Monthly News Letter February 2026

Updated: Apr 18

Romance is about experiences, not things—and that’s where you come in. February is a prime time to position romantic getaways as higher-value alternative to traditional Valentine’s gifts. Think sunset beach escapes, wine-country weekends, spa retreats, and cozy mountain lodges.

Upcoming ASTA Events

· March 11-15 2026 ASTA River Cruise Expo Register Now

March 19 SF Bay Area ASTA Lunch & Learn 12pm at OYO Pleasanton CA Presenting will be Kensington Tours - Careese Peters &

Auto Europe - Lauralee Graham Register Now
April 20-21 Legislative Day Register Now
May 27-29 Travel Advisor Conference 2026 Register Now
August 22-26 Caribbean Showcase Register Now
November 12-13 3rd Annual Born to Explore & More - SAVE THE DATE

More details coming soon

Chapter News

We would like to extend a warm farewell and heartfelt thank you to Karen Ellison for her many years of dedicated service to our chapter, both as a past President and as our Treasurer. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and commitment. We also want to thank Lorene Romero for stepping up as our new Treasurer. Lorene is no stranger to this board, having also served as a past President of our chapter. We are also thrilled to have Julian Tamayo as our newest YPS Representative. Thank you all for making our chapter amazing!

Industry News

ASTA is working to help travel advisors to get our much deserved hotel commissions. They have set up a Form to report a hotel commission issue. Submit your hotel commission issue here:

February's Meeting Recap

Thank you to Lorene Romero with Copper Whale & Salmon Berry Tours!

On February 19, Copper Whale and Salmon Berry Tours hosted our monthly meeting at The Pub Republic in Petaluma. Thank you to everyone who attended—we appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.

Communications & Chapter Meetings

We communicate with you

through the following channels:

· Email: As needed for updates and events

· Eventbrite: RSVPs and online payment for events

· Newsletter: Monthly communication to learn about what is happening

· Facebook: See what we are up to SFBA FaceBook Page

· Webinars – Stay informed on the latest industry trends and supplier updates. You can access past recordings anytime in the ASTA Video Library

· Lunch & Learn / Dinner & Learn – Build relationships with suppliers and fellow advisors in a more intimate setting. Seats fill quickly, so watch your inbox for invites!

· FAM Trips – Experience destinations firsthand with exclusive travel opportunities. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

COMING SOON: Our Chapter website is under construction

We understand that many travel advisors prefer our meetings to be held closer to their homes and workplaces. To accommodate this, we aim to host events across various Bay Area communities. If you have a venue suggestion, please contact Juliette Vercelli from our event planning committee at sfba.asta@gmail.com.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you soon!

ASTA Membership Information: Join or renew your ASTA membership to access exclusive benefits and stay connected to our travel advisor community: Join/Renew Today

HAVE A QUESTION about our upcoming events? Please email sfba.asta@gmail.com for more information.