SERVICE THROUGH FRIENDSHIP
This is the motto of Les Clefs d'Or. By nurturing friendships with fellow concierges and through the networking this brings, we are able to offer our own guests better service, either directly or indirectly, through the sharing of ideas and knowledge, which ultimately promotes a higher level of professional development.
The Society of the Golden Keys involves itself in several activities to promote service through friendship. We conduct regular branch meetings (usually bi-monthly), promote concierge dinners (that often include non-members) and in recent years have hosted a number of balls, which have been well attended by concierges and other hotel employees, along with various suppliers who provide services to our guests.
Annually there is a General Meeting, which brings together all the Australian members to elect office bearers, discuss issues of importance, conduct workshops, plan activities, and reinforce existing friendships, not to mention welcoming new members.
On a larger scale there is an International Congress held each year in which Les Clefs d'Or concierges from all over the world gather together for a week to attend meetings, seminars and to promote the aims of the Society. The International Congress is usually held during the Northern Hemisphere winter. In January 1995 Sydney hosted the 42nd International Congress. This successful congress raised the profile of Australia as an international destination and enhanced the standing of the Australian Society. Morocco will host the next congress in January 2004. Each Congress is held with the full support of that city, or country's tourist authorities.
Albert Ostertag (a former International President) conceived the establishment of world zones for the promotion and advancement of Les Clefs d'Or ideas in those parts of the world where the prospect of establishing local chapters is promising. In 1990 a delegation of Australian members, comprising Alfred Jasinski, Tony James and Gerard Glover, travelled to New Zealand visiting hotels in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. As a result of this trip, two New Zealand concierges were presented with their keys as they met the requirements for membership. In a return visit in 1994, Alfred and Tony were able to identify a further ten concierges who were subsequently presented with their keys by Tony Facciolo, who flew to Auckland to preside over the establishment of the New Zealand chapter. Having planted the seeds of Les Clefs d'Or in New Zealand, Fiji is the next country being studied for possible inclusion to our society.
