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The 2025 Rotary International Convention promises excitement and insight

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The gathering in Calgary, Canada will deliver inspiration in a spectacular setting

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Distinguished speakers, inspiring breakout sessions, and the chance to meet new friends from across the globe will draw thousands to Calgary, Canada for the 2025 Rotary International Convention in June. The area’s natural beauty inspired the convention’s slogan: Magic All Around.

“A convention is a magical place and gives you an opportunity to recharge your Rotary batteries,” says Bryn Styles, chair of the 2025 International Convention Committee, of the 21-25 June gathering. “You will find that each and every attendee is there to learn, to be challenged, to hear new ideas, and to have fun.”

Speakers at the convention include Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis, Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman, and World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Davis is known for her work to increase diversity in Hollywood entertainment and for films such as “Thelma and Louise.” Karman, a journalist and human rights advocate, has been a leader in the struggle for democracy and women’s rights in Yemen. The founder of the Women Journalists Without Chains organization, she was the first woman from the Arab world to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Ghebreyesus has overseen the most dramatic transformation in the WHO’s history, including the adoption of the “triple billion” targets: 1 billion more people benefiting from universal health coverage; 1 billion more people better protected from health emergencies; and 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being.

Other convention speakers include Scott Simon, who hosts “Weekend Edition Saturday” for National Public Radio in the United States, scientist and climate activist Katharine Hayhoe, and behavioral scientist Isabel Scarinci, who works to eliminate cancer disparities in low- and middle-income countries. .

Learn more about the convention speakers.

Convention-goers will also have their choice of an array of after-hours events. At the Grandstand Spectacular, audiences will see an incredible celebration that includes Indigenous hoop dancers and horseback relay races. “New Blood,” a theatrical work to be presented by the Calgary Civic Symphony, combines traditional Blackfoot music with songs by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel. The Western Ranch Showcase will offer rodeo demonstrations, cowboy poetry, and other live entertainment.

Numerous events focused on service will highlight opportunities to make a difference and connect with others. The Building a Better World Workshop on 20 June, sponsored by the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group and the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development, will discuss tools and practices to help create sustainable projects.

Throughout the convention, dozens of breakout sessions will offer attendees opportunities to learn about topics such as making the most of Rotary’s networking opportunities or effectively using artificial intelligence. The booths in the House of Friendship will emphasize the many facets of Rotary’s work around the globe.

— June 2025