Reflections and Impressions of the 2017 International Convention
When a scheduling mishap left us without a formal program, PE Jim Thomson who just returned from the RI International Convention in Atlanta, took advantage of the opportunity to share impressions and reflections with the club. He invited fellow convention attendees Dave Weiner, Larry and Kris Niemann, and Linda Borton to chime in as well. Among the highlights mentioned:
- Seeing the parade of flags- representing 130 different countries
- Outstanding speakers including Bill Gates, Ambassador Andrew Young, John Cena, Ashton Kucher, and an inspiring polio survivor with an incredible personal story.
- The general session on polio, where pledges for $ 1.2 billion in additional funding were announced, lead by another 2 for 1 matching grant from Bill Gates
- The opportunity to meet Rotarians from around the country and the world.
- The opportunity to learn about all of the different Rotary Fellowships from the Fellowship of Whiskey Drinkers to the Fellowship of Airline Pilots, all of which had displays in the House fo Friendship.
- The incredible logistics of putting on an event with over 40,000 attendees.
Everyone agreed it was a great experience, and they would highly recommend attending next year's International Convention in Toronto.
For those who want to get a sense of what it was like, click on one or more of the links below.