Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development

• Developed a Comprehensive Schedule of Responsibilities and Deadlines: This "living" document evolved throughout the year to keep the Executive Committee (EC) on track and aligned with organizational goals.
• Enhanced North American Skål Congress (NASC) Collaboration: Strengthened partnerships with Mexico, Canada, and the USA by implementing shared initiatives. This included encouraging Mexican participation in NASC, creating standardized "alias" emails for all clubs and positions to ensure continuity, and launching "Connect Skål – the North American Way," a network to connect members seeking club-specific information. Membership benefits were also enhanced with improved accessibility and search functionalities.

Member Communication and Engagement

• Distributed a Comprehensive Member Letter: A four-page letter was mailed to all Skål USA members, outlining leadership objectives to cultivate passion, set high expectations, and encourage engagement. It included ten strategic goals, opportunities for committee involvement, and instructions for updating personal information on skal.org. This initiative received positive feedback from members while giving us an opportunity to correct wrong mailing addresses.
• Acknowledged Milestones: Sent congratulatory emails to clubs celebrating annual anniversaries and commemorative plaques for significant milestones. New members also received personalized welcome emails with guidance on organizational involvement.
• Hosted Member Forums: Held two Zoom forums to address questions about the proposed Governance Plan and updates to the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, fostering transparency and dialogue.

Governance and Strategic Planning

• Advanced Governance Reforms: Developed and secured member approval for a new Governance Plan, Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaw updates at the National Committee Meeting.
• Strategic Development Planning: Designed a forward-looking Strategic Development Plan to serve as a foundation for the organization's future growth.

Outreach and Partnerships

• Expanded Partnerships: Engaged with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism to advocate for Skål. Explored collaboration opportunities with PATA, Tourism Cares, and other organizations.
• Representation at Events: Participated in key meetings and events, including the North American Skål Congress (NCM and AGM) in Winnipeg, the Northeast USA regional meeting in Philadelphia, and various club meetings in cities such as Philadelphia, Kansas City, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C.

Membership Growth and Recognition

• Innovative Membership Initiatives: Absorbed activation fees for new members and launched a membership competition, offering incentives such as a $1,500 prize for referrals.
• Enhanced Awards Program: Introduced new, modern crystal globe awards for honors such as William C. Sweet Member of Honor, Club of the Year, and Tourism Industry Professional.
• Tradeshow Presence: Designed and distributed promotional materials, including badge ribbons and displays, for events such as the Southeast Tourism Society’s Connections tradeshow. This effort generated new member leads.

Additional Contributions

• Engaged Media: Represented Skål USA through radio and podcast interviews, including appearances on Tucson’s KVOI, Bringing Home the Bacon, and Premier Travel.
• Celebrated Skål International’s 90th Anniversary: Filmed a commemorative message to mark this milestone.
• Facilitated Voting Processes: Streamlined delegate registration for Skal International and Skål USA elections by creating an efficient JotForm for club presidents to complete.
• Stabilized Technology: streamlined away from Dropbox to another platform that allows greater efficiency in storing documents necessary for the website.
• Social Media: engaged a social media administrator who managed FaceBook, LinkedIn and other platforms. Deactivated the FaceBook group and switched to a page.

The year culminated with active participation in the World Congress in Turkey with more than twenty USA members attending which strengthened their global presence. These accomplishments collectively reflect Skål USA’s commitment to building a robust and dynamic foundation for future success. I, and other members of the Executive Board (Mark Irgang, Wayne Lee, Alton Hagen, Art Allis, Simeon Miranda, as well non-board members Auditor Barry Biggar and Deputy Auditor Kelley Bass) thank you for the support and commitment we felt from your involvement. Best wishes for a very happy new year!

Karen Trevino

2025 Skål USA Executive Board and Non-Board Position Elections

Executive Board

• President: Mark Irgang
• Vice President: Wayne Lee
• Director 1 (two-year term): Efren Aponte
• Director 2 (two-year term): Barry Biggar
• Director 3 (two-year term): Simeon Miranda
• Director 4 (one-year term): John Stine
• Director 5 (continuing their term): Art Allis

Additional Roles

• Auditor (promoted from Deputy Auditor): Kelley Bass
• Deputy Auditor: Jack Wert

Incoming President Note - Mark Irgang

Dear Fellow Skålleagues,

Happy Holidays and A very Happy New Year to all of you and your families!

