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The 98th Convention of Rotary International, 17-20 June 2007 Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

President Bill Boyd

View RGHF activities at the 98th convention...

The RI Board of Directors has chosen Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, as the site for the 2007 RI Convention, slated for the state-of-the-art Salt Palace Convention Center, from 17-20 June.

The 3 November 2005 decision by the Board essentially switches New Orleans, now designated to host the convention in 2011, with Salt Lake City.

In August, Hurricane Katrina not only destroyed much of the New Orleans infrastructure, but also jeopardized the ability of local Rotary clubs to organize and host such a large-scale, international meeting. The switch gives New Orleans Rotary members ample time to rebuild their lives and businesses without taking on the formidable task of planning and hosting an international convention.

A Rotary International convention is unique because area Rotary clubs do much of the advance planning and organizing, beginning at least four years out. Local Rotarians volunteer their time to organize events and raise a significant amount of funds to offset the costs of hosting this major event. In addition, the event takes on an added degree of complexity as the local Rotary clubs host Rotarians from more than 100 countries. All these factors contributed to the Board's decision to switch the dates.

"This was not an easy decision for the board, but one that had to be made for the benefit of the entire organization," said RI president-elect William B. Boyd, who will set the agenda for the 2007 convention. "As much as New Orleans Rotarians wanted to host the convention in 2007, we could not expect them to commit to such a demanding task during a time when they are rebuilding their businesses and communities."

Boyd praised the New Orleans clubs for their hard work in preparation for the convention prior to the hurricane disaster. He went on to say that Utah's 40 Rotary clubs are working enthusiastically to plan for the switch.

"We are very pleased to work with Salt Lake City and Rotary clubs in the region to make this happen," said Boyd.

Salt Lake City last welcomed a Rotary convention in 1919, eight years after the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City was chartered in 1911.

"Salt Lake City has the facilities and the capacity to host this outstanding event," he said, referring to the Salt Palace's 365,000 square feet of exhibit space and the city's 20,000 hotel rooms, most of which are within walking distance of the convention center.

2007 RI Convention in Salt Lake City, 17-20 June

Join family, friends, and Rotarians from around the world at Rotary's largest annual get-together!

The Wild West is the setting for the 98th annual RI Convention, slated for 17-20 June 2007. But you won't find anything rough or unsophisticated about Salt Lake City. Utah's state capital boasts all the amenities of a big city — world-class accommodations, entertainment, dining, and culture — as well as the family atmosphere and safety of a small town. And like Rotary itself, Salt Lake City offers a welcoming environment with more than 80 languages spoken by its citizens.

Known as the Crossroads of the West, this cosmopolitan U.S. city makes an ideal base camp for visiting the many natural attractions and historic sites nearby. Stay in the city and visit the Olympic Legacy Plaza, historic Temple Square, or the Family History Library. Or take to the road and tour one of 15 scenic national parks, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Arches, and historic monuments within a day's drive of Salt Lake City.

Why not make this year's convention a family affair and plan a vacation before or after the meeting? It's a unique chance to involve your family in the international family of Rotary. In addition to the city's many family-friendly venues, including the Children's Museum of Utah, Clark Planetarium, and Utah's Hogle Zoo, the Salt Lake City convention offers a variety of activities and events sure to please everyone.

While in Salt Lake City, here are just a few of the activities that you won't want to miss:

Genealogy Research Rooms
Research your family's roots by using the resources of the world's largest genealogical library. The Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is setting up genealogy stations in rooms throughout the convention hall to help you explore your ancestry.

Plenary Sessions
Experience the scope and strength of Rotary alongside thousands of Rotarians from around the world in the daily plenary sessions. This year's program promises sensational entertainment, stirring speeches, and inspiring opening and closing ceremonies, including a Maori (New Zealand) welcome and a performance by renowned New Zealand opera singer Dame Malvina Major!

HOC Events
Each year, the Host Organization Committee (HOC) arranges various events to showcase the host city and offer attendees a unique cultural experience. While in Salt Lake City, plan to attend a rodeo, enjoy a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or experience a taste of the Old West at the Rendezvous in the Park event, featuring authentic food, entertainment, and hands-on craft demonstrations.

Host Hospitality Night
Enjoy the warm hospitality of Utah's Rotarians while dining in private homes and area restaurants during the always-popular Host Hospitality Night. You may even be treated to a famous Rocky Mountain Dutch oven dinner prepared and served in the great outdoors. Spaces are limited, so sign up early.

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