time, you get to experience the destination firsthand and come away with a much deeper understanding of what it can offer...

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!

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.