WYSE Travel Confederation is pleased to announce CouchSurfing chief executive Tony Espinoza as keynote speaker for its 2012 conference.

The keynote speech will take place on Wednesday September 19th at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.

Espinoza, a 20-year software vet who has launched technologies at companies like Apple, MTV Networks, and AOL, joined CouchSurfing in April.

CouchSurfing, the world’s largest social travel network with 4.6 million members in 91,694 cities, has drawn increasing attention for its exponential growth, as well as how it continues to transform youth travel.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tony to our community and as our keynote speaker.

“There is great synergy between WYSE Travel Confederation and CouchSurfing’s mission to promote meaningful and inspiring travel experiences,” said Espen Falkenhaug, director general of World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation.

“As WYSTC, our annual global event, promotes trading, networking and educational seminars for all sectors in the youth travel industry, Tony’s contribution will undoubtedly further those aims.”

Espinoza will discuss the cultural value CouchSurfing provides to the world’s youth - qualities such as trust, community and cultural exchange.

He will join notable speakers Taleb D. Rifai, secretary general, United Nations World Tourism Organisation and Robin Lerner, deputy assistant secretary of the US Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, at WYSTC 2012, in San Diego, USA.