WYSTC 2025 | From purpose to partnerships and bold ideas on day two
The second day of WYSTC 2025 in Lisbon was brimming with energy as delegates packed in early-morning business appointments, workshops, and thought-provoking sessions. The trade hall buzzed with activity, setting the tone for a day centred on purpose, collaboration, and future-facing ideas.
Workshops opened the agenda with Crystal Bunts (Alliance Abroad) and Marlenny Peña (OFIT) tackling the balance between cultural exchange and career progression, followed by Patricia Brunner (IAPA) on sustaining agency partnerships. Muzo Unluel (GEC) and Marianny Aquino (ACE International) added perspectives on building long-term collaborations that are both meaningful and impactful.
Delegates also heard from the US Department of State, with Karen Ward offering key updates facilitated by Casey Slamin of InterExchange, drawing significant attention from cultural exchange stakeholders. Midday brought the return of WYSTC Rogue, sparking curiosity and conversations across the convention centre.
The highlight of the afternoon came with Luís Araújo’s keynote, “Tourism is dead…”, facilitated by David Chapman of WYSE Travel Confederation. His thought-provoking address challenged conventional narratives about tourism, inspiring delegates to rethink strategies for the youth travel sector’s future.
Workshops later in the day kept the practical insights flowing. Grant Millar (HI Canada) explored how to work effectively with community partners, while Rob Burchell (Hanover) unpacked how context can enhance AI in cultural exchange. Tim Alpe (LyLo) shared leadership lessons in “two ears and one mouth”, emphasising listening as a tool for success, and Marina Onaca (LifeTRAVELED) closed the track with a playbook for developing resilient leaders through camp counselling.
After a full schedule of meetings and learning, delegates gathered at the Hyatt Regency Lisboa for the conference bar, sponsored by WISE Foundation, where conversations continued late into the night.
