ASTA Overhauls Board Terms and Election Structure Ahead of 2027 Cycle

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) on Tuesday announced sweeping updates to its Bylaws and board election framework, introducing longer terms, a balanced yearly schedule, and expanded eligibility requirements for members eyeing national leadership roles.

The changes are all in effect now, heading into the 2027 cycle. Here’s how things now shake out:

Three-Year Terms

Elected board terms have officially transitioned from two to three years. This applies across the board to At-Large Directors, Premium Agency Directors, the Host Agency Director, the Independent Advisor Director, and Regional Directors. (Appointed positions, such as the Consortium Director and Corporate Advisory Council Directors, remain on two-year terms).

A Balanced 4-Seat Election Rotation

To smooth out election cycles, ASTA has engineered a transition plan so that exactly four seats will be up for election every year starting in 2029.

Expanded Candidate Eligibility

Premium Agency & Host Agency Seats: Official representatives and voting managers of Host Agencies and Consortia now have broader pathways to run for Premium Agency Director positions.

Executive Committee: Regional Directors and the Independent Advisor Director are now fully eligible to run for any of the three Executive Committee leadership posts: Chair of the Board, Vice Chair/Secretary, and Treasurer.

New Rules for the Board Chair: The Chair of the Board will now serve a dedicated two-year term. Candidates seeking the role must have at least two years remaining on their current board term to qualify.

What to Expect for the 2027 Elections

As part of the multi-year transition to the new cycle, a total of six seats will be open during the 2027 elections:

• Two At-Large Director seats (3-year terms)
• One Premium Agency Director seat (3-year term)
• One Premium Agency Director seat (4-year term – adjusted for transition scheduling)
• One Host Agency Director seat (2-year term)
• One Regional Director seat (3-year term)

ASTA has announced it will publish the official 2027 Election Calendar-complete with qualification and voting deadlines-by the end of the year, alongside a dedicated webinar for potential candidates in December.