2007 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Experience the energy of thousands of fellow Rotarians from around the world at daily plenary sessions at the Salt Palace Convention Center. This year’s program promises sensational entertainment, stirring speeches, and inspirational opening and closing ceremonies, including a performance by renowned New Zealand opera singer Dame Malvina Major.

Here are some of the convention highlights:

Sunday June 17 – Singer Donny Osmond will be the featured performer during a special welcome segment showcasing Utah talent during the Opening Plenary Session.

Monday June 18 – As an exchange student in Frederick, Oklahoma, an Australian, Jenny Horton, was hosted by six families and had a variety of experiences. She later joined Rotary and was so inspired by PolioPlus that she became a World Health Organization consultant based in Karachi, Pakistan

Monday June 18 – Through his association with the Rotary Club of Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada, Tom Ristimaki has become increasingly involved with Rotary, first as a Youth Exchange student, then in RYLA, and now as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.

Monday June 18 – Francis Moloi, South African High Commissioner to India and former Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, will speak on the theme for the session: "Rotary In Action."

Tuesday June 19 – William Gates Snr, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is the keynote speaker for this plenary session, the theme of which is "The Rotary Foundation Day."

Wednesday June 20 – Hyrum W. Smith, of the Franklin Covey consulting firm, helps individuals gain better control of their personal and professional lives through values-based time and life management. Smith combines a gift for communication with wit and enthusiasm to help his audience understand what matters most to them.

WORKSHOPS AND DISCUSSION GROUPS

Convention attendees will have numerous options for learning and sharing. Informational workshops and interactive discussion groups will take place during five concurrent afternoon sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 18-20 June. Sessions will be held from 13:30-15:00 and 15:30-17:00 on Monday and Tuesday, and from 13:30-15:00 on Wednesday.

Presentations and discussion groups offer a robust program involving Rotarians from diverse backgrounds.

All sessions will be organized into a system of "tracks," allowing attendees to plan their own schedule. Tracks are generally related to the 2006-07 presidential emphases and include water management, literacy, health and hunger, the family of Rotary (with participants from Rotaract and other programs), and Lead the Way (membership, media training, and an incoming club president workshop). Tracks related to The Rotary Foundation include updates on the Foundation and PolioPlus, fund development, humanitarian grants, educational programs, and the future vision of the Foundation

HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP

The House of Friendship is considered the heart of the RI Convention experience. It’s the place where Rotarians and guests can relax and share a meal, business cards, lively conversation, and ultimately, friendship. Here, you’ll find local cuisine, crafts, businesses, cyber-cafés, local entertainment, and souvenirs. You can also sign up for tours and host events, and browse club and district projects, Global Networking Groups booths, and the local Business Expo.

BOOTHS

Rotary conventions provide an ideal opportunity to meet members from around the world. Hundreds of Rotarians involved in club and district service projects or who participate in the Rotary Global Networking Groups program (which include Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups) will have the chance to share ideas, fellowship, and interests.

To register to attend the 2007 Rotary International Convention, June 17 – 20, follow this link

http://www.rotary.org/events/conventions/2007/how-to-register.html