Rotary 2022 International Convention to be held in Houston
The event will bring more than 20,000 participants from around the world and deliver $30 million in local economic impact
HOUSTON (July 22, 2021) – During a joint news conference held at George R. Brown Convention Center today, Rotary and Houston First Corporation representatives announced that more than 20,000 service-minded people from around the world will gather in Houston for Rotary’s 113th annual international convention on June 4-8, 2022.
The coveted international event is returning to Houston for the third time, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1972 international convention. The Bayou City also hosted the 5th Rotary convention in 1914. The event is expected to deliver $30 million in economic impact for the city’s hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions.
“As a global membership organization that brings people from all continents and cultures together to share, learn and take action to bring positive and lasting change to communities around the world, we are thrilled that our first in-person international convention since 2019 will take place in Houston,” said Rotary’s International President Shekhar Mehta. “And for the first time ever, our annual event will be open to members of the public who want to connect, learn and be a part of our work to grow and change lives.”
Rotary’s 2022 international convention will transform the George R. Brown Convention Center into an energized hub and cultural mosaic as the organization’s global network of volunteers gather to share information about all the ways they are taking action to address issues in their communities, to learn from notable experts, gain inspiration from world-class speakers, and connect with lifelong friends shaped through service.
Previous convention speakers include philanthropist Bill Gates; actor and philanthropist Ashton Kutcher; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; actor, producer, host, entrepreneur, WWE Superstar and Rotary polio ambassador, John Cena; renowned primatologist Jane Goodall; and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young.
Organized by Rotary International in conjunction with the Houston Host Organization Committee of local Rotary members, registrants of the convention will also experience Houston’s hospitality with visits to local destinations like Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk and one of Houston’s premiere shopping destinations, The Galleria. Click here to register for Rotary’s International Convention.
“Houston and Houston First Corporation are thrilled to host Rotary’s International Convention next summer,” said Jorge Franz, Senior Vice President Tourism and Industry Relations at Houston First Corporation & Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau’s president. “We look forward to welcoming the thousands of awesome Rotary members who through their volunteerism and commitment to problem-solving make our communities better from continent to continent. This global exposure to 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide will further elevate Houston as a travel destination, and the anticipated $30 million economic impact from the convention will be a financial shot in the arm for Houston hotels, restaurants, retailers, attractions and many more.”
Houston Host Organization Committee chair, Rhonda Kennedy, representing 62 Houston-area clubs and its 2,400 members, said, “as a proud member of the Rotary Club of Sweeny, I am excited not only to welcome our fellow members from around the world to our beloved city, but also to show how Houston-area clubs are taking action to make the world a better place at home and abroad.”
With the safety and wellbeing of participants and the wider community a top priority, Rotary’s previous two conventions were held virtually due to the global pandemic. Speaking during the press conference, John Smarge, chair of Rotary’s International Convention Committee, said, “this convention will also have a virtual component to make the event accessible to all members. And as we continue our planning, we will work closely with global and national health authorities to ensure that our in-person event follows the most current health and safety guidelines.”
