The Rotary International Convention is always an exciting event that brings together members from around the world in a vibrant display of Rotary’s global diversity — the core of our strength. This year, the anticipation and sense of celebration are even more intense.
After holding two conventions virtually because of COVID-19, Rotary’s global member network will again gather in person and Discover New Horizons in Houston, Texas, USA, 4-8 June. The 2022 convention will be our first to combine virtual and in-person elements.
This is Houston’s third convention. It also hosted the Rotary world in 1914 and 1972.
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta urged members to attend the general sessions to find new horizons in themselves, in their communities, and around the world.
“You will hear a fascinating lineup of speakers discuss the various ways that Rotary and our allies Serve to Change Lives,” he said. He also encouraged people to visit the House of Friendship, the ultimate destination for Rotary members to find the resources they need to make an impact.
The gathering will transform the George R. Brown Convention Center into an energized hub and cultural mosaic as Rotary’s people of action discuss how they serve their communities, learn from experts, gain inspiration from notable speakers, and connect with friends.
Participants will have vital conversations about global issues like eradicating polio, promoting peace, reducing pollution, helping refugees, preventing disease, and advancing literacy.
The convention will once again illustrate that Rotary is stronger when we are all more connected.
Convention highlights
World-class speakers will include:
- Gen. Charles Duke (USAF Ret.) NASA astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot and 10th Man to walk on the Moon, Apollo 16
- Orion Jean, 2021 TIME Boy of the Year; Founder, Race to Kindness
- Dr. Hamid Jafari, director of polio eradication for the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean region
- Gingger Shankar, a filmmaker, musician, and activist
- Anbita Nadine Siregar, a founder of Generation Girl
People who can’t attend in person can take part in the virtual convention, which will include livestreamed general sessions and select breakout sessions, as well as a virtual House of Friendship. We’ve built on our previous experience with convention apps and used what we’ve learned about online meetings in the past two years to create a hybrid experience that will keep people connected. Recordings will be available through 31 August.
The Rotary Presidential Conference Houston: Serve to Bring Peace, 3-4 June, will focus on our work to create more peaceful and resilient societies. It’s the last of seven presidential conferences around the world this Rotary year and offers a chance to network with Rotary’s peacebuilding community.
The House of Friendship is the perfect place to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Learn from others, share ideas, and motivate each other to keep creating lasting change.
Attendees in Houston can enjoy events organized by local clubs, learn about the city, and see how members are making meaningful changes all over the world.
In-person attendees can reduce their carbon impact and help protect the environment (Rotary’s latest area of focus) by downloading a special version of the Footprint app to track their efforts to offset the release of carbon dioxide through a Host Organization Committee project.
At the 2023 convention booth, you can register for the convention in Melbourne at a special reduced rate, book accommodations, and buy tickets to special events. Learn what Melbourne offers visitors and chat with staff and local members.
