Another convention regular, Peter Lagarias of San Francisco (15 so far!), still remembers his first time, in Portland, Oregon, in 1990. Seeing members applauding for their countries during the opening parade of flags was “electric,” he recalls.

What keeps him and others coming back? Experiencing the internationality of Rotary. Reuniting with friends — and making new ones — from around the world. Being surrounded by like-minded people of action. Finding inspiration from world-renowned speakers.

Many first-timers get their feet wet by wandering the House of Friendship, the convention’s central hub. You’ll find project booths, interactive displays, and endless opportunities to connect with fellow members, Rotary staff, and our global partner organizations.

Next, attend breakout sessions to learn about successful projects you can adapt in your community, ways to engage and energize your club’s members, and ideas for addressing major global challenges, from climate change to conflict resolution.

Clementina Rosato, from Milan, a relative convention newbie (two and counting), says the experience made her feel part of a family. “You will learn a lot about Rotary,” she says, “but also about our potential as human beings and what we can achieve by connecting with other people.”

This story originally appeared in the November 2026 issue of Rotary magazine.