Learn. Connect. Lead.

The SYTA Summit brings together leaders in student and youth travel for meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and practical education designed to move your business forward.

From emerging technology and legal considerations to destination insights, leadership strategies, and industry collaboration, Summit education is designed to help you navigate today’s challenges, explore new opportunities, and bring valuable ideas back to your organization.

Explore the education program below. Additional details and speakers will be announced as the program develops.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2027

Destination Spotlight & Opening Keynote

8:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Discover the Island of Hawaiʻi

Start the morning with an introduction to the Island of Hawaiʻi and the experiences, destinations, and opportunities it offers student and youth travel groups. Learn what makes the island a distinctive destination and discover ways to bring its culture, history, and experiences to life for young travelers.

The morning will also feature an inspiring keynote and an opportunity to hear from local leadership. Gain fresh perspectives, connect with the destination, and take away ideas that can inspire the way you lead and grow your organization.

Additional details and keynote speaker announcement coming soon.

Travel Law Is Never Boring: An Update on Issues That Matter to You

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Speaker: Jeff Ment

The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and travel industry leaders need to understand how emerging issues can impact their organizations, employees, and day-to-day operations.

This session will explore key legal considerations affecting tour operators and suppliers, including the evolving use of AI in the workplace, HR and employment matters, and other emerging issues travel leaders should have on their radar.

Led by experienced industry attorney Jeff Ment, the discussion will go beyond the basics to highlight potential risks, common pitfalls, and practical considerations that can help travel professionals make informed decisions and stay ahead of legal challenges.

Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the issues to watch and the questions they should be asking within their own organizations.

AI & Optimization: Turning Possibilities Into Practical Solutions

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM

Speaker: Jason Reckers

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate, communicate, and serve their customers. But how can travel organizations move beyond the conversation and put AI to work in meaningful ways?

This interactive workshop will explore practical applications of AI that tour operators and suppliers can take back to their organizations and begin implementing. Through an introduction to emerging opportunities, real-world examples, and open discussion, participants will explore how AI can support everyday productivity, improve customer experiences, strengthen marketing efforts, and streamline business operations.

Topics may include AI visibility and discoverability, team adoption and change management, customer service applications, workflow automation, AI agents, and measuring return on investment.

Bring your questions, share your experiences, and learn from fellow industry leaders as we explore how to make AI work for your business.

Tour Operator & Sponsor Round Tables | Session I

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

The Tour Operator and Sponsor Round Tables provide dedicated opportunities for tour operators and sponsors to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful business relationships.

Tour Operators are expected to participate in both scheduled round table sessions, meeting with the participating sponsors assigned to each session. Your engagement and participation are an important part of making these conversations valuable for everyone involved.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2027

Leadership in Times of Crisis: Protecting What Matters When Pressure Hits

8:15 AM – 10:00 AM

Moderator: Greg Takehara

The travel industry is being tested from multiple directions at once, including climate disruption, economic pressure, rapid technological change, geopolitical instability, and natural disasters. While the words “recovery” and “rebound” are often used in times of crisis, what they mean can look very different depending on the destination, organization, and circumstances.

Moderated by Greg Takehara, this interactive session will explore what it means to lead through uncertainty, make difficult decisions, and remain aligned with your organization’s values when circumstances change. Through a panel discussion featuring industry perspectives and real-world experiences, followed by facilitated scenarios and group interaction, participants will consider what leaders must protect, what may need to change, and how to navigate competing priorities when pressure is high.

The conversation will challenge attendees to think beyond simply rebuilding and consider how today’s decisions can shape a stronger, more resilient future for their organizations and the travel industry.

Format: Panel discussion followed by facilitated scenarios and group interaction.

Additional panelist details coming soon.

Stop Guessing, Start Strategizing: A Social Media Workshop for Tour Operators and Suppliers

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Speaker: Sarah Benoit, Learn Tourism

Most tourism businesses know they need a stronger social media strategy. The real challenge is knowing where to start and finding the time to actually build one.

This hands-on workshop guides tour operators and suppliers through a practical three-step process: understanding your competitive landscape and what makes your business different, listening to what your data and customers are already telling you, and building an action plan you can implement as soon as you return to the office.

Whether you’re just getting started, feeling stuck, or already seeing results but want to be more intentional, you’ll leave with a clearer strategy and actionable ideas for moving forward.

What We’ll Explore:

  • Understand Your Landscape: Explore what’s working in your category and identify opportunities to differentiate your business.
  • Listen to Your Data: Use AI-powered tools and real reviews and content performance to uncover insights about your audience and brand.
  • Build Your Action Plan: Develop a 90-day social media strategy using a structured worksheet during the session.

What You’ll Take Home:

  • A practical framework for understanding your market and identifying what makes your business stand out.
  • Insights into what your customers are telling you and how to put that information to work.
  • A completed 90-day social media action plan ready to implement when you get home.

Tour Operator & Sponsor Round Tables | Session II

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM

The second round of Tour Operator and Sponsor Round Tables continues the conversations and connections started on Wednesday.

Tour Operators will meet with a new group of participating sponsors, providing additional opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss business needs, and strengthen industry relationships.

Participation in both sessions is expected of all Tour Operators.

    Tour Operator Forum

    4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    The Tour Operator Forum is dedicated to addressing the key issues, opportunities, and concerns facing tour operators in today’s challenging travel environment.

    Featuring short presentations on timely industry topics followed by round table discussions and open peer-to-peer conversation, the Forum provides an opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and learn from fellow tour operator leaders.

      Help Shape the Conversation

      Attendees are encouraged to submit discussion topics and questions in advance so we can focus on the issues that matter most to the industry.

      Send suggested topics to [email protected].

        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.

        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.

        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!

        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...

        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.

        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...

        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.