The Medicine Hat Rotary Club was delighted to welcome, as a ZOOM participant, the co-chair of the 2025 Convention, Craig Stokke. Craigs'co-chair is Past District Governor Mark Starratt. Craig joined the RC of Stampede Park in 2007 and joined our meeting to encourage participation in the local nature of the 2025 Rotary International convention. The comment was made that you join Rotary, but you don't really become a Rotarian until you attend an international convention and experience the world wide impact of the organization.
The local convention is 151 days away, and is building on the reputation of the previous Calgary RI convention in 1997 to be the "best ever".
(sorry for the poor photo, but ZOOM sometimes doesn't allow for good photos)
The conference "exceeded all expectations" with over 12,000 registrations in the first week. The convention committee has been working on premise that Calgary "doesn't do average", and if the 1997 convention was the "best ever", that this one will exceed that mark. The convention runs from June 21 - 25 and will primarily be using the Saddledome and the area around the Exhibition grounds and the BMO centre, so attendee's don't have too far to walk.
There are many volunteer opportunities, as well as sponsorship and family programs being developed.
Craig encouraged anyone who is intending to go, to register soon (the price goes up at the end of March) as well as secure accommodation. It is a busy time in Calgary, so affordable hotel rooms with access to the C-train may get to be in short supply. Your convention ID will allow you to access public transportation in Calgary, to avoid parking issues.
There are several ticketed, signature events which are available and the House of Friendship will be well worth spending an afternoon.
The websites for registration are listed above under "RI News"