ASTA’s Young Professionals Society (YPS)
ASTA’s Young Professionals Society is a group of travel professionals designed for those travel agents who are under the age of 40. The YPS was created for the purpose of networking, education and career development. YPS plans on hosting networking events at all ASTA conferences.
How could YPS benefit me?
The objective of the YPS is to create a forum for young travel professionals to network with each other. Being a part of this group will enable you to establish strong business contacts in the travel industry. Membership in ASTA or emplyment with a premium agency is required to be a member of YPS.
Exclusive for Members | ||
 |  Winter 2010 Newsletter [PDF] 6MB |  YPS Newsletter archive |
  Network with the Young Professional's Group on LinkedIn and Facebook! | ||
YPS Webinar Wednesday
Join us for YPS Webinar Wednesdsay, as ASTA's Young Professional Society (YPS) Chair, Jason Coleman moderates a discussion with fellow YPS member panelists, Robbi Hamida of Nexion and Samira Platter of Travel Partners, on how they all became involved in the exciting and fast-paced world of a professional travel agent. The following webinar will take place on Wednesday, March 3rd, at 2pm EST.
To learn why becoming a travel agent could be a great career choice for you, register for our "Becoming a Travel Agent" webinar today. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/635417138
2010 ASTA YPS Retreat in Jamaica
Attention ASTA YPS members: We invite you to join us for a 4-night retreat, May 22-26, 2010. We'll spend two-nights in Negril and two-nights in Montego Bay with a day trip to Ocho Rios. All hotels, meals, ground transportation, and activities are provided COMPLIMENTARY. However be aware that this retreat is for ASTA YPS members only and registrations will be available on a first-come, first-confirmed basis. We have a limited number of spots available, so don't delay! Click here for more details.
Ride the Young Professionals Track at THETRADESHOW
Q&A with Stephanie Lee, Marketing Director, Travel Quest
Q: What value do you find in being an ASTA YPS member?
A: It's a great way to build a community outside your office. We come from different areas of travel but have a lot of common ground. I don't think anyone could argue about the value of having a group of people that are invested and passionate about their jobs that you can share ideas with and discuss problems facing the industry.
Q: How has being a member of ASTA helped you in the industry?
A: ASTA is like a personal assistant! They help keep me keep on top of important industry events and happenings, put together fabulous whitepapers that help me stay abreast of industry trends, and have been there when our agency needed advice many times.
Q: Do you have any words of advice for other young people coming into the industry?
A: I would encourage you to become involved with your local ASTA chapter and/or YPS. Being new to the industry is a great asset-- you see things from a different perspective. Being a young professional is another great asset that can bring a whole dimension to many travel agencies. My advice would be to not be shy about being new to travel and younger than most of your colleagues, see these factors as strengths that can help everyone.
The first-ever ASTA YPS Panel, sponsored by Sabre Travel Network, was a very well received education session on how to enhance the professionalism and business acumen of younger people in the industry. The audience featured a mix of both domestic and international agents and included ASTA members and non members. Members of ASTA's YPS committee led the discussion about the challenges this group faces to gain credibility and grow their business.
"The ASTA programs available at TTS provided updates and insights into what ASTA has done and is doing for my business. They were a valuable use of my time as I walked away with methods to strengthen my company" —Kari C. Thomas, CTC, Will Travel, Inc.
"As a young professional, you may or may not have noticed some of the seminars at THETRADESHOW that will help you succeed in this business. To ensure you don't miss them, I felt that it was important to highlight those seminars.Remember, to check out THETRADESHOW exhibitor list and make those valuable connections. Have a great show!" —Robbi Hamida, CTA, DS Past Chair, ASTA's Young Professional Society
YPS Committee
ASTA’s YPS is governed by a chairman who is elected for year-long terms by ASTA’s Board of Directors. Thirteen young travel professionals who are members of ASTA are nominated to sit on the committee. YPS is proud to be sponsored by Sabre and TravelAge West.
Sponsors:
ASTA Staff Liaisons: Dannette Hose and Mathew Bancroft
If you have any ideas or suggestions for the YPS, please e-mail yps@asta.org
