The Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) Annual Conference 2025 is gearing up to welcome the global student travel industry to the vibrant, historic city of Savannah, Georgia. From August 22 to 25, 2025, this landmark event will bring together over 1,000 professionals from around the world—including delegates from Switzerland, Canada, United Kingdom, India, Germany, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, France, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, China, Italy, and many more—for a four-day experience filled with high-level networking, business development, education, and destination immersion. As the only dedicated annual event in North America for those involved in student and youth travel, SYTA’s 2025 edition promises to be a milestone in shaping the future of educational tourism.

The Heart of the Student Travel Industry

With more than 35,000 pre-scheduled business appointments, the SYTA Annual Conference is where meaningful connections are formed. Travel planners, industry suppliers, tourism boards, attractions, and transportation partners converge to collaborate on new programs, refine offerings, and meet face-to-face with clients to secure future bookings. The conference agenda also includes over 50 hours of networking, 20+ education sessions, and multiple evening events designed to foster relationship-building and idea exchange.

What truly sets SYTA apart is its commitment to delivering not only business outcomes but also inspiration, innovation, and impact. Attendees come together not just to transact, but to transform how students experience the world through travel.

Host City Partner and Sponsor Showcase

Visit Savannah proudly stands as the Host City Partner, leveraging the city’s rich history, charm, and Southern hospitality to provide the perfect backdrop for the event. Major sponsors reinforcing the strength of the student travel sector include Disney Imagination Campus, Broadway.com Group Sales Box Office, Savannah Riverboat Cruises, and Branson, Missouri—each playing a vital role in enhancing the conference’s programming and attendee experience.

Other key sponsor tiers include:

River Street Sponsors: AFC Travel, Broadway In Chicago, Discover Puerto Rico, Fly My Group, Visit Richmond VA, Edge Hudson Yards New York, among others.

Bonaventure Sponsors: Visit Anchorage, Visit Montgomery, Pigeon Forge, Sweet Home Alabama, Polynesian Adventures, The Empire State Building, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and more.

Chippewa Square Sponsors: Destination Northern Ontario, Discover Saskatoon, Six Flags Youth Programs, Virginia is for Lovers, US Ghost Adventures, and Visit Pooler, Georgia.

These partnerships reflect the global scale and cooperative spirit that define the SYTA community.

Educational Growth and Thought Leadership

Beyond networking and business appointments, the SYTA Annual Conference stands as a forum for learning and innovation. With more than 20 education sessions scheduled, participants can expect engaging workshops and seminars covering market trends, health and safety protocols, DEI practices in student travel, and effective business models for the evolving youth travel segment.

These sessions are designed to empower attendees to meet the changing demands of student travelers and educational institutions. Experts from across the travel ecosystem will lead discussions, offering insights backed by data, real-world experience, and a shared vision for the future.

Signature Evening Events Designed to Build Community

SYTA Annual Conference 2025 will feature three exceptional evening events that reflect the culture and community spirit of Savannah and its partners:

Opening Night Event – August 22 (7:00–10:00 PM)
Location: Savannah Convention Center & Tondee’s River Front Pavilion
Kick off the conference with a lively welcome celebration that showcases Savannah’s Southern charm, riverside views, and culinary culture.

Explore Branson “Under the Stars” – August 24 (9:00–11:00 PM)
Location: Electric Moon Skytop Lounge, JW Marriott Plant Riverside District
This high-energy evening event combines Branson’s entertainment flair with Savannah’s rooftop glamour, offering unforgettable views and music under the night sky.

Closing Night Event – August 25 (6:30–9:30 PM)
Location: Savannah Riverboat Cruises | Riverfront Plaza Dock
The grand finale—a scenic cruise along the Savannah River—combines local storytelling, cuisine, and celebration to close the event on a high note.

Travel Connections to Savannah

Traveling to the SYTA Annual Conference is seamless, thanks to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), the primary entry point for attendees. Located just eight miles from downtown, SAV offers a warm welcome through its efficient, art-filled terminal and nonstop flights from cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

For long-haul delegates or those connecting from larger hubs, key transit points include:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): The world’s busiest airport and a major hub for Delta Air Lines, offering global connectivity and quick transfers to Savannah.
• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): As a central hub for American Airlines, DFW provides a wide array of domestic and international routes to reach Savannah.

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines all provide direct access to Savannah, making the journey convenient for attendees from across the United States and Canada.

Conference-Affiliated Hotels for SYTA Attendees

To ensure a comfortable and convenient stay, SYTA attendees can take advantage of specially designated conference accommodations that combine comfort, amenities, and proximity to the venue:

• The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa: Overlooking the Savannah River and just steps from the Savannah Convention Center, this premier resort offers upscale lodging, a world-class golf course, and stunning views—ideal for networking and relaxation. A three-night minimum stay is required between Thursday, August 21 and Monday, August 25.
• Marriott Savannah Riverfront: Perfectly situated on the riverwalk and close to downtown attractions, this hotel provides a balanced blend of accessibility and elegance. It is a prime choice for conference attendees seeking comfort and walkability. A three-night minimum stay is required between Thursday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 26.
• Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District: Located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District at 321 West Bay Street, this hotel offers an excellent location near restaurants, shops, and key landmarks—ideal for delegates who want to explore the city between sessions.

Discover Savannah’s Top Attractions

Savannah offers no shortage of sights and experiences to enhance the conference visit:

• Bonaventure Cemetery: Just a short drive from the Historic District, this serene site features moss-draped oaks and picturesque monuments—ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
• Little Tybee Island: Perfect for adventure seekers, this untouched coastal gem is accessible only by boat or kayak and offers camping, wildlife viewing, and pristine beaches.
• Mercer-Williams House: Famed for its role in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the home’s downstairs is open to the public and showcases exquisite interiors and period furnishings.

These attractions enhance the destination appeal of Savannah and reflect SYTA’s mission of expanding access and engagement through culturally enriching experiences.

A Milestone Event for the Global Student Travel Community

The SYTA Annual Conference 2025 in Savannah promises more than just a series of meetings—it delivers a comprehensive experience that unites the student travel industry with passion, purpose, and unparalleled opportunities. With rich cultural immersion, top-tier networking, educational growth, and unforgettable hospitality, this event stands as a beacon for those committed to shaping the future of global student travel.