Institute of Australian Tour Guides upcoming events

IATG Workshop: Guiding with Confidence: Research, Story & Delivery (20 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

IATG invites you to our Workshop

Guiding with Confidence:

Research, Story & Delivery

Friday 20 November

Great tours are built on more than facts, they are built on stories that help visitors connect with people, places and events.

This practical, hands-on workshop is designed to help guides strengthen their research skills and transform information into engaging, memorable tour commentary. Using Sydney's historic Macquarie Street as a case study, participants will explore how experienced guides research a topic, uncover compelling stories, evaluate sources, and interpret information from different perspectives.

Working with a range of resources, participants will learn how to move beyond simple facts and create commentary that is informative, engaging and relevant to their audience. Along the way, they will discover techniques for bringing research to life through storytelling, multiple viewpoints, images, historical accounts, role-play and other interpretive tools.

In the afternoon, participants will apply their learning by developing and delivering a short commentary segment, receiving feedback and practical tips in a supportive environment.

Participants will learn how to:

Research effectively using a variety of sources
Find stories, themes and connections within historical information
Evaluate and interpret information from different perspectives
Structure commentary for clarity, engagement and impact
Adapt content for different audiences and tour styles
Deliver commentary with greater confidence and authenticity

Included Bonus Opportunity

One week after the workshop (Thursday 26 November, 1-3.30pm), participants are invited to join an Macquarie Street Walking Tour (optional) where they can test-drive their commentary in a real guiding environment. Deliver a short commentary segment, receive feedback, and build confidence alongside fellow guides and experienced mentors.

Who This Workshop Is For

New and aspiring tour guides
Volunteers looking to build their confidence
Guides who want to refresh their delivery and engagement skills

Cost: The workshop fee includes morning tea and lunch. $85 for members, $155 for non members [No refunds available].

Any non-member attending will receive a 25% discount on an Affiliate membership, offer valid until 30 December 26.

RSVP Friday 13 November 26

Walk & Talk: Experience-Building Tours for New Guides (24 Nov 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Walk & Talk

Experience-Building Tours for New Guides

Whether you’re keen to lead or just want to support your peers as part of the “audience”, we’d love to see you there.

PLACES ARE LIMITED - 5 SPOTS ONLY for new guides
Professional Guides, we need your help, as a mentor and audience, earn 1 PD point

We’re offering an exciting opportunity for new or aspiring guides to build confidence and gain real experience on the ground. These “Walk and Talk” Trial Tours are designed for IATG Affiliate members who are ready to step into guiding – whether it’s your very first tour or you're looking to get more comfortable leading a group.

Each session will be an informal, low-pressure walking tour of Circular Quay, taking in key sights such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Sydney Ferries, the Tank Stream, the history of circular quay, and more. It’s the perfect way to put your skills into practice with a friendly and supportive group.

Let’s help our new guides take their first confident steps!

Date: Tuesday 24 November

Time: Meet at City Extra before 7pm for a 1–1.5 hour walking tour

Cost: Free (You can grab a coffee at City Extra before we begin)

Audience: IATG members who’d love to support and encourage our new guides

Note: If more than one guide would like to practise on the same evening, we’ll rotate guides during the tour so everyone gets a turn.

RSVP by 21 November

Event host: Stephen Milgate AM M: 0425 283 411 E: Stephen@milgate.net

Walk & Support: Macquarie Street Commentary Practice (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Walk & Support

Macquarie Street Commentary Practice

Experience-Building Tours for Guides

Following our Guiding with Confidence: Research, Story & Delivery workshop (20 November), we invite IATG professional, alumni and ambassador members to join us for a special Macquarie Street Walking Tour and help support the new guides.

Workshop participants will have spent the time researching, crafting and refining their commentary. This follow-up walking tour gives them the opportunity to put their learning into practice by delivering a short commentary segment at a relevant location along Macquarie Street.

As an IATG member, you are invited to attend as a tour participant, mentor and supporter. Your presence will help create a welcoming and encouraging environment where developing guides can build confidence and gain experience delivering commentary to a live audience.

Along the way, you'll also enjoy a fresh perspective on one of Sydney's most fascinating historic streets, hearing a variety of stories, themes and interpretations developed by workshop participants.

What to Expect

A guided walk along Macquarie Street
Short commentary presentations by workshop participants
Opportunities to provide encouragement and constructive feedback
Networking with fellow guides
A relaxed and supportive learning environment

Date: Thursday 26 November

Time: Meet at the statue of Queen Victoria in Queen's Square, adjacent St James Church and the Greenway Wing of the Supreme Court of NSW for a 1.5-2 hour walking tour

Cost: Free

Audience: IATG members who’d love to support and encourage our new guides

RSVP by 23 September

Event host: Jo Henwood and Ann Lorenz

Ann's contact M: 0414 458 358 E: anngee30@ozemail.com.au

0414 458 358 E: anngee30@ozemail.com.au

IATG New Tour Guides Forum (01 Dec 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Are you new to tour guiding or looking to expand your skills and knowledge?

Join us for the New Guides Forum, hosted by the IATG Committee – a panel of experienced guides ready to share their stories, advice, and practical tips to help you grow in your career.

Our panel brings together seasoned guides with diverse backgrounds, including walking tours, overland expeditions, cruise ship excursions, and more. This is your chance to hear firsthand about the real-world experiences that make tour guiding such a dynamic profession.

When: Tuesday 1 December, arrive for a 6pm start

Where: City Extra Restaurant upstairs, Circular Quay

Topics Include:

Different types of guiding work and what they entail
Key advice for those just starting out
How to find work as a guide
Preparing for a tour in a new location or on a new topic
Maintaining your voice and energy on long days
Balancing engaging storytelling with solid facts
Managing time and pacing during tours

Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, this session is designed to inspire, inform, and connect you with others in the guiding community.

RSVP by 29 November. Get your first drink for FREE and some nibbles

End of Year Social (08 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Come along to meet up with your IATG colleagues

Join us for the IATG End of Year Social dinner and drinks at the newly renovated Mercantile Hotel, Sydney's longest running Irish Pub. Built in 1914 and opened in 1915, The Mercantile was established to replace the old Mercantile Rowing Club Hotel. It has since become an iconic pub in The Rocks welcoming guests all year round for drinks, great hearty meals and true Irish hospitality. In 2026 The Mercantile reopened with a new look and feel, refreshed interior and an exciting new rooftop offering, inviting old friends and new visitors alike to enjoy Sydney’s home of Irish hospitality with upgraded spaces, elevated views and the same great atmosphere.

A great opportunity to enjoy some Christmas cheer with your IATG colleagues.

Drink - Eat - Enjoy

When: Tuesday 8 December from 5pm

Where: Mercantile Hotel, 25 George St, The Rocks

Cost: FREE (all drinks and food is at your expense)

It is an informal gathering, but we would like you to register so we have an idea of numbers.

RSVP close 6 December

Event host: Gaille Dargan

(E) gailledargan@gmail.com