Welcome SKAL

Toronto was the host for the 200 delegates attending the 56th Skål North American Congress at the Chelsea Hotel. The Skål Toronto Club organized and planned the Congress.

The annual congress for Skål Clubs included delegates from Canada, the USA and Mexico. The Skål International president, David Fisher, from Kenya, also attended the event. Delegates have remarked that the congress was an overwhelming success.

After a themed, “welcome to the neighbourhoods of Toronto” reception and dinner, delegates were inspired by the opening ceremonies which included the Skål Flag ceremony and remarks from dignitaries representing Ontario Tourism, Toronto Tourism and Heritage Canada.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Rich Schuttler, motivated the delegates in his talk about developing effective strategies for marketing and expanding a business and Skål Clubs. Two workshop sessions explored wine tasting and sustainable tourism, both important messages.

The delegation visited Niagara Falls, one of the wonders of the world, before enjoying a private SKÅL reception, dinner and wine tasting at Peller Estates Vineyard in Niagara on the Lake.

The Skål Canada and Skål USA held their AGM’s and board meetings during the congress, discussing important topics including building membership for the Skål Clubs, effective marketing ideas, membership benefits and sharing best practices of all of the Clubs. The Skål Canada Quebec City was named Canada’s Skål Club of the Year.

Young Skål delegates had informative seminars held at George Brown College and a behind the scene tour by the Executive Chef of the CN Tower.

The black tie Gala was held at the historic Carlu, where delegates enjoyed a truly Canadian inspired evening celebrating the 150 birthday of the nation. The evening included reception, dinner, raffles, live and silent auctions while guests enjoyed the fabulous band, Nova Sounds.

The Skål North American Congress was supported by many sponsors including the Platinum Sponsor, Turkish Airlines; Gold Sponsors Porter Airlines and Barbados, Air Canada, WestJet, VIA Rail, Caribbean Tourism Organization, Details Group, Rail Europe, Jamaica, Dreamscapes, Zoomer Radio, Cayman Islands, Iberostar Resorts, Trafalgar, Big Bark Graphics, Visit Britain, Cayman Islands, Allianz, Dreamscapes, VoX, Tourism Toronto, Antigua and Barbuda, Baxter Travel Media, VoX International, Air Transat, Canyon Ranch, Park and Fly, Skal Winnipeg, Sunwing and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

For more, go to http://www.skal.org .