Don't miss the 2009 RI Convention

Rotary International News -- 1 June 2009

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who was featured in the April The Rotarian will be the keynote speaker on 18 June at the Rotary World Peace Symposium.

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Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn more about Rotary, meet fellow Rotarians from around the world, and hear a diverse array of accomplished speakers at the 2009 RI Convention 21-24 June in Birmingham, England.

Download the program book to find out about booths, speakers, breakout sessions, and more. If you haven't registered yet, you can still do so on-site.

Preconvention events

The Rotary World Peace Symposium is for Rotarians and Rotary World Peace Fellows and alumni to connect over issues related to peace and conflict resolution. It will include plenary sessions, prominent speakers, and networking opportunities.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa will be the keynote speaker on 18 June. Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, will speak about the challenges of peace-building. Learn more about Tutu and preconvention events.

Convention highlights

Speakers at the convention will include:

Tom Henderson, CEO of ShelterBox. Read more about Henderson.
Clarissa Brocklehurst, UNICEF's chief of water, sanitation, and hygiene
Mia Farrow, actor, polio survivor, and children's rights advocate
Deepa Willingham, founder of Promise of Assurance to Children Everywhere (PACE Universal). Read more about Willingham.
Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education, and Conservation, and Roots & Shoots. Read more about Goodall.

Events will include concerts, an evening in a medieval castle, and lots of Rotary hospitality. Learn more about Birmingham, the West Midlands, and beyond by booking a tour. Read more.

Travel

Several airlines offer discounts for Rotarians attending the convention. Read more.

Housing information

Although the official deadline for housing reservations, 8 May, has passed, the Birmingham Convention Bureau will continue to assist with housing needs for the 2009 RI Convention until 10 June. Reservations are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the Birmingham Convention Bureau by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail for the latest housing availability and information.

Mail:
Birmingham Convention Bureau
Millennium Point Level 4
Curzon Street
Birmingham
B4 7XG
England

Phone: +44 (0) 121 202 5154
Fax: +44 (0) 121 202 5123
E-mail: bcb.accommodation@marketingbirmingham.com

First-time attendees

Rotary conventions help attendees understand the scope and impact of the organization. They also energize Rotarians for all the challenges in the upcoming Rotary year. Read articles about last year's convention in Los Angeles, and see photos and videos.

First-time attendees can find more information online, including a convention checklist.

14 Comments:

At 11:12AM on 19 June 2009, Past Pres. Ed Trinidad wrote: My best wishes go to all the attendees of the RI Convention in Birmingham, England this year. I still remember those days in Oct/Nov 1994 when I led a Group Study Exchange team from district 3810 (Manila) Philippines to district 1080 led by then DG David Fowler. DG David and lovely spouse Daphne, and our Rotarian hosts did a splendid job of making us feel at home and appreciate the British culture, which made our stay very memorable. It would have been nice to reconnect with our lovely hosts then, during this historic 100th RI convention -- well, maybe in the future. I am sure that the attendees this year will experience the same hospitality and care that we enjoyed then. By the way, PDG David Fowler is the incoming Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI). RIBI couldn't have chosen a better man! My GSE team members (Michelle, Rissa, Cristina and Bob), my spouse Reby and I wish RIBI Pres.-Elect David, Daphne and the Rotarians there well. Enjoy Birmingham!

At 12:19PM on 12 June 2009, Rotr Nora M.Akem wrote: Obviously this is going to be an event to remember.I am not happy cause i couldn't mk it to this convention/Int RYLA.pray God will give the grace to live and b there nxt yr.Plz u do go and hv fun.my heart wish is for a Good and caring Rotarian to get some I will not forget in a Hurry for me at the Big Even for Me.my number is 08069207018.have fn!!!

At 9:41AM on 10 June 2009, Rtn. Tunde Oremodu, District 9140, Nigeria. wrote: The 99th Convention in L.A. was wonderful, especially the House of Friendship. I made so many friends. Im looking forward to making even more friends in Birmingham at the 100th Convention. Rotary is good.

At 11:35AM on 8 June 2009, Sujan Kafle wrote: We all should make this convention successful

At 11:37AM on 8 June 2009, Club President Eleazar Ikpegbu Rotary Club of Ikenegbu Owerri Nigeria wrote: I really can't wait to be in Birmingham for this 100th RI convention. It is going to be my first time, but will not be the last. Rotary is good, Rotary is fun, and Rotary is everything. See you all at this BIG Event!

At 4:34PM on 5 June 2009, PDG Jon Eiche wrote: Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn about Intercountry Committees and how they can be a major force in developing greater world understanding and peace in our Rotary world. Attend the workshop on Monday, June 22 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Hall 3A Room 2. The newest Intercountry Committee, the USA-France ICC will be chartered at the conclusion of that workshop.

At 3:01PM on 5 June 2009, Qamar Zaman wrote: we are waiting for the wonderful convention at brimingum and shall attent also the preconvention events.Rotarians from rotary club Islamabad Margalla distt 3270 will be there on 16th june.We pray for the success of this MEGA event.

At 3:03PM on 5 June 2009, RTN MICHAEL MATHIAS(SEC SHIRVA ROTARY) wrote: The Future of Rotary Is In Your Hands.wish u all roterians very success the convention from rtn michael mathias(sec shirva rotary) pilar melmane house post pernal via shirva 574116 karnataka. india www.geocities.com/rotaryshirva mail:rtnmichaelmathias#rediffmail.com

At 2:21PM on 3 June 2009, Eyram Rex-Dzaka wrote: "The Future of Rotary Is In Your In Your Hands" its going to be an event to remember

At 3:36PM on 3 June 2009, Valerie Dirksen wrote: Wow -- I am bringing my youngest daughter for this. It will be my first conference, and I am really looking forward to meeting so many like minded people! It is going to be like a family reunion!

At 11:43AM on 1 June 2009, Nana Amponsah Baffour-Awuah wrote: Can't wait to be part of the bigger family.its going to be an event to remember.

At 3:03PM on 29 May 2009, rtn dr amit k. ray wrote: european flavour will add back and supplement my 99th la convention

At 9:12AM on 28 May 2009, Mohammad Ali wrote: peace makes world developed

At 9:07AM on 28 May 2009, Eduardo Velez V. wrote: I´m absolutly sure this will be a marvelous experience. I´m looking forward to the different events.

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