The 2014 Rotary International Convention will be held in Sydney, Australia from June 1 to 4, and it promises to be a “not-to-be-missed” event. If you have attended an International Convention before you don’t have to be told, and if you haven’t, it is an incredible experience. When you see the streets and convention spaces filled with thousands of Rotarians from all over the world, many of them in their colorful, interesting, and unique local dress, you truly appreciate what an international organization we belong to. The plenary and breakout sessions are always interesting but perhaps the best part is the chance to meet and talk with so many interesting Rotarians from around the globe.
 

Sydney is a fabulous choice of venue for this year’s convention. It is a vibrant, beautiful, international city and a gateway between the east and west. It has a beautiful harbor with its world-famous opera house, gorgeous beaches, and tons of great restaurants and shops. And you don’t have to travel far to find mountains and spectacular country scenery. If you are going to travel all the way to the other side of the world, you might want to consider extending your stay to visit some of Australia’s other attractions: world-class vineyards, the Great Barrier Reef, national parks, and some terrific cities, like Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, and Canberra.

Registration is open and you can sign up online at www.riconvention.org. ”The early registration deadline is December 15, 2013, so act before then to get the best rates. You can also book accommodations ahead of time through this page. You will also need a visa to visit Australia and this is another reason not to leave your registration until the last minute. Keep in touch because it would be great if those of us from District 7780 can get together in Sydney and share our experiences. If you have questions or would like additional information, please get in touch with me at lkfurbish@mac.com or 207-490-6840.