ASTA Small Business Network-Sacramento Chapter

03/05/2026

When the Unexpected Happens: How ASTA Travel Advisors Step Up During Middle East Travel Disruptions

As news of Middle East travel disruptions spread, American Society of Travel Advisors immediately activated their duty of care protocols, monitoring airline updates, reviewing client itineraries, and initiating proactive outreach. In an era when travelers often turn to search engines for answers during crises, this is where professional travel advisors provide far more than generic information. They provide real-time solutions, personalized guidance and advocacy. For travelers working with an ASTA travel advisor, those disruptions do not have to be faced alone.

Read more in the ASTA Travel Blog here: 🔗https://bit.ly/4r5oZ4t

03/03/2026

Learn how the American Society of Travel Advisors advocates for advisors and the travel industry.

03/03/2026

📣 MORE SPEAKERS ADDED! We’re bringing together the most influential voices in travel, business and personal growth—live in San Diego, May 27–29. Now is the time to lock in your spot to join us for this year's ASTA Travel Advisor Conference!

Get inspired. Get strategic. Get connected.

🔗 Learn more and register today: bit.ly/tac2026

03/03/2026

Join us for an evening with Audley Travel

https://evite.me/sxU5AcYVuv

03/03/2026

City2Sea is almost here, and you do NOT want to miss it! Register Now!

On April 7, 2026, join hundreds of fellow travel advisors at the Citrus Heights Community Center for a full day of education, supplier connections, and high‑impact networking designed to help you grow your business.

You’ll:

• Meet 60+ top industry suppliers ready to help you sell more and earn more.

• Get fresh destination, product, and marketing updates you can put to work immediately.

• Connect with agency owners, independent advisors, & suppliers, from across California in one energetic room.

City2Sea is a single‑day, in‑person event packed with supplier presentations, a trade show, and a powerful keynote—all tailored to serious travel professionals who want to level up.

✅ Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026

✅ Time: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

✅ Location: Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights, CA

Spots will go fast—secure your seat now and commit one powerful day to working on your business.

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979375636813?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/26/2026

Join Sacramento ASTA for a dynamic day of connections, education, prizes, and inspiration that will elevate your business and fuel your passion for travel. The industry’s best are gathering, and you’ll want to be in the room when it happens. Seats are filling fast—register today and make sure you’re part of the story everyone will be talking about!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979375636813?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/23/2026

02/19/2026

When Travel Advisors Are Labeled “Non-Essential,” We Push Back

Earlier this month, Virginia lawmakers considered legislation that would have expanded the state’s sales and use tax to include a range of so-called “non-essential” services, including travel advisor professional fees.

Let’s pause on that word: non-essential.

In a state operating with a substantial budget surplus, proposals like SB 730, HB 900 and HB 978 sought to shift the cost of infrastructure investments onto small businesses, many of them women-owned travel agencies.

ASTA pushed back.

Read More in the ASTA Travel Blog here: 🔗https://bit.ly/400nn13

02/19/2026

Who will be this year’s ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year? Submit your self-nominations now! ASTA’s Travel Advisor of the Year Award—sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection—recognizes an advisor who goes above and beyond to provide out-of-this-world service to their clients. The winner and two runners-up will be celebrated at the 2026 ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in San Diego, May 27-29.

Submit your nomination today: bit.ly/3ZOVzMS

All nominations must be submitted by March 31.

02/13/2026

When Travel Advisors are Labeled "Non-Essential," We Push Back

Earlier this month, Virginia lawmakers considered legislation that would have expanded the state’s sales and use tax to include a range of so-called "non-essential" services, including travel advisor professional fees. Let's pause on that word: non-essential. In a state operating with a substantial budget surplus, proposals like sought to shift the cost of infrastructure investments onto small businesses, many of them women-owned travel agencies. ASTA pushed back.

In comments submitted to the Virginia House, ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby made the case clearly: targeting small businesses to fund unrelated projects is unnecessary and misguided, particularly when the Commonwealth is running a surplus.

"Ninety-five percent of travel agencies are small businesses, and eighty percent are women-owned," Kerby said. “These proposals would penalize Virginia-based advisors while making it easier for consumers to seek services from advisors in other states."

Unlike many brick-and-mortar service providers, travel advisors are not bound by geography. A tax on professional fees does not just add administrative burden. It creates a competitive disadvantage that can push business from travelers across state lines with a single click.

While the battle was won for now, Virginia is not alone, and ASTA expects more state fights like these in the coming months. Should additional taxes be considered in your state, ASTA is ready to stand by you. Get wind of something before we do? Let us know at govtaffairs@asta.org.

Are you ready to hone your advocacy skills even further? Join us at ASTA Legislative Day in April in Washington, D.C.

02/13/2026

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey from the capital to the coast! Join us for Sacramento ASTA City2Sea, a one-of-a-kind travel industry event connecting professionals, partners, and passionate advisors. Experience the best of networking, education, and inspiration as we celebrate how travel brings our communities together—from the heart of Sacramento to the edge of the sea. Reserve your spot now, event expected to sell out!

ASTA City2Sea Registration Link

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979375636813?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/13/2026

ASTA Urges CBP to Rethink ESTA Social Media Requirement

ASTA representing more than 300,000 Americans employed by travel agencies nationwide, submitted formal comments to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expressing significant concerns regarding proposed changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application.

The proposal, issued pursuant to Executive Order 14161, would require Visa Waiver Program travelers to the United States to disclose up to five years of social media history as a mandatory component of the ESTA process.

“ASTA fully supports the federal government’s responsibility to protect national security and maintain the integrity of our borders,” said Peter Lobasso, Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs and General Counsel at ASTA. “However, the proposed mandatory collection of social media data raises significant privacy, economic and competitive concerns that warrant careful review and greater transparency.”

🔗 Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/4kwPRJ7