Empowering Members to Represent AYSS at Global Events 

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The AYSS Ambassador Program is a new pilot initiative launching in 2026, designed to strengthen AYSS’s global presence by empowering members to attend events for their own benefit, and represent the association at key industry events around the world in return for some financial assistance towards the event. 

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With council schedules and budgets limiting attendance at every event, this program creates a win-win solution: 
members receive partial financial support to attend events, while AYSS benefits from increased visibility, outreach, and engagement. 

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Read on below, to find out more! 

 

Why the Ambassador Program? 

AYSS representation at international events is vital for: 

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• Promoting the AYSS mission and values 

• Supporting our global membership community 

• Increasing visibility and industry awareness 

• Strengthening regional and international connections 

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At the same time, many members attend events on their own budgets which can be financially challenging. The Ambassador Program bridges this gap by supporting members who are attending — and inviting them to represent AYSS in a clear, structured way. 

 

How the Program Works 

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• Members request approval before attending an event as an AYSS Ambassador 

• Requests are reviewed by the AYSS Council on a case-by-case basis 

• Decisions are made quickly via Council vote 

• Approved Ambassadors attend events with clear guidance and expectations 

• Financial support is provided after the event, within 30 calendar days 

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Participation is subject to Council approval and available budget. 

 

Ambassador Support Levels 

🥇 Gold Ambassador 

(AYSS will fund up to 6 per year | $1,000 contribution toward costs) 

Gold-level Ambassadors provide the highest level of AYSS visibility and engagement. 

Expected activities may include: 

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• Delivering a short presentation about AYSS and its members 
  OR 

• Hosting an AYSS networking event  

• Capturing photos and video for AYSS marketing use 

• Using AYSS-branded slides, graphics, and digital badges 

• Sharing AYSS highlights on LinkedIn with provided branding 

 

🥈 Silver Ambassador 

(AYSS will fund up to 12 per year | $500 contribution toward costs) 

Silver-level Ambassadors focus on relationship-building and targeted visibility. 

Expected activities may include: 

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• Capturing photos and video for AYSS marketing use 

• Conducting at least one beneficial industry meeting on behalf of AYSS 

• Including AYSS branding in presentations or event profiles 

• Sharing at least one AYSS-related social media post during or after the event 

 

🥉 Bronze Ambassador 

(Unlimited | $250 contribution toward costs) 

Bronze-level Ambassadors provide light but valuable visibility support. 

Expected activities may include: 

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• Capturing and submitting photos or short video clips 

• Taking a branded “selfie” or group photo using AYSS digital frames 

• Displaying a QR code or small AYSS sign at the event 

• Mentioning AYSS in post-event LinkedIn recaps 

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Bespoke Ambassador Arrangements 

Some events or opportunities may require a tailored approach. 
These will be reviewed individually and structured to best support both the member and AYSS. 

 

AYSS Digital Ambassador Toolkit 

Approved Ambassadors receive access to a Digital Brand Kit to make participation simple and consistent. 

The toolkit may include: 

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• AYSS logos and brand assets 

• Presentation slides and intro templates 

• Digital badges and banners 

• Social media templates and suggested hashtags 

• QR codes linking to AYSS resources and membership information 

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Everything is designed for easy global use — digital-first, printable where needed. 

 

Benefits for Ambassadors 

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• Recognition as an AYSS Ambassador 

• Increased professional visibility within the global yachting community 

• Support toward event attendance costs 

• Access to exclusive AYSS resources and networks 

• Opportunity to help shape the future of AYSS 

 

Pilot Program & Feedback 

The 2026 Ambassador Program will launch as a pilot initiative. 
Feedback, insights, and outcomes from participating members will help refine and expand the program in future years. 

 

Interested in Becoming an AYSS Ambassador? 

If you’re attending industry events in 2026 and would like to represent AYSS, we’d love to hear from you. 

Contact us: admin@ayss.org 

 

AYSS Ambassador Program – Frequently Asked Questions 

Who can become an AYSS Ambassador? 

Any current AYSS member in good standing who is attending an industry event and is willing to represent AYSS in a professional and positive manner may apply. 

 

Do I need approval before representing AYSS? 

Yes. All Ambassador participation requires prior approval from the AYSS Council. 
Members may not expect reimbursement without written approval in advance. 

 

How do I apply or submit a request? 

Requests can be submitted via email or WhatsApp, including: 

• The event name and date 

• Location 

• Which Ambassador level you’re requesting (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) 

• A brief description of how you’ll represent AYSS 

Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

 

How are decisions made? 

The AYSS Council reviews requests and votes via a WhatsApp poll, with decisions typically made within one week. 
Approval is subject to program suitability and available budget. 

 

Is participation guaranteed? 

No. The Council is not obligated to approve every request. Some events may not align with AYSS objectives, or budget limits may apply. 

 

When is financial support paid? 

Approved financial contributions are paid after the event, within 30 calendar days, once agreed deliverables are completed. 

 

What expenses are covered? 

Contributions are intended to help offset event-related costs (such as registration, travel, or hosting activities). Exact use of funds may vary by event and agreement. 

 

What is expected from an AYSS Ambassador? 

Expectations vary by Ambassador level, but generally include: 

• Promoting AYSS at the event 

• Capturing photos and/or video for AYSS use 

• Using AYSS branding where appropriate 

• Sharing AYSS visibility through networking or social media 

All expectations will be clearly outlined at approval. 

 

What is the AYSS Digital Ambassador Toolkit? 

The Digital Ambassador Toolkit includes branded resources such as logos, presentation slides, digital badges, social media templates, QR codes, and backgrounds to help Ambassadors represent AYSS consistently and professionally. 

👉 The digital kit is available on request and will be provided to approved Ambassadors. 

 

Can I represent AYSS and my own company at the same event? 

Yes. Ambassadors are encouraged to represent both AYSS and their own business, provided AYSS branding and messaging are used appropriately and professionally. 

 

Can one event have more than one Ambassador? 

Possibly. This depends on the event size, scope, and AYSS objectives. The Council will determine the best approach per event. 

 

What types of events qualify? 

Qualifying events may include (but are not limited to): 

• Boat shows and trade shows 

• Industry conferences and forums 

• Networking events and regional meet-ups 

• Speaking engagements and panel discussions 

 

Is this a paid role or employment? 

No. The Ambassador Program is not employment. Financial support is a contribution toward costs in exchange for agreed promotional activities. 

 

Is this program permanent? 

The 2026 Ambassador Program is launching as a pilot initiative. AYSS will review participation, feedback, and outcomes before expanding or adjusting the program. 

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Who do I contact for more information? 

Email: admin@ayss.org