First, I want to “thank” all of the Skal Clubs throughout the USA for your trust in me and your vote to be your next SKÅL USA President for 2025 as I am truly humbled and honored.

I am excited at the possibilities of Skål International USA in 2025 and beyond leading the only organization that brings together the entire tourism industry while promoting friendship, business and tourism worldwide.

I pledge to work with all my fellow Skålleagues, both domestically and internationally, to face the unique challenges the hospitality industry faces for the upcoming year and beyond.

My top priorities for 2025 remain:

·        Membership Growth and Retention

·        Diversity & Inclusivity

·        Relevancy, Positioning & Branding

·        Value & Applicability

·        Sustainability

·        Communication & Transparency

The Skål International USA Executive Board that all of you voted for is one of the finest collection of professionals and hospitality leaders in the Travel/Tourism/Hospitality industry that I have seen in years and I am truly blessed and appreciative to be working side by side with them to lead the USA forward in 2025.

It isn’t said enough but “Thank You” again to all the Skål International USA Clubs members for your continued passion, dedication and leadership as it is so appreciated and valued. I will look forward to your engagement and continued support throughout 2025 as we work together on the above priorities and more to make Skål International USA one of the most noticeable and recognized International Travel & Tourism Organizations in the world.

Cheers and Skål,

Mark Irgang

President Elect 2025

Skål International USA

New Director Articles

Director 1, Efren Aponte:

I am looking forward to contribute to the remarkable work and achievements Skål USA 2024 board has had thus far. Through a new and fresh perspective, we can continue to build a club and brand that speaks to everyone: current members, new members, retirees, young professionals and young Skål. By keeping open lines of communication, my goal is to continue to build bridges within our industry to provide each of you with new industry trends and resources, inclusivity, education, best practices and networking opportunities. This will undoubtedly contribute to the continued impact and success supporting the future of Skål USA.

Efren Aponte

Director 2, Barry Biggar:

Dear Fellow Skålleagues:

As we end an amazing year, 2024 and prepare for an exciting 2025, I would like to thank everyone for allowing me to serve for the past two years as your Auditor for Skål International USA, and for your trust in me to serve as one of the newly elected Executive Board members for the next two years. I am honored and humbled and pledge to each of you to serve with your interests and that of Skål USA at the center of all I do.

2024 brought with it a significant change in the Governance of our National Club as we move forward, and I have felt extremely privileged to have played a small part in this change. Your diligence in participating and embracing these changes, helping to ensure the plan addressed every one’s concerns, input and feedback have been so appreciated by the task force who put the new model in place. This is indeed a change that evolved out of a need, recognized by all, beginning with the recent election of the new Board who will shepherd this change next year and into the future.  And that future is bright indeed, and we look forward to working with all members of Skål USA to bring our national organization and all our individual clubs to grow, develop, support and be a proud member of this worldwide organization.

As we all prepare to celebrate this Holiday Season with family, friends and colleagues, let us all live for Happiness, Good Health, Friendship and Long Life. In closing, here is to an amazing 2024 and all best wishes for an even better 2025.

Skål and warmest wishes,

Barry H Biggar 

Director 3, Simeon Miranda:

Aloha fellow Skålleagues,

Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for voting for me to extend my director position for Skål USA. It will be my privilege to serve on the board and make a difference in 2025 and 2026.

As I mentioned I ran for the following goals of 1) Continuity – to make sure we continue our goals we set forth in 2024 and continue the work to benefit from the continuity of board members, to strengthen our goals for membership, marketing, finance and other projects. 2) To use my experience as President of Skål USA – Hawaii Club in 2023 and being on the board for Skal USA in 2024 in achieving our 2025 goals to improve membership, increase young skålleagues participation and market Skål USA to other segments. 3) Use my leadership role to the fullest to benefit the growth of Skål USA. And finally 4) Continue the passion and achieve a new level of membership, connection and service. We have a new Governance plan, a new President and Vice President. I am passionate about the future and have a positive outlook on what we can achieve in the next term. Project Future is a great example of membership opportunity. The membership drive that we initiated this year with the current board (which included Mark, Wayne, Art, Barry and me) is working. Our new Social Media consultant is working with Skal International to get us ready to revamp our website and social media and continue to improve our marketability to brand SKÅL USA as strongly as possible. There are more ideas, concepts and creative ways to improve retention, recruit members and make Skål USA a better brand – and I am passionate to get the job done.

