There are moments in your career when you feel the weight—and the privilege—of representing not just yourself, but an entire industry. Attending ASTA’s Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. this year was one of those moments for me.
From the moment I arrived, the energy was electric. Picture a ballroom filled with travel advisors from every corner of the country—half of them first-timers, all of them united by a single purpose: to make our voices heard where it matters most. The morning kicked off with advocacy training, and I’ll admit, even as someone who’s comfortable speaking up, there’s something humbling about practicing how to tell your story in a way that resonates with lawmakers. We dove into the key issues—like the Flight Refund Fairness Act and the ACPAC Modernization Act—learning not just the talking points, but how to connect them to the real, everyday challenges our businesses face.
Walking up to Capitol Hill, flanked by advisors and supplier partners from Georgia and beyond, I felt a sense of unity that’s hard to describe. There’s a unique camaraderie in marching into those marble halls together, ready to advocate for our clients and our profession. The nerves were real, but so was the excitement.
Our meetings with senators and representatives were nothing short of empowering. There’s a misconception that lawmakers are distant or uninterested, but what I experienced was the opposite. Congressional staffers were engaged, curious, and—most importantly—eager to hear directly from constituents. Sharing stories about the impact of refund policies, the importance of agency-client relationships, and the entrepreneurial spirit of our industry made an impression. I left each office feeling not just heard, but valued.
The issues ASTA championed this year are more than just policy—they’re about protecting the future of small businesses, many of them women-owned, and ensuring travel advisors have a seat at the table when decisions are made. Knowing that our collective advocacy can influence legislation like the Flight Refund Fairness Act (which would rightfully put refund responsibility on airlines, not agencies) or secure a spot for advisors on the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee is incredibly motivating.
But the magic of Legislative Day isn’t just in the meetings. It’s in the shared sense of purpose, the debriefs over coffee, and the realization that, together, we’re shaping the future of travel. For many, including myself, this event is a highlight of the year—a chance to step out of the daily grind and into the role of advocate, storyteller, and industry champion.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk the halls of Congress as a travel advisor, I can tell you: it’s both humbling and exhilarating. It’s a reminder that our voices matter, and that real change happens when we show up, speak up, and stand together.
A heartfelt thank you to the entire ASTA team and the fellow members who made this year’s Legislative Day such a meaningful and memorable experience. Your support, collaboration, and dedication to our industry truly made a difference.
To every advisor considering attending ASTA’s Legislative Day next year: do it. You’ll leave inspired, connected, and more empowered than ever to make a difference—not just for your business, but for our entire industry.