Since 1991, Bob Hofmann has worked to make a deeper connection between Broadway and the travel industry, focusing on wholesale distribution programs including group and individual FIT ticketing and promotions. All the while, he's felt strongly about the importance of youth group travel.

John Stachnik is the president and co-owner—with his wife, Mary—of Mayflower Tours, in Downers Grove, Illinois. He and his family have made the company a success, and they want to keep it that way.

Prior to opening his company in 1980, Doug Ellison spent fourteen years in high school education. As a teacher, he organized school tours that took place during breaks—tours that sparked his interest in travel. Ellison Travel & Tours was established with two employees and student group travel in mind. Today, the family-run, Exeter, Ontario-based company has three locations.

Hank Phillips, Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Travel & Tourism, highlights the Bluegrass State's must-see locations.

Denise George, Receptively Yours co-owner, began her travel industry career twenty years ago, as director of youth sales at Planet Hollywood. Denise has served on committees for organizations including National Tour Association and American Bus Association, and on the Student & Youth Travel Association board of directors and the SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) board of trustees. Here, she talks about fifteen years of SYF and its role in enhancing student travel.