Again, I appreciate your support in getting me on the board and I will do everything in my power to do the best job for Skål International and Skål USA.

Here is to the Happiest of Holidays and a very successful new year!

Always in friendship - SKÅL!

Simeon

Director 4, John Stine:

Fellow Skålleagues, I’m delighted to be returning to the Skål USA executive committee for 2025! I look forward to working with my fellow committee members in serving your respective club through increased meaningful communications, including building membership and retaining existing members through best practices while fine-tuning the Skål brand in the marketplace.”    

John Stine

Director 5, Art Allis:

Financially Skål International USA is having a successful 2024. We will have a positive net profit for 2024, rather than the negative budgeted loss of $(8,764-), and will surpass our September forecast of $12,157- profit. 

Income of $144,242- thru November exceeds budget by $20,665-. Membership exceeds budget and could equal 2023.

Expenses have increased $7,900 compared to last year as an additional $3,000- was awarded to clubs attending NASC and $5,000- in Advertising expenses were initiated.

Our current net worth through November is $504,136.00; which includes $94,523- in the bank and CD investments of $403,795-.

Expect 2025 to be very different. We have budgeted a loss of $(50,927-), with $41,520- for advertising, and $10,000- for an outside audit. The budgeted advertising expenses: incentive for 2024 membership drive $3,750-, Social Media Consultant $7,770- and Advertising $30,000-. We anticipate nine more clubs attending NASC $5,400.00.

Increasing and retaining membership should be our top priority. Every Skålleague should be recruiting new members.

Art Allis

    PROJECT FUTURE, a Skål USA Committee,

Announces the launch of the first on-campus Skål Student Chapter at the

University of Florida!

Mentors and Internships are Needed!!

Skål USA aims to cultivate the next generation of tourism leaders by forging strong alliances between the educational community and the professional business world.

Dec. 17, 2024-- New York City, NY – To further establish strong alliances between the educational community and the business world, Skål Project Future took the initiative to introduce NY Skål and its many benefits to the Hospitality Students where they spend most of their waking hours…directly to their campus! What started as an idea to recruit students from the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, FL to the NY Skål Club as members, morphed into a new travel trade on-campus Student Chapter appropriately named the GATOR Chapter of NY Skål! With today’s technology, hospitality student members are able to engage with Skålleagues not only in NY but also globally with all the Skål Clubs in 84 countries. Skål effectively opens up the travel and tourism/hospitality industries world-wide to these students!

A NY Skål Club alliance with the UF Hospitality School – THEM, (Tourism, Hospitality, Event Management) made sense because many hospitality students desire to launch their careers in large metropolitan tourism destinations like NYC. However, unless a student has viable contacts in a large city, they can spend a lot of time and money cultivating the necessary contacts and building their professional network. Through the partnership with Skål, the networking opportunities with Skålleagues are endless. Skålleagues become mentors, which leads to internships which result in entry level positions for the students upon graduation. There simply is nowhere else a student can achieve these opportunities to open so many doors!

As Project Future Committee Chair, Carolyn J. Feimster CRX | CMD explains, “Through my work on the Advisory Board of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute at UF, I had the privilege of working with the Hospitality Students and immediately realized how bright, ambitious and energetic these students were who are being groomed to be the future leaders of our industry.” This knowledge combined with Carolyn’s passion for Skål, led her to the belief that there must be some incredible synergy between the students and Skål. 

Discussions began with Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, PhD, CHE - Chair and Professor of THEM who asked, “Why not start an on-campus Chapter with our students so they can have their own place to meet to work on Skål projects that will give them the opportunity to network and forge relationships with Skålleagues”. Although Skål had not previously had a sanctioned on-campus Chapter, the idea was well received as a way to effectively build the student membership to groom them to become Young Skål Professionals and ultimately Active Skålleagues.

