The group chats are moving offline! Karryon’s Next Generation Network (NGN) will kick off its first Social Club in Sydney next week, with a limited number of places open to young travel professionals.
The inaugural Karryon Next Gen Network Social Club will take over The Room Residence at Room-Res in The Rocks on Thursday 30 July from 5:30pm to 8pm.
Expect drinks, snacks, games and prizes, plus a quick networking masterclass and heaps of time to actually meet people and make real connections.
This isn’t one of those industry events where everyone already knows each other. The Social Club is for anyone finding their feet in travel, especially if you’ve ever felt like you were still waiting for your invite to the table. This is it.
A very limited number of places are now open to those new to the industry or next-gen travel trailblazers, so if that’s you, lock in your spot before RSVPs close on Tuesday 28 July.
Karryon General Manager Dani Tuffield said the Social Club brings the purpose behind the Next Gen Network to life.
“The best thing about travel has always been its people. We created the Next Gen Network to help emerging talent find their community, build genuine relationships and know they’re not building a career alone. That’s what ‘Together in Travel’ means.”
A place to belong
For NGN member Mimi Romijn of Wentworth Travel, the Social Club is about creating the kind of industry community that supports newcomers from the very beginning of their careers.
“When I joined Karryon’s Next Gen Network, I wanted to chart a path I wish had existed when I was just setting out, a place to belong before I knew where I was headed,” she said.
“Hosting our first Social Club event feels like arriving somewhere new, just like travelling itself. It is proof that when young travel professionals journey together, we go further than any of us could alone.”
That feeling of actually belonging is what the night is all about.
No need to have a polished elevator pitch. No pressure to already know people. Just show up, grab a drink and start chatting.
Qantas brings networking down to earth
Qantas is joining the first Social Club as its main partner and will host a casual, 15-minute networking masterclass early in the evening.
One NGN member and one established industry leader will swap practical advice on making connections, building relationships and navigating a room when walking up to strangers does not come naturally.
It will be less presentation, more fireside chat, giving guests ideas they can put into practice immediately.
Qantas trade marketing manager Jessica Kilbride-Parris is also a member of the NGN, strengthening the connection between the airline and the network.
The partnership sits alongside Qantas’ broader investment in emerging aviation talent through graduate pathways, engineering apprenticeships, pilot training and scholarships designed to remove barriers for women and First Nations people entering aviation careers.
Room-Res opens its doors
Room-Res will host the evening at The Room Residence, its Sydney space created for travel industry partners to work, meet and spend time together.
Room-Res co-founder and co-CEO James Mooring said the partnership felt like a natural fit.
“We launched The Room Residence as a unique space and resource for our industry partners to work and hang out because we believe that pausing to rest, reflect and connect has a hugely positive impact,” he said.
“This industry thrives when its next generation of leaders are supported with the space and community to shape what comes next. We’re thrilled to open our doors to such an exciting initiative.”
Connections with impact
The Intrepid Foundation will also be there as the evening’s Community Impact Partner, bringing an added layer of purpose to the party.
Its Impact Wall will invite guests to share their thoughts on the future of travel, from how young people can shape the industry to how tourism can create a more positive impact for people and places.
It is a chance to meet new people, build careers and also ask what kind of industry the next generation wants to inherit.
The start of something big
NGN member Simran Mediratta GTI Tourism account director, said seeing the first Social Club come to life was “incredibly rewarding”.
“The travel industry has given me so many amazing opportunities, and I’m passionate about creating a space where new and emerging professionals feel welcomed, supported and inspired to build long-term careers,” she said.
“I truly believe this is the beginning of something special that will have a lasting impact on our industry.”
Norwegian Cruise Line partnership relations team leader Australia & New Zealand Tahlia Shaw agreed.
“Events like this are so important and a fantastic way to build connections, learn from one another and create a supportive network that will help our industry continue to thrive,” she said.
NGN member Caitlyn Paris said the club would create a much-needed “third space” outside work and home where industry friendships could grow.
“Our industry runs on relationships and passion, and keeping that spirit alive matters more than ever,” she said.
And Sydney is only the start. The NGN Social Club plans to hit other states in the future, creating more spaces for young travel people around Australia to meet, connect and find their crew.
Come and join us
You do not need to arrive knowing anyone.
You do not need to be the loudest person in the room.
You just need to RSVP before the name tags go to print.
When: Thursday 30 July, 5:30pm–8pm
Where: The Room Residence at Room-Res, The Rocks, Sydney
RSVP: Email Nicola at [email protected] by Tuesday 28 July
Places are extremely limited, so get in quickly.
