San Diego Chapter
President‘s Newsletter
August 2026
Someone got a promotion! ASTA Announces Key Leadership Appointments
ASTA announced leadership appointments for Pam Bonin as Senior Director of Member Care and Services, Jaci Miller as Director of Membership Sales and Engagement, and Margo Van Ness as Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. Bonin, Miller, and Van Ness have also joined ASTA’s Senior Staff, strengthening cross-functional leadership around member support, growth, and visibility.
We are Watching you! ASTA Engages Maryland Advocacy Support
As ASTA continues to examine the ramifications of a seller of travel law in Maryland, the advocacy team engaged Compass Advocacy, a government relations firm with extensive expertise in navigating the Maryland Legislature. Check out the attached Advocacy Updates for more details.
More money in our pockets! Record Commission Recovered for ASTA Member
Through ASTA's Report a Hotel tool, a past-due commission owed for a 416-room-night group booking was secured, resulting in $16,000 recovered for a member. This is the largest single recovery to date, and more than $44,000 in commissions have been recovered for ASTA members since the program’s inception last October.
JAMBO! ASTA Opens Registration for Safari Educational Journey in 2027
ASTA announced an Educational Journey to Tanzania, February 1-7, 2027, with tour operator WildReality Safari. Participants will experience the thrill of game drives, incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and the magic of Tanzania firsthand—all while gaining the knowledge and experience to confidently sell this bucket-list destination to clients.
San Diego in the NEWS!!! In-District Congressional Meeting Held in San Diego
On August 17, ASTA members and staff met with Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) in his San Diego district office to discuss ASTA legislative priorities, including support for H.R. 5556, the Flight Refund Fairness Act and increased funding for air traffic control modernization. The meeting also covered industry trends and traveler demand, concluding with photos and a certificate of appreciation from the San Diego ASTA Chapter.
New Rules! Updates to ASTA Bylaws
At its August 5 meeting in Rhode Island, the Board of Directors approved four substantive amendments to the ASTA Bylaws. The Legal team revised the affected provisions in accordance with the Board’s directive and circulated the updated version of the Bylaws, which became effective immediately, to the staff shortly thereafter.
National Events:
The Summit, Oct 14 – 16, Denver
Vietnam Fam, Nov 6 – 16 (still space available)
Tanzania FAM, Feb 1 – 7, 2027
River Cruise Expo, Mar 10 – 14, 2027
2027 Travel Advisor Conference, May 4 – 6, Orlando
Check the website for all event information. ASTA Website
2026 Local ASTA San Diego Events – Our board has been busy setting up events for the rest of this year and into 2027!!!
****WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!****
Watch for our ASTA Survey to share your ideas and Preferences for upcoming events!
September 22 – Fall Festival, Del Mar Hilton, 4 – 7 pm
October 27 – Taiwan Tourist Board Event, with Taiwanese cuisine, Location TBD
November 17 – Friendsgiving Lunch, Royal Caribbean & Silversea, Seasons 52, 11:30 am
December 15 – Holiday Party, Rancho Bernardo Inn, 5 – 9 PM
San Diego ASTA FAM Opportunities
Scottsdale – October 4-7, 2026 SOLD OUT
Croatia – October 2027 – still working on details.
Watch your email and our website for updates, applications, and deadlines. San Diego ASTA
Support ASTAPAC
Your contributions strengthen our chapter and our industry.
See the attached Advocacy Team update for the latest on state and federal efforts—they’ve been working hard on our behalf.
Donate Here
Warm regards,
Tracy Anderson, CTC
President, San Diego ASTA