The Chapter launched with 12 members, with 3 more awaiting approval. The Board has been appointed and the President, Elizabeth Durban explained, “We are anxiously waiting for our Winter semester to start so we can resume our planning meetings, the zoom “Meet & Greets” with the Skålleagues, learning about the internships through Skål and identifying mentors for each of us.”

The NY Skål Club is ready to partner with any Skål Club around the US who would like to provide mentors for the students as well as internship programs. Mentoring a hospitality student is one of the most rewarding tasks an industry professional can do. Under a mentor’s guidance and leadership, you can watch them grow and learn as they prepare for the outside working world. This is a potential partnership that can easily morph into a lifelong friendship. Also, many Skålleagues have companies in need of Interns so please reach out to us!

E-mail Carolyn J. Feimster at Carolyn@CJFMarketingInternational.com.

What’s next for Project Future? A 10-Step Plan to launch your own Student Skål program in your community, including an on-campus Chapter, is being finalized, along with a more detailed Business Plan. “In addition to seeking Skål mentors and internship programs from around the US, we are here to help navigate Clubs through the process of launching their own on-campus Chapter. To date we have approximately a dozen hospitality schools interested in partnering with a Skål Club. Skål Clubs can also select their own Hospitality School. We just need your participation!” said Feimster.

Long-term, this relationship between the universities or colleges and the 12,000+ Skålleagues world-wide, will have far reaching effects in helping to mitigate the shortage of qualified hospitality students and professionals to fill the increasing number of hospitality and tourism positions. Top hospitality schools, together with Skål professionals will work to renew the hospitality and tourism industry as a desired and sought after career.

Project Future

-- Skål USA launched Project Future; a groundbreaking initiative unveiled during the 2024 North American Skål Congress (NASC). This program aims to "connect tourism globally" by forging strong alliances between the educational community and the professional business world. The goal is to create mutually beneficial programs that offer students real-world work experiences and insights as they embark on their careers while providing Skål members with access to a pool of talented and enthusiastic students seeking internships, mentorships, and jobs in the travel and tourism industry.

Skål International

--Skål International, the only professional organization dedicated to promoting global tourism and friendship, unites all sectors of the business world. Founded in Paris in 1934, Skål International continues to thrive with over 12,500 members in 84 countries and 301 Skål Clubs. Recently, the organization has placed a stronger emphasis on identifying and recruiting bright young hospitality students worldwide to sustain future growth.

Project Future Contact:

Carolyn J. Feimster, CRX | CMD, Past President of the NY Skål Club, Project Future Chair

Carolyn@CJFMarketingInternational.com

+1 718-757-8489 

Board of Directors of the GATOR Chapter of NY Skal

Elizabeth Durban: President 

Shannon Snead: Event Director

Zachary Reister: Marketing Director

Olivia Bailey: Treasurer

Samantha Rees: Vice President 

Zeena Barakat: Membership Director

Alfredo Gonzalez: Miami Skål Club, Co-Chair of the GATOR Chapter of NY Skål

Carolyn J. Feimster CRX|CMD – Past President NY Skål Club, Project Future Chair, Co-chair of the GATOR Chapter of NY Skål

Rachel J.C. Fu, PHD, CHE: Chair and Professor Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management at the University of Florida

SKAL Northeast USA Regional Meeting dates 

• Jan. 22: SKAL NJ Board of Directors Installation Dinner
• Jan. 23-24: SKAL Northeast USA (Northern NJ) – flyer attached (SKAL NJ will be launching re-launching invites and handling registrations)
• Jan. 25-26: NY Travel & Adventure Show (NYC)
• Jan. 29-31: SKAL USA Executive Committee Meeting / New Board Installation (NYC)  

NASC 2025 Letter to Members

Dear Skalleagues:

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s remarkable to look ahead to an exciting Skal year in 2025. The Executive Board (EB) would like to inform you of some updates to the schedule for the NCM and AGM at the NASC, hosted by SI Tampa Bay, taking place May 1–4, 2025.

To accommodate a joint lunch meeting with Skal members from North America, the EB has approved a proposal to move the NCM and AGM to the morning and afternoon of Thursday, May 1. Consequently, voting representatives will need to arrive by Wednesday, April 30, to attend the 9:00 a.m. meeting on Thursday.

