Posted by District Governor Neil Phillips

To All Rotarians in D7070:  

Here it is – the biggest-ever RI Toronto Convention update everyone has been asking for.  This is a long email, as I’ve added in info based on all the various questions coming my way.  I’ve included headings – so please scan and just skip over sections that might not be applicable to you.  Hyperlinks to websites and contact email addresses are included. Read more for all of the details.....

REGISTRATION

This is the last week for discounted registration.  We’re 400 shy of the goal for host district, so take advantage of this last discount and register this week, if you can.  As of this Saturday, March 31, the cost increases $85USD.  Register here.  (You’ll need a MyRotary login:  if you do not have, may take a few days.  Contact RI for that – no one at District, HOC or in your Club can assist.)  If you’d prefer to register via fax, you can get the form hereNote the discounted Rates for Rotaractors, Interactors, Youth Exchange and youth in general.  Please help us reach the target as hosts!

 

FIRST CONVENTION?

Many have asked what to expect, if this is their first convention.  You can get a fair amount of info here, but the rough layout is as follows.  First, on Saturday the 23rd there is the grand opening of the House of Friendship.  This was first started at an RI Convention in Toronto, and is an enormous combination of Rotary tradeshow, project showcase and gathering place – open throughout the convention.  The Opening Ceremonies are on the Sunday.  Due to numbers, there will be two sessions – you’ll be advised which one you’re in.  From Monday-Wednesday, each morning there are general sessions, which feature a variety of high profile speakers from around the world.  In the afternoons, a plethora of breakout sessions cover topics across the spectrum of Rotary club administration, global projects, philanthropy and business.  The detailed schedule will be finalized over the next month or so.  There are many optional social events as well.  Our own HOC events (Host Organizing Committee events) start on the Saturday; our Zone Dinner  (also called the Beyond Borders Dinner) is on the Sunday;  Rotaract events start on the Thursday prior.  Anyone can come to these – you do not need to be registered for the convention.  So it’s a great opportunity to bring guests to join in the fun & fellowship.  The final Closing Ceremonies are on the Wednesday at 17.00.  For those interested, this year there is a special Peacebuilding Summit on the Friday/Saturday before the convention starts.  During the convention, there are also special ticket events and lunches.

 

OUR OWN HOC EVENTS

As mentioned above, we have planned our own HOC events during the convention.  Not only are these fun – they enable us to fund a lot of the convention activities we are responsible for.  We strongly encourage attendance in at least one of these, with a special focus on Rotaryfest – which is a great event to bring guests to.  Click here for a video.  You do NOT have to be a Rotarian to attend any of these events (except Host Hospitality)!

 

HOST HOSPITALITY

A highlight event for many going to conventions.  This year, it’s our responsibility to host.  We’ve had a great response, and have more than 2,000 dinner seats being hosted – and almost all are sold out!  We’d love to get a further 119 spots to reach 2,500, if any Clubs are interested.  Toronto Earlscourt has a venue with 40 extra spots available as well, for those who may wish to partner with them.  If your Club has room to add an event or some additional spots, please contact HH Chairs Don Bell or Jackie Davies.

 

VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to all who have already signed up.  We still need OVER 1,200 volunteer shifts between June 23-27th to make this convention a roaring success.  WE NEED YOU!!   Who can be a Volunteer Ambassador?  Any Rotarian, Rotaractor, friend or family of Rotarian or Rotaractor, age 17 or older.  You do not need to be registered for the conference.  Any time commitment, big or small, is hugely appreciated.  Where might you be assigned?  The Convention Centre (including HOC Event registration, Information booth, HOC office), HOC Event (especially Tuesday Night’s Rotaryfest), Pearson Airport, Billy Bishop Airport, Union Station, Hotels, Destination Eradication Bike Rally.  If you ARE registered, you may also be assigned the House of Friendship or inside the convention itself.  Sign up online and say when you’re available.  Every volunteer must sign up online – all communication and assignments go through this system.  And now you can see specific areas/events – all with detailed information.  For the Sunday, if you log into MyRotary and look at your convention registration, you may see which Opening Ceremony session you’re scheduled for – so you know when you’re free Sunday. (If not showing, you have not been assigned as of yet.  Most of those who registered during last year’s convention will be in the first session.)  Please contact Dawn-Marie King or Lorraine Lloyd for more info.

 

PROSPECTIVE ROTARIANS – CONVENTION DAY PASS

For the first time ever, Rotary is offering 500 one-day passes only for the Monday or Tuesday, to prospective Rotarians.  They cost $95USD, and there is a special form to be completed.  Registrations must be in by May 15.  Club Presidents and Membership Chairs have been sent detailed info, including the form.  This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to what we do on a grand scale.  For additional information, please contact John Barrett

 

ROTARACT PRECON

It’s Rotaract’s 50th anniversary this year!  And we have a vibrant Rotaract community in our district.  Help them celebrate with over 300 Rotaractors from around the world at their two-day Precon.  If your Club sponsors a Rotaract Club, or wants to get involved – consider helping some of our dynamic younger leaders attend.  Or, join them at an event yourself.

 

INTERACT PRECON

This one-day event is being held for only the second time, following up on the success in Atlanta.  Unfortunately, the timing is a challenge re:exams for most Ontario schools – but we expect over 100 Interactors to come from across North America.  Our district has been instrumental at making this happen – so if you know any Interactors who can make it, please help them out.  This also has a $25 earlybird registration fee until April 30.

 

PEACEBUILDING SUMMIT

The Peace Summits have been a cornerstone of Rotary International President Ian Riseley’s year, with one focusing on each of our Six Areas of Focus.  The first was held in Vancouver in January.  On the Friday and Saturday before the convention, the final Peacebuilding Summit will be held, bringing it all together.  Register if you are interested; this event is also open to non-Rotarians.

 

OTHER EVENTS

There’s lots more going on during the convention!  Special sessions that may be of interest include the Youth Exchange Officers Precon, Youth Exchange Officers Banquet, Rotaract's 50th Birthday Lunch, President's Recognition Luncheon and President-elect’s Leadership Luncheon.  There are also a plethora of Unofficial Affiliate Events.  These include dinners, activities, and general get-togethers – often around various Rotarian Action Groups or Fellowships.  You’re probably already aware if one is in your area of interest – but they’re worth checking out.

 

SPONSORS

Yes, it takes money to pull all this off.  We are still short of our goal.  If you have any contacts re sponsors for the convention – large or small – please contact Ross Amos.

 

SHOP

Do you covet one of those snazzy purple Toronto 2018 shirts the volunteers in Atlanta had, or one of the (in)famous blinky pins?  Well now you can purchase – along with other Toronto items.  Click here to access the website.  Items will also be available for sale at the District Assembly in May.

 

HOW SUCCESSFUL HAVE WE BEEN?

Very!  That’s why we need your help.   J   As of now, we have over 35,000 registered attendees, from 180 different countries or geographical areas!  As comparison – this is twice as many as the last convention in Canada, held in Montréal in 2010.  We could not be happier.

Thanks everyone for bearing with me on the long email.  I hope it answered all your questions, and has made you even more excited for our big event.  As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to myself, DGE Mary Lou or the HOC committee should you need additional info.

As HOC Co-Chair Michele Guy would say, only 53 sleeps until the fun starts!

District Governor Neil