Attend a Rotary International Convention and see the international face of Rotary. From May 27-31, 2023 an anticipated 15,000+ Rotarians from around the world will converge on Melbourne to experience what our city (and Victoria) can offer. To quote a member of the convention organising committee, PDG Dennis Shore Rotary Club of Hawthorn, "... experience Rotary like you never have before – it’s Rotary on Steroids. The ticket price goes up on December 15 so make sure you get the best deal and book now – you won’t regret it."
According to Dennis, "Once you have been to one Rotary International Convention, most Rotarians are hooked and look forward to their next Convention". And I can only agree having attended 6 (including the two previous one's here in Australia) and the massive one for the 100 years of Rotary in Chicago in 2005. Most recently, to be one of hundreds of Aussies singing I am Australian in Toronto was amazing.
It's a no brainer. To again quote self-confessed convention tragic, Dennis: "A convention is huge with amazing speakers and fantastic entertainment". So, whilst there will be many opportunities to learn more about Rotary, its projects, its people, and world-wide reach, there will be lots of other distractions.
So what other incentives are there to attend in May next year?
- The venues are world-class - Rod Laver Arena for the plenary sessions and the fabulous Melbourne Convention and Exhibition for other events - directly linked by the free No.70 tram.
- Another incentive is that the convention is right in our back yard - both venues are easily accessed on public transport from the inner eastern suburbs. And travel will be free.
- But perhaps the greatest incentive is that there are no accommodation costs, interstate or international travel.
Each Rotary Convention has a House of Friendship where Rotary's involvement with the community (local and international) is showcased with hundreds of booths as well as Rotary-licensed vendors in the Rotary Marketplace. There also will be around 85 interactive breakout sessions where attendees can share their ideas and passions.
So, if you want to see what you will find in May next year, check out this great video produced by the RICON23 host committee.
And for further information: