Dallas Lyons (SITE’s Head of Membership & Chapters) recently connected with SITE Young Leader Max Simpkins. 

As SITE Young Leaders prepare for their annual upcoming Young Leaders Conference, this was the perfect time to discuss the role SITE plays in preparing emerging industry talent for a rewarding career.

Q: How did you start your career in incentive travel?
A: I was fortunate to have always worked in hospitality, starting in the kitchens (still amazed they trusted me with knives!). I worked in various F&B roles before studying hotel management in Switzerland. 

After graduation, I joined ITC luxury hotels in New Delhi, India, for a year in sales and marketing, followed by roles with Taj Hotels and the Shangri-La group here in London. At Shangri-La at the Shard, London, I delved into incentive travel, creating packages and guiding visiting agents. It was during this time I joined SITE, supported the Young Leaders Committee, and fell in love with incentive travel and the SITE community. 

After leaving Shangri-La, I joined the Apex Group, collaborating closely with SITE Scotland on incentives. I am now working for the Luxury hotel group — Langham Hospitality group & I am a board member for SITE Great Britain and oversee the Young Leader Program within the chapter.

Q: How did you first get engaged with SITE’s Young Leader Program?
A: I was introduced to SITE Young Leaders Committee through a friend on the SITE Great Britain chapter board, who was starting the Young Leaders Committee in the United Kingdom. 

I was fortunate to join the committee in the early stages of my chapter’s Young Leader program. At that time, we had few young leaders and limited awareness. Since then, our network has grown significantly, hosting events like the chapter’s 2023 Summer Soirée with nearly 200 attendees!

Q: What are you most excited about related to the 2024 Young Leaders Conference?

A: This year’s SITE Young Leaders Conference in Vegas marks my fourth time attending, and I am thrilled to be supporting the event's organization. 

I am particularly excited about the interactive sessions and workshops we have planned. We’ll be refocusing on the core values of being a SITE Young Leader — building a strong professional network and forming lasting connections. 

The conference will provide many opportunities for attendees to engage with peers and industry leaders, fostering personal and professional growth. Additionally, we have scheduled a deep dive into managing and being managed by different generations in today’s workplace. 

I’m really looking forward to meeting new attendees, reconnecting with familiar faces, and sharing experiences that will benefit us all.

Q: Do you have any advice for students or developing professionals starting out in this industry?

A: For students and developing professionals entering the incentive travel industry, my foremost advice is to find a mentor. Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance, support, and insight as you navigate your career. SITE offers a fantastic mentorship program, and I encourage new entrants to take full advantage of it. Personally, I have been extremely fortunate to have had several great mentors who have played significant roles in shaping my career. Their advice and support have been instrumental in my professional development.

Additionally, I would remind newcomers to embrace and enjoy the unique aspects of this industry. While the hours can be unsociable and the work demanding, the opportunities to experience and create extraordinary travel experiences are unparalleled.

If you are under 35 years old and would like to get plugged into SITE’s Young Leader community, register now for the Young Leader Conference on Sunday, October 6.