Vice President Industry Engagement & Events Update - May '25
Tara Strickland
Vice President - Skål International Australia
Tara Strickland
Industry Engagement & Events
Dear fellow Skålleagues,
I for one, practically have my bags packed already for our next Skål National Assembly! We are heading to South Australia and I can assure you, Team Adelaide have a sensational itinerary planned for us (check out skalaustralianationalassembly.com for all the details).
If you haven’t been to a National Assembly before and you’re wondering what it’s all about, here’s a little more info to help you out.
What is a Skål Australia National Assembly?
Skål International Australia (SIA) organise two events each year bringing together Skål Members (Skålleagues) from across the country. All Skålleagues are invited and encouraged to attend. In March, the SIA Assembly includes the National AGM, and in August/September a second National Assembly is held, each in a different destination where a Skål Club is located. Currently there are 16 Australian Clubs, and all are invited to submit a tender to co-host an Assembly in collaboration with SIA.
Tell me more!
Skål Australia’s National Assemblies include 3 days of activities (from Friday to Sunday) with ample time to foster relationships in a professional yet relaxed setting.
We know you love your local club and local events (we do too!) but being part of Skål International means that you are part of a WORLD-WIDE network of industry professionals, spanning Australia and over 85 countries across the globe. The National Assemblies (and the Annual World Congress) give you the opportunity to truly expand your network, enhance your business connections, and forge lasting friendships with like-minded professionals who share a passion for the travel and tourism industry.
It's not just a gathering, it’s a valuable and productive business event (and that means, it is also a legitimate tax-deductible travel expense)!
Why Attend a National Assembly?
- Networking & Business Growth – Meet with industry leaders, exchange ideas, boost your professional profile and build strong business relationships.
- Professional Development – Learn from industry experts and fellow Skålleagues in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Represent your Club – Show up for your local club and participate in important discussions and workshops regarding Skål matters. Your voice and contribution are hugely vital to the future of our Association.
- Strengthen Friendships – Outside the boardroom, our social events allow time to relax and forge bonds with fellow members in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie – the very essence of Skål.
- Showcase Your Club & City – Hosting an Assembly puts you in the spotlight, helping to increase pride and dedication within your club, and giving you a fantastic chance to engage with your local industry and tourism bodies to promote your destination.
What actually happens?
Key Events at the National Assembly across the 3-day period.
- Skål Australia Expo
- Welcome Cocktail Function
- Assembly Meeting/AGM and Workshops
- Gala Dinner
- Post-Assembly Brunch
Upcoming Assemblies
Year | Date | Location |
2025 | 5 – 7 September | Adelaide, South Australia |
2026 | 13 – 15 March | Gold Coast, Queensland |
2026 | Aug/Sep | TBC EOIs now open, deadline 31 July 2025 |
Every National Assembly is open to all Skål International members. That’s YOU. And it’s your chance to truly embrace being part of our global Association, maximise your membership benefits, and support the future of Skål.
Need more info?
Contact me, Skål Australia National Vice President – Industry Engagement and Events, Tara Strickland at: vpevents@skal.org.au
Ready to get involved?
We have a dedicated website with all the information for our current Assembly (this is an evergreen website that changes with the appropriate details in the lead up to each Assembly). Currently you check out all the info for our upcoming Assembly in Adelaide (and links to register!):
skalaustralianationalassembly.com
Yours in Skål,
Tara Strickland
Vice President - Skål International Australia
