Make the case to your boss: Why attending WYSTC 2025 is a smart investment
WYSTC 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone in the youth travel sector, but we know getting leadership buy-in can be a challenge. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the key reasons and all the arguments you need to secure that “yes” from your boss. From exclusive networking to invaluable insights, here’s why WYSTC is essential for your professional growth – and your company’s success.
1. The world’s leading marketplace for youth travel
WYSTC is the key annual event dedicated to the global youth, student, and educational travel sector, with direct access to hundreds of buyers and sellers specifically focused on this market. With over 600 delegates and 200+ buyers representing over 150 countries, you’ll be in the room with the decision-makers shaping the future of youth travel. Whether you’re building partnerships, sourcing products, or exploring market expansion, WYSTC delivers the contacts and insights you won’t find elsewhere. View the buyers registered to date.
2. Making deals, building your brand, and beating the competition all in one place
Where else can you hold up to 44 pre-scheduled business meetings with top-tier buyers – all under one roof? WYSTC’s one-to-one business appointments are a fast-track to new deals, a stronger sales pipeline, and consolidating existing partnerships. With 93% of attendees at C-suite level, you’re not just handing out business cards, you’re having real conversations with the top dogs. Add to that the chance to boost brand visibility, gather market intel, and scope out your competition, and you’ve got one word: ROI.
3. Conversations turn into collaborations
Sure, you’ll have scheduled meetings, but some of the best connections at WYSTC happen over a canapé or a clink of glasses at one of the social events. From the Welcome Reception to the coffee breaks, every moment at WYSTC is designed to bring the global youth travel community together in meaningful (and memorable) ways. Whether you’re swapping insights in the trade hall or meeting a future business partner at the Conference Bar, WYSTC is where conversations start and collaborations are born. Don’t believe us? Check out this story from the winners of the 2024 WYSTC Partnership Global Youth Travel Award:
“In the summer of 1974, two adventurous young women set off on a life-changing journey from London to Nairobi, forging bonds through shared experiences across Cairo, the Rift Valley, and beyond. Little did they know, decades later, their children – Directors and Founders of two youth travel companies – would meet and embark on a shared mission to inspire the next generation through travel.
Fast forward almost 5 decades to WYSTC 2022, the connection was rediscovered, sparking a collaboration focused on providing educational journeys that transform the lives of young people. CAS Trips was honored to receive the prestigious 2024 WYSTC Partnership Award alongside The Learning Adventure, celebrating our collaborative efforts in sustainable and service-driven travel experiences.”
CAS Trips & The Learning Adventure
4. Bring a rising star and give them a career-changing experience
Got someone under 30 on your team who’s full of potential? Bring them along! The WYSTC Thirty Under 30 ticket is your chance to give young professionals a front-row seat to the global youth travel industry for just EUR 800. It’s designed for first-timers under 30 to attend with a mentor or manager, making it the ultimate learning and bonding opportunity. They’ll leave inspired, connected, and brimming with ideas, and you’ll be the one who opened the door. Bonus? It’s a budget-friendly way to develop future leaders.
5. Share the impact with real life examples
If you’ve attended WYSTC or similar events previously and found them valuable, share your experience with your boss. Explain how the conference helped you expand your professional network, gain new insights, or strengthen your business strategies. Show how your participation directly benefited your growth and your organisation’s goals. Here’s what past attendees had to say:
“After 20+ years in the travel industry, I’ve never been to a more well-organized, put-together, productive and positive conference in my career. I am moved by the effort that went into this massive production.”
Lauren A. Koenig, CELITECH
“WYSTC consistently delivers for us: sales, connections and market knowledge.”
Russ Hedge, President & CEO, HI USA
“Best networking event of the year for youth and student travel! The combination of educational sessions, keynotes + business meetings makes it rewarding and highly inspirational.”
Pernille Vaupel, Concept Manager, KILROY
Get your tickets here.
Early bird rates start at EUR 1,899 until 23 May 2025. Full-price tickets from EUR 2,399.
