Stick-handling the meeting from Fairmont Hot Springs, President Al Hoeft called Rotarians gathered for the Regina Eastview ZOOM meeting to order at 12:05 P.M., and welcomed visitors and members to this “spring like” gathering. Following the sharing of the Club’s Land Acknowledgement, President Al, reminded us that we are all Treaty People. He noted Rotary’s historical peace and world understanding stance, undergirds a Rotarians commitment to living in harmony with the people who welcomed us to this land.
President Al introduced our Guest Speaker Craig Stokke, a member of the Rotary Club of Calgary Stampede Park, and a member of the 2025 Rotary International Convention Committee. Craig shared with us some of the exciting events and components planned for 2025 reinforces the international sense that Calgary, Alberta hosted the most memorable RI Convention in 1996 and that the current planning is set on a trajectory that 2025 RI convention will trump this previous experience. Craig set the stage by suggesting that as a traditional Grey Cup attendee, Grey Cup Festivities in Regina out-match other major Canadian Grey Cup host cities like Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver, because of their volunteer commitment to make it the best and so it is with Calgary and RI Conventions. Rotary International recommends that Host Cities ensure that the Convention Host Committee is supported by at least 400 Volunteers, Calgary’s Host Committee has a Goal of 1500 volunteers.
So what can we expect at the 2025 RI Convention in Calgary? Be ready for a kick-off Grandstand Spectacular. You’ll hear from inspiring and entertaining speakers, including organizational top leaders in Rotary from around the world. Informative breakout sessions will help Clubs and Districts build on their communication, leadership, and project management skills. There will be Project Booths where Clubs can search out support for new projects. There are opportunities to network and exchange ideas while browsing the project and fellowship booths in the House of Friendship. Attendees will be inspired by entertainment provided by local artists like Rock the Nation and other musicians in the House of Friendship and during general sessions. There will be a story of Canadian Music from the 1940’s to the present time. There is an Indigenous component and a retail component and cost free commuter train transportation between your hotel and the convention venue (just show your Convention registration Badge), if you booked your hotel through Rotary’s official housing partner.
We learned that current registration from 160 countries stands at 15,000, with another 12,000 registrations where the fees are still outstanding. The Registration fee from now until March 31, 2025 is $650.00, when the price increases by $100.00.
Calgary 2025 is about having an amazing experience of connecting communities and building lasting friendships. Calgary’s Host and Hospitality opportunities will range from intimate home visits, to larger Club hosted functions. Other experiential events include a Stampede Breakfast; Rope Square Experience and Beer Gardens. If you have an interest in volunteering at the event please let them know and you will be trained to fill in for a 4 hour shift. There is still time to participate in this fantastic international Rotary experience – do it now!
President Al expressed our appreciation to Craig Stokke for his enthusiastic overview of this best of Rotary experiences.