Sandy Saburn

Sandy Saburn is the Chief Strategic Alliances Officer at Gifted Travel Network (GTN), a rapidly growing and innovative host agency in the travel industry. With a strong background in strategic planning and operationalization, Sandy has played a pivotal role in leading GTN to its current success. Known for her forward-thinking approach, she has been at the forefront of advocating for enhanced technology in travel and forging strategic technology partnerships to empower GTN members with streamlined tools for their businesses. As the overseer of GTN's major events, Sandy has transformed the agency's symposium and annual conference into standout experiences within the industry. Drawing on her extensive event production expertise, she has elevated these gatherings to be among the best in the field. Prior to joining GTN in 2017, Sandy garnered experience working with various travel agencies, encompassing leisure, corporate, and meetings and incentives sectors. Her well-rounded background has been crucial to her success in leading departments such as training, sales, marketing, partner relations, and member services. Before her career in travel, Sandy worked as a career coach, assisting displaced employees in transitioning to new jobs or launching their own entrepreneurial ventures. Inspired by her upbringing in a family of business owners, she brings a passion for entrepreneurship to her role, helping travel advisors navigate the journey of starting and developing successful businesses. Sandy is a charismatic public speaker, captivating audiences with her humor and Southern charm. She holds an M.A. in communication from Queens University of Charlotte, a B.S. in business from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and has completed the Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) program with The Travel Institute.