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 cmackenzie@syta.org.

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.

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.

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.

Tara Hippensteel, National Director of Tourism, City Cruises