SYTA 2009 Conference – Huge Success
Over the last week, almost 1000 members of the student and youth travel industry met in Norflok, VA for the 2009 Annual SYTA Conference.
This year’s conference was a huge success with notable high points including presentations from Helen Marano – US Department of Commerce, Roger Dow – US Travel Association, and Peter Pantuso – American Bus Association. While much attention was focused on the challenges of the US and World economy, there was a great optimism about the continual growth of the Student Travel Industry.
Led by a new management team (Association Management Group), SYTA is looking forward to enhancing relationships with multiple segments of the education industry in the near future to ensure that the synergies between student travel and education are thoroughly explored. With determination (and a little luck) SYTA should be able to work proactively to ensure that students are traveling with professional travel providers that understand the specific needs of youth travel.
On a lighter note, about 15 SYTA members (of which I am honored to be among) performed a concert for the entire membership on the final night of the conference. Thanks to the folks at PhotoVision/Create A Video, a DVD of the performance will be available soon with proceeds going directly to the SYTA Youth Foundation.