The ASTA Young Professionals Society (YPS) brings together ASTA members who are 45 and under to build community, develop leadership, and help shape the future of the travel advisor profession.
Here in Greater Portland, we have an opportunity to build on that foundation by creating something that reflects our own community, our own challenges, and our own opportunities.
Travel advising is built on relationships. While our clients see the finished itinerary, they rarely see the conversations, collaboration, and shared experiences that help us become better advisors. We believe none of us grows in isolation. We grow through the people we surround ourselves with.
Here in Greater Portland, we have an opportunity to build on that foundation by creating something that reflects our own community, our own challenges, and our own opportunities.
Travel advising is built on relationships. While our clients see the finished itinerary, they rarely see the conversations, collaboration, and shared experiences that help us become better advisors. We believe none of us grows in isolation. We grow through the people we surround ourselves with.
Our Vision is Simple
To create a community where travel professionals support one another, share ideas openly, continue learning throughout their careers, and help raise the standard of professionalism within our industry.
What Could We Create Together?
These are some of the ideas that have already been discussed. They're not a roadmap. They're a starting point for the conversation.
Professional DevelopmentPractical workshops focused on building exceptional travel advisors and stronger businesses. Topics might include marketing, technology, AI, planning fees, leadership, client service, business development, ethics, and building long-term success.
Learning Beyond TravelSome of the best business lessons come from outside our industry. Imagine learning from local entrepreneurs, business coaches, attorneys, financial professionals, public speakers, and community leaders who can help us become stronger professionals.
Stronger Local ConnectionsBuild relationships with fellow advisors, supplier partners, and other professionals who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of our industry. Sometimes the best solution comes from a conversation with someone who's been there before.
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Community EngagementWhat if travel advisors became even more visible within our communities? We hope to explore opportunities through organizations like Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, networking groups, volunteer initiatives, and other local partnerships that strengthen both our businesses and our profession.
Mentorship & LeadershipEvery advisor has something to learn, and every advisor has something to share. Whether through informal mentoring, peer-to-peer discussions, or leadership opportunities, we hope to create an environment where everyone can grow together.
Your Ideas...Some of the best possibilities are almost certainly ones we have not considered yet. Share the topics, challenges, speakers, partnerships, or experiences you believe could make Greater Portland YPS more valuable to our local travel community.
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Our Values
As we build Greater Portland YPS, we hope to be guided by a few simple ideas:
- Collaboration over Competition: Our profession becomes stronger when we share knowledge and help one another succeed.
- Growth over Perfection: None of us has all the answers. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn.
- People First: Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
- Lifelong Learning: The travel industry never stops evolving. Neither should we.
- Leave the Profession Better Than We Found It: We have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to help strengthen the future of travel advising for those who follow.
Help Shape Portland YPS
This is where you come in. Rather than deciding what Greater Portland YPS should become, we'd rather build it together. That's why we're starting with a conversation. We'll gather ideas from advisors across our chapter and then host a virtual planning session where anyone interested can help shape the direction of Greater Portland YPS.
Whether your passion is networking, professional development, mentorship, advocacy, community involvement, or simply connecting with other advisors, we'd love to hear your ideas.
Whether your passion is networking, professional development, mentorship, advocacy, community involvement, or simply connecting with other advisors, we'd love to hear your ideas.
Visit Us at the ASTA Mexico & More Tradeshow & DinnerTuesday, August 25 | 5PM - 8:30PM
Hilton Garden Inn Clackamas, OregonClackamas, OR We'll have a YPS table at the upcoming Greater Portland ASTA Sunny Destinations: Mexico & More Tradeshow & Dinner. Stop by, introduce yourself, ask questions, and let us know you're interested in helping build Portland YPS. We'll be collecting names and email addresses from advisors who would like to stay involved, then inviting everyone to a follow-up Zoom conversation where we'll discuss ideas, priorities, and what this community should become. No commitment. Just a chance to be part of something from the very beginning. |
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Who Is YPS For?
ASTA's national Young Professionals Society is open to ASTA members who are 45 and under, whether you're new to the industry, growing your business, or an established advisor looking to become more involved.
While our YPS membership follows ASTA's national guidelines, our vision of strengthening professionalism extends well beyond age. We wholeheartedly believe that stregnthening the professionalism and helping to grow and nurture new local travel businesses benefits both the local travel network and the industry as a whole. As appropriate, some Greater Portland YPS workshops and events will also welcome other chapter members, supplier partners, and local professionals whose experience and perspectives can help strengthen our community.
While our YPS membership follows ASTA's national guidelines, our vision of strengthening professionalism extends well beyond age. We wholeheartedly believe that stregnthening the professionalism and helping to grow and nurture new local travel businesses benefits both the local travel network and the industry as a whole. As appropriate, some Greater Portland YPS workshops and events will also welcome other chapter members, supplier partners, and local professionals whose experience and perspectives can help strengthen our community.
Stay Connected
Interested in joining us, sharing an idea, or helping build the future of Greater Portland YPS? We'd love to hear from you. Join our interest list and watch the Greater Portland ASTA calendar for upcoming YPS events and announcements.
