Last summer, Mike Martin joined the ETI team as a Travel Consultant following his 25-year teaching career where he took countless students on the road. One year into his time with ETI, we caught up with Mike to learn how it’s all going, his favorite part of his job, a standout memory from the last year, and more!
What’s been a standout memory from the last year?
Attending the SYTA Annual Conference in Savannah last August was one of the highlights of my first year. Throughout my career as a choir director, I've attended countless music conferences to network with colleagues and learn new ways to grow professionally. The SYTA Conference felt very similar, but it also opened my eyes to the world of student travel and the genuine passion people in this industry have for creating meaningful, enriching experiences for students.
I understand that student travel is still a for-profit industry, but what stood out to me was how much everyone I met cared about the impact they have on students—from attractions and destinations to hotels, restaurants, and transportation. It was especially rewarding to connect with so many former educators who have found their place in this field. We all share the same foundation: doing what's best for kids. That experience reaffirmed my decision to be part of the student travel industry and made me even more excited for what's ahead.
What’s your favorite part of your role on the ETI team?
Getting to know more people, especially teachers and directors, in a different capacity. I've really enjoyed connecting and reconnecting with directors I've briefly seen at conferences and festivals, and now I have a chance to really get to know them and build stronger relationships. One of the things I've enjoyed most is attending conferences as an ETI representative and meeting others in the industry. The student travel industry is a well-connected world, and I've loved getting to know so many great people and building friendships along the way.
What’s the most recent place you traveled to and what was the most exciting thing you did there?
The most recent "big trip" was a Disney Cruise last summer with my brother's family. Not only was it our first Disney Cruise, but it was our very first cruise ever! I think we are a little spoiled now, as the bar was set extremely high with adjoining veranda rooms, allowing us to spend some much-needed quality time together.
A highlight was snorkeling in Nassau and Pirate Night with fireworks! This summer we are taking the kids on a Northern Michigan road trip, experiencing places like Mackinac Island, Whitefish Point and Tahquamenon Falls, Munising, Manistique, Copper Harbor, and Ontonagon. Then, we’ll head south and visiting the Wisconsin Dells and Chicago! It's definitely going to be another core memory trip.
How has your outlook on student travel changed or evolved since joining the other side of the planning process?
I've really enjoyed getting to know the behind-the-scenes process and have a much greater appreciation for the work that gets done to make our trips happen. Learning how operations are handled—from motorcoach companies, airlines, hotels and restaurants to the planning and development phase of each itinerary—has informed and significantly influenced the way I'm able to communicate with our group leaders. It's allowed me to answer and anticipate more of the "why" questions that may arise when talking and working with group leaders.
I know every travel company operates differently, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of ETI. What I'm seeing and experiencing from the sales side of the process mirrors what I felt from the group leader side—authentic care and attention to the specific needs of each group. It reassured me that ETI is the right fit for me.
Courtesy of ETI.
