First Rotary convention? It won’t be your last
Whether Calgary will be your first convention or your 20th, Rotary leaders are confident you’ll walk away amazed. And a discount alert! The last day to save significant money with early registration is 15 December. Lock in your preferred hotel and signature events, which can sell out.
First-time attendees 21-25 June in Canada can expect inspiration from distinguished speakers — their insights are a top reason that convention regulars return year after year. The events have featured everyone from World Health Organization and United Nations leaders to Nobel Prize winners, presidents, astronauts, and authors.
Image credit: Monika Lozinska
Jonathon Wennstrom, of the Rotary Club of Livonia, Michigan, says a powerful experience at his first convention, this year in Singapore, was hearing about the vast needs in the world followed immediately by Rotary’s solutions. “We all need inspiration. We all need to have our batteries recharged. This has been a tremendous way to do that. I feel lifted up.”
General sessions are part entertainment spectacular (music stars, dance troupes, and acrobats) and part motivational rally. They’re also a learning forum guided by Rotary’s leaders. In between, you can explore your passions and your club’s priorities at booths and breakout sessions.
Members say that highlights in Singapore included making spontaneous connections in the House of Friendship and feeling Rotary’s worldwide influence.
Didier Grandport, of the Rotary Club of Tamarin Les Salines, Mauritius, sums up his first-convention feelings: “It makes me happy to meet people of the world, building action. Being here is like a dream.”
This story originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of Rotary magazine.