WYSTC in New York
My personal highlight this year was a short trip to New York where I joined the •WYSTC 2008, the WORLD YOUTH AND STUDENT TRAVEL CONFERENCE from 13.-17.09.2008. Apart from being in one of the hippest cities on earth, it was the conference that gave me inspiring new insights into the current and future state of our industry. The conference is the meeting place of the •WYSE and •ALTO as well as of IAPA, IASIS, ISIC, ISSA, ISTC and SATA, which are the organisations primarily concerned with global youth and student travel.
Most interesting during the seminar day was the keynote speaker and futurist •Rohit Talwar. He spoke about the key trends and drivers shaping future young travellers, the shifts in world wealth and the fast growth economies, which will impact all of us.
Another very inspiring seminar was held by •Bryan Fuhr, who spoke about social media and networks. He made clear that the young traveller of the future will no longer be willing to buy ready made products but will be a strong opinion holder, who demands flexibility in what he wants to buy.
The Monday was followed by two days of business appointments. Here it was very good to renew existing relationships and to speak with new partners about prospective business. All this was framed by the amazing impressions and brief insights into the Big Apple; it is definitely a place worth going to at least once in your life.
Gerda Schlimmgen has been working for IH Berlin PROLOG as our booking manager since 2006. She often accompanies our director to conferences and trade fairs.