We are excited to announce the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Community Support Group Summit, a unique event designed to bring together American host communities, local host employers, and key program stakeholders who play a crucial role in the Summer Work Travel program. This summit is your chance to engage with a network of dedicated community groups, volunteers, organizations, program sponsors and hosts, elected officials, and the U.S. Department of State, to exchange experiences, best practices, and build lasting connections.

Why Attend?

• Empower Connections: Meet like-minded community members, hosts and program stakeholders who share your commitment to cultural exchange and support of Summer Work Travel program participants. Form new connections and expand your network.
• Enhance Your Knowledge: Learn from the diverse experiences of fellow Community Support Group members, volunteers, program hosts, and other stakeholders who support program Exchange Visitors in communities across the United States.
• Inspire Growth: Participate in interactive and insightful discussions and inspiring talks that will enhance your ability to provide meaningful experiences for Exchange Visitors in your area and beyond.

Who Should Attend?

• Current Community Support Group members, volunteers, and host employers of the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program.
• Community representatives interested in organizing a Community Support Group for Summer Work Travel program participants in their area.
• Potential hosts interested in joining the program.
• Elected officials, community leaders, and supporters of cultural exchange.
• Anyone involved in creating safe, welcoming, and culturally enriching environments for Summer Work Travel program participants.
• J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel program sponsors.

Volunteering with Keep Sevier Beautiful

We are introducing a new component to our summit – a volunteer opportunity! In collaboration with Keep Sevier Beautiful, summit attendees will join spring season exchange visitors for a cleanup of The Spur, an area within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on March 24, 2026. We encourage all attendees to join us in this beautification project by signing up HERE.

Event Accommodation 

1. Want to Stay Like a J-1?

As part of the CSG Conference experience, we are pleased to offer complimentary housing at the IRH Pigeon Forge facility for all conference participants. Rooms will be shared (two guests per room), and guests may check in and out at any time that best aligns with their travel plans. Transportation to the CSG Summit will be provided.

Get all the details here. 

Sign Up Here 

2.   Book a Hotel 

You can also book rooms at the Hilton – Black Fox Hotel with special rates starting at $169 per night.