Calgary has been selected to host Rotary International’s annual convention in 2025.
In a media release Tuesday, Meetings and Conventions Calgary said the convention – which is expected to be the largest in the city’s history – will attract between 20,000 and 40,000 people from 100 countries around the world.
“It’s just an awesome opportunity to showcase our city to Rotarians,” said Mark Starrett, co-chair of the host organization committee.
The convention will bring members together over five days in June and allow them to set the agenda for their clubs. According to the Rotary International website, the convention allows members to hear from world-renowned speakers and “proudly share ideas.”
Clark Grue, president of Meetings and Conventions Calgary, said his organization expects the convention will inject “well over $14 million” directly into the economy.
“There’s also the indirect impact,” he added. “This is something that goes a little bit less noticed, but it’s the linkages that this creates for our business community to other business communities… which often drives other business opportunities and exposure for Calgary as a place to do business and invest.”
“The city really needs some good stories and this is one,” said Craig Stokke, co-chair of the host organization committee.
Grue said the city has been looking to get Rotary International back to Calgary for a number of years after hosting its annual convention in 1996.
“It takes a lot of effort to get these events to come to our city and when they do they have such a huge economic impact,” he said.
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Starratt said the Rotary Club visited Calgary in August to learn more about the city and whether it could support a massive delegation like the Rotary International Convention.
“I mean, do we have the capacity to hold a large convention here in the city? Do we have the volunteer support to support that many convention delegates?”
Starratt said the decision to have Calgary as a host, which is a major boon to the city, is the result of a partnership between Meetings and Conventions Calgary, the Calgary Stampede and the Calgary Hotel Association. He said they’ve been working on the proposal for two years.
In a statement, Rotary Club president Ian Riseley called Calgary the “perfect venue for our convention.”
“Eight years from now, Calgary will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of energy, colour and excitement where rotary members will share projects, advice and friendship.”
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