If you haven’t attended a convention yet, the 2008 RI Convention in Los Angeles has your name on it. The second largest metropolis in the United States, the City of Angels teems with activity and culture, boasting a diverse ethnic mix and cosmopolitan flair. Not to mention Hollywood.

Still not convinced? Here are a dozen more reasons why you should register early.

1. Save money. Organize a group to attend from your district, and you may be eligible to receive a rebate for your collective efforts.

2. Make history at groundbreaking host events. Be one of the first to attend a concert in the brand-new Nokia Theater, which will be completed just a month before the convention.

3. Carry on the tradition. L.A. is one of only a handful of cities that have hosted the convention multiple times, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of Rotarians who came before you in 1922 and 1962.

4. Get on the A list. A limited number of first-time attendees, especially international visitors, will be matched with local Rotarians so they can exchange e-mails about L.A. attractions and RI conventions before the big event.

5. Find a new pet project. There’s a world of international service opportunities available to Rotarians, and nowhere else can you find a greater concentration of ideas. Plus, it’s a chance to showcase your own projects at the Club and District Projects Exhibition.

6. Earn bragging rights. Learn more about PolioPlus and other Foundation programs during plenary and breakout sessions that will make you proud to be part of an organization with humanitarian leaders worldwide.

7. Network, network, network. Think of all the contacts you make at your club meetings. Now multiply that by 16,500. (That’s about how many people attended the 2007 convention.) Your Rolodex could include names from around the globe.

8. Become a star yourself. If you’re looking to hone your leadership skills, there’s no better place to learn than at the convention, which has a special breakout session and luncheon for incoming club presidents.

9. Soak up the sun. The beach. The surf.

10. Bring your own entourage. Invite relatives, potential club members, or local Rotaractors. (Rotaractors and recent Foundation alumni can bring a guest at a reduced rate.)

11. Join a new entourage. You can choose from more than 80 Rotarian-organized fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups. From dog lovers to scuba divers, many set up booths in the House of Friendship, where you’ll also enjoy live performances on two stages. (And if you’re really adventurous, you can join the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians as it caravans down historic Route 66 all the way from Chicago to the Los Angeles convention.)

12. Cruise the highway. Disneyland, Napa Valley, Las Vegas, and even Mexico are just a road trip away.