Vice President Industry Engagement & Events Update - June '25
Tara Strickland
Vice President - Skål Australia
Tara Strickland
Industry Engagement & Events
Greetings fellow Skålleagues
As a proud Skålleague, you already know the value of doing
business among friends. You’ve been to events, shaken hands (maybe even shared
a few cheers), and felt the warmth that comes from being part of a global
community that gets what this industry is all about.
But here’s a little reminder of the incredible scope, history and opportunity
we’re all connected to.
Skål International began in 1932, when a group of Parisian travel agents formed
deep bonds during an industry trip and went on to create the first Skål Club.
That sense of camaraderie became the foundation for a worldwide network that
now spans 296 clubs in 79 countries — including 16 clubs right here in
Australia.
We are the only global tourism organisation that unites all sectors of the
industry through friendship, and we proudly represent over 800 Australian
members, across all levels and specialties, almost equally split between women
and men. That’s something worth celebrating.
When you walk into a room and connect with fellow Skålleagues —
wherever you are in the world — you create instant credibility, warmth and
impact. That’s the spirit of Skål. That’s why we #SkalMeets.
Skåll-ing 101
As members, we’re part of something big — but it’s up to us to make the most of it. Here are some tips on how to keep Skål working for you:
Tap into the global network
·
Download the Skål app and log in to access the full member
database
·
Make sure your profile is up to date — it’s your calling card when
connecting across the world
·
Travelling for work or leisure? First stop: check the app to find
valuable local Skål contacts
Join events — anywhere in the world
·
As a Skålleague, you’re welcomed at any Skål event, anywhere in
the world. Reach out and be part of it!
·
Follow fellow Skål clubs on social media to get updates on what’s
happening around the world (most clubs are active on Facebook in particular)
·
Can’t find the next event for your destination? Reach out directly
to the local club President — you’ll find their contact details in the Skål
database
·
When visiting another Skål club, be sure to get some pics and send
them on to me so I can help boost your Skål activities!
Keep growing with professional development
·
Access webinars and industry resources through the members’
section of the app
As VP for Industry Engagement & Events, I
see first-hand how powerful it is when our members show up — not just for each
other, but for the tourism industry as a whole. Whether you’re attending a
breakfast in your local city, connecting with members abroad, or representing
your club at our National Assembly, you are strengthening Skål’s presence and
your own professional reach.
Let’s keep showing the industry what we stand for.
Let’s keep building something we’re proud to belong to.
Yours in Skål,
Tara Strickland
Vice President - Skål International Australia
