The Top 5 Things You Might Discover at a Rotary International Convention
Last month, we shared the Top 5 Reasons to Go to Barcelona.
This month, we're going to hear from someone who has actually attended an International Convention and discovered that it can be about much more than attending meetings.
5. You may discover that Rotary is much bigger than you imagined.
It's one thing to be active in your own club and community. It's another to suddenly find yourself surrounded by thousands of Rotarians from around the world.
Former District 7080 Governor Kathi Dick (Rotary Mississauga) experienced that first-hand when she attended her first International Convention in Lisbon in 2013.
"I had been a Rotarian for a few years, working primarily in my community, and had never attended a Rotary International Convention. Upon embarking on my journey as President of my Rotary Club, I was privileged to attend my first Convention in Lisbon Portugal in June, 2013. The theme was “A Harbor for Peace”. I thought it would be like the various conventions I had attended in the past. I was wrong. At the opening ceremony I was joined by 24,000 other Rotarians from over 220 countries.At that moment, I realized that I was part of a powerful world wide organization. The experience changed my view of Rotary and my Rotary life. I became District 7080 Governor in 2017-18 and began my efforts to promote peace, which, I am still actively promoting as Chair of the District 7080 Peace Committee."
4. You may discover ideas you can bring home.
An International Convention puts you in a room with Rotarians who are tackling challenges in completely different communities and countries. You may come home with a new idea, a new perspective or a new way of approaching something your own club cares about.
3. You may discover connections you never expected.
One of the unique things about an International Convention is the opportunity to meet Rotarians from around the world, people you might never otherwise have had the opportunity to meet.
Some connections may last for five days. Others can last for years.
2. You may discover a different side of Rotary.
The Convention isn't simply a series of sessions. It's an opportunity to experience the energy, diversity and global reach of an organization that is much larger than any individual club or District.
1. You may discover why people go back.
For some Rotarians, one Convention is enough.
For others, it becomes something they want to experience again and again.
Perhaps the best way to understand why is to hear from someone who has already been there.
Barcelona 2027
The next Rotary International Convention takes place June 26–30, 2027, in Barcelona, Spain.
District 7080 is also looking at ways to make the experience even more memorable by creating opportunities for members to experience Barcelona together.
The Convention gives you a reason to go. Barcelona gives you a reason to stay.
Want to learn more?
Visit the official Rotary International Convention website for registration information, Convention details and updates about Barcelona 2027.
If you've attended an International Convention and have a story you'd like to share, I'd love to hear it.