Watch your email for some exciting news coming out later this week from NASC. I am not at liberty to “spill the beans” but even with the change to arriving Wednesday night, I believe you will appreciate the new plan. Everyone who has paid a deposit will be getting a personal email explaining the details.

This adjustment to the schedule creates an opportunity for engaging educational sessions on Saturday morning. Lunch will still be provided on Saturday, followed by free time in the afternoon before the highly anticipated closing party.

The Executive Board also wishes to remind clubs that a $600 rebate will be provided to offset conference expenses. To qualify for this rebate, the club’s voting representative must stay at the host hotel and attend both the NCM and AGM. Relevant excerpts from the Bylaws regarding meeting attendance are included below for your reference.

For those who have not yet registered, we encourage you to visit this link to secure your spot. SI Tampa Bay has been working diligently to organize a memorable conference that promises to be an exceptional opportunity to connect with Skal members from around the world, including our friends from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and beyond.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a successful year ahead!

Sincerely,

Karen Trevino, President

2024 SI USA

ARTICLE 8: NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND SKÅL INTERNATIONAL WORLD CONGRESS

Skål USA Annual General Meeting (AGM)

     I.       This meeting will take place in conjunction with NASC held in the first quarter of each year before June 30. All Skålleagues are welcome to attend the meetings. The agenda shall include reports from the President, Vice President and Directors. The Director of Finance will present the annual budget and other financial reports.

   II.       Notice of meetings - The President will inform the Clubs, the Executive Board and Skål International, in writing or by electronic mail, sixty (60) days prior to the meeting, of the time, date and location of the meeting including a draft agenda.

  III.       Agenda: Clubs must submit items to be included on the agenda thirty (30) days prior to the AGM in writing or by electronic mail to the Skål USA Administrator. The Executive Board, Clubs and Skål International may also submit any item to be included on the Agenda at least thirty (30) days prior to the fixed date. The Skål USA Administrator shall send the final Agenda, approved by the President, to the Executive Board, Clubs and Skål International at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the meeting.

 IV.       Attendance: All Clubs are required to send a delegate to attend the AGM each year. Each authorized voting delegate must be confirmed in writing by the Club President before either an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or National Committee Meeting (NCM) to officially receive a voting ballot and to establish the Club’s eligibility for the $600 attendance credit for attendance at the AGM. The AGM is an in-person meeting, and any voting takes place after the meeting via Election Buddy or similar program to allow representation of each Club. Except for the voting delegate of the Skål USA Club hosting the Annual General Meeting, to be eligible for the $600.00 credit from Skål USA, each Club must have their voting delegate pay the full registration package fee (including a host hotel accommodation, single or double occupancy), and the credit must be applied for by the Club within ninety (90) days of the AGM’s conclusion. Only one $600.00 credit may be given to each Club sending a qualified delegate, regardless of the number of votes the Club may be entitled to during the meeting.

National Committee Meetings

     I.       The first National Committee Meeting (NCM) will be held annually in conjunction with NASC and AGM. The NCM will also be held in the third quarter before the World Congress and can be held electronically if the technology is available to allow all Clubs to participate.

Meetings Composition

     I.       The Clubs’ voting delegates (who must be Active, Life, Retired, or Young Skål Professional Members) are the only authorized persons to vote on all subjects during AGM or NCM meetings. Young Skål students are not recognized as voting members.

   II.       Each member Club shall be entitled to one (1) voting delegate for up to and including sixty-five (65) Active, Transfer Active (nonresident), Life, Retired, or Young Skål Professional Members, and two (2) voting delegates for any Club with sixty-six (66) or more Members. For those clubs with two (2) votes, one delegate may place both votes.

Latest News for Skål International

2024 Quarter 4 Skål USA Anniversaries

• Skål Portland, OR on 56 years - October 3rd
• Skål Las Vegas on 61 years - October 21st
• Skål Orlando on 52 years - October 28th
• Skål Colorado on 66 years - October 30th
• Skål Northeast Florida on 57 years - October 30th
• Skål Sacramento on 38 years - October 31st
• Skål Santa Fe on 34 years - November 1st
• Skål Nashville on 49 years - December 22nd
• Skål Southwest Florida on 7 years - December 28th

Digital Marketing Campaign for Skål International USA Club Membership Growth

Request for Proposal

Proposal Due: Friday, January 10, 2024

We are seeking proposals from digital marketing agencies to develop and execute a comprehensive digital advertising campaign aimed at increasing Skål USA Club memberships and raising awareness of Skål USA Club benefits among travel industry professionals.

Campaign Overview

Campaign Flight

o  January/February 2025 – June/July2025 (6-months)

o  Can be extended if the campaign start date is delayed

Total Budget: $30,000 (net)

o  Q1 2025 Suggested: $6,000 monthly ($18,000)

o  Q2 2025 Suggested: $4,000 monthly ($12,000)

Ad Platforms

o  Facebook (40%)

o  Google SEM (40%)

o  LinkedIn (20%)

Target Audience

o  Established travel industry professionals across 20 to 30 key U.S. markets

Campaign Objectives

o  Increase Skål Club USA memberships in target U.S. markets

o  Raise awareness of Skål Club USA benefits among travel industry professionals

o  Drive engagement and conversion through targeted advertising

o  Retain current club members

Scope of Work

o  Develop a comprehensive digital advertising strategy across Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google

o  Create visually appealing ad creatives and engaging copy for each platform

o  Implement targeted campaigns using platform-specific features (e.g., carousel ads, lead generation forms)

o  Optimize campaigns based on performance metrics

o  Provide monthly reporting and recommendations

Required Deliverables

o  Detailed campaign strategy and timeline

o  Ad creatives and copy for each platform

o  Landing page and lead generation forms design and development

o  Monthly performance reports and optimization recommendations

o  Final campaign analysis and results summary

Proposal Requirements

Please include the following in your proposal.

o  Agency background and relevant experience

o  Proposed strategy and approach for each ad platform

o  Creative concepts and examples

o  Campaign management and optimization process

o  Reporting and communication plan

o  Detailed budget breakdown

o  Timeline for campaign development and execution

o  Team structure and key personnel

o  Case studies or references from similar projects

o  Agency fee

Various Skål USA Marketing and Promotions Campaign Components

Comprehensive Campaign Plan: The campaign incorporates digital/social advertising, ensuring a holistic approach to member acquisition and engagement.

Focused Target Audience: Targeting travel industry professionals through platforms like Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn allows for precise targeting and potential high conversion rates.

Appealing Offer: The promotion of the benefits current and new members receives, potentially driving membership acquisition. Provide examples in your submission.

Resource Intensive: Implementing a multi-channel digital advertising campaign will require substantial personnel resources. Please define on what’s needed from Skål USA.

Market Expansion: Targeting mid-size clubs and specific demographics presents opportunities to expand membership base significantly.

Digital Advertising Effectiveness: Leveraging targeted digital campaigns on Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn can effectively raise awareness and attract new members in specific geographic and professional segments, especially when creating an engaging landing page. Include your suggestions in your submission.

Competitive Landscape: Other networking organizations and industry associations may also be targeting similar demographics, potentially diluting Skål's appeal or increasing competition for member acquisition. How can we be proactive?

Economic Uncertainty: Economic downturns or shifts in travel industry dynamics could reduce discretionary spending on memberships or sponsorships. How can we be proactive?

Conclusion

The SWOT analysis highlights that while the campaign has robust strengths such as a comprehensive strategy and focused targeting, it also faces challenges like resource intensiveness and the need for sustained member engagement. By leveraging opportunities in targeted marketing and addressing threats through strategic planning and adaptation, Skål USA can optimize its marketing and promotions campaign to achieve its club membership growth goals effectively. Please provide as part of your plan and strategy.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on

o  Understanding of project objectives and target audiences

o  Quality and creativity of proposed strategy

o  Relevant experience and expertise

o  Value for money

o  Clarity and completeness of proposal

Submission Guidelines

Please submit your proposal in PDF format to skalusadmin@skalusa.org and include "Skål Club USA Digital Marketing Proposal" in the subject line.

For any questions regarding this RFP, please contact Wayne V. Lee, Jr. at wayne@waynesworldmediagroup.com by Friday, January 10, 2024. Answers to all questions will be posted on Monday, December 16, 2024.

Skål USA retains the right to terminate this Request for Proposal process at its sole discretion. The organization shall not be held liable for any expenses incurred by agencies in preparing or submitting their proposals. Participating agencies acknowledge that proposal development is undertaken at their own risk and cost.

We look forward to reviewing your proposals and selecting an agency partner to help grow Skål Club USA membership and awareness.

SKAL Sacramento Fundraiser Raffle

WIN A DREAM GETAWAY TO CABO OR PUERTO VALLARTA!

ONLY 300 TICKETS AVAILABLE – GET YOURS FOR ONLY $25!

Ready for the ultimate escape? Imagine you and a guest soaking up the sun, enjoying pristine beaches, and experiencing the vibrant culture of Cabo or Puerto Vallarta – two amazing destinations, and two chances to win.

What’s included: Round trip airfare on Alaska Airlines for two,

• 3 night stay at Secrets Puerto Los Cabos – good for one year with retail value $3,171 OR
• 3 night stay at Dreams Vallarta Bay – good for one year with retail value $2,800

Only 300 tickets are being sold, so your odds of winning are incredible.

 Ticket are $25.00 each. Purchase your ticket now via zelle, check or credit cards sacramentoskal@outlook.com   

Remember, tickets are limited – don’t wait! Drawing held on January 23^rd at the SKAL meeting

Experience Mexico like never before with Alaska Airlines!

We offer the most destinations in Mexico from the West Coast, and now, nonstop seasonal flights from Sacramento, CA to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.

Contact Stefanie 707-695-9365 or Carol 360-471-1139 or email sjs@team-odyssey.com

Skål USA Members: Unlock Your Exclusive Discount for the New York Travel & Adventure Show

Join Us in New York City for the Premier Travel Event of 2025

Dear Skål Members,

We are excited to invite you to the New York Travel & Adventure Show, taking place on January 25–26, 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. This premier event is designed to help travel professionals like you grow, connect, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

Explore a global showcase of top destinations, meet exhibitors offering innovative travel solutions, and discover new opportunities for collaboration. Whether you’re looking to expand your network or gain fresh insights, this is the event for travel leaders across the country.

Here’s what you can expect:

·        Cutting-Edge Industry Insights: Learn the latest trends, strategies, and emerging market opportunities at on-floor theaters.

·        Networking Opportunities: Engage with global experts, industry innovators, and fellow travel professionals.

·        Meet Travel Icons: Gain inspiration from speakers like Phil Keoghan, host of CBS’ The Amazing Race, Pauline Frommer, Andrew McCarthy, and Peter Greenberg.

·        Exclusive Access and Savings: Enjoy event-only promotions, giveaways, and opportunities to enhance your business offerings.

Special Offer for Skål Members

As a valued member of Skål USA, we’re thrilled to offer you an exclusive discount to attend the show in New York. To claim your discount, please use the following URL [//qrcc.me/sot4mozyz1k0] during registration. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your travel expertise and connect with like-minded professionals.

Travel & Adventure Show Locations:

·        Atlanta: January 11–12, 2025

·        New York: January 25–26, 2025

·        Chicago: February 1–2, 2025

·        Phoenix: February 15–16, 2025

·        Los Angeles: February 22–23, 2025

·        Denver: March 8–9, 2025

·        San Francisco/Bay Area: March 15–16, 2025

·        Dallas: March 22–23, 2025

·        Washington D.C.: March 29–30, 2025

General information about the New York Travel & Adventure Show can be found here: https://travelshows.com/shows/new-york

Please note: The exclusive discount code provided is valid only for the New York Travel & Adventure Show.

We look forward to seeing you in New York this January as we connect, learn, and grow together.

Skål New York

Is your Club having an event that you'd like to share?

Took some great pictures you want people to see?

Please email your events to info@riaanjordaan.co.za or contact Simeon Miranda.

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Skål USA Journeys is the quarterly official publication of Skål International USA. A special edition will be sent out when there is breaking news to share. We want to share your news with SKÅL members across the country. If you have breaking news or Club news for the newsletter, please send them to info@SkalUSA.org.

Skål USA Journeys & Lightning News Editor | John Stine | Vice President PR & Communications | (407) 443-2782