2007 RI Convention in Salt Lake City, 17-20 June

The Wild West is the setting for the 98th annual RI Convention, slated for 17-20 June 2007. But you won't find anything rough or unsophisticated about Salt Lake City. Utah's state capital boasts all the amenities of a big city, world-class accommodations, entertainment, dining, and culture as well as the family atmosphere and safety of a small town. And like Rotary itself, Salt Lake City offers a welcoming environment with more than 80 languages spoken by its citizens.

Known as the Crossroads of the West, this cosmopolitan U.S. city makes an ideal base camp for visiting the many natural attractions and historic sites nearby. Stay in the city and visit the Olympic Legacy Plaza, historic Temple Square, or the Family History Library. Or take to the road and tour one of 15 scenic national parks, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Arches, and historic monuments within a day's drive of Salt Lake City.

Why not make this year's convention a family affair and plan a vacation before or after the meeting? It's a unique chance to involve your family in the international family of Rotary. In addition to the city's many family-friendly venues, including the Children's Museum of Utah, Clark Planetarium, and Utah's Hogle Zoo, the Salt Lake City convention offers a variety of activities and events sure to please everyone.

While in Salt Lake City, here are just a few of the activities that you won't want to miss:

Genealogy Research Rooms
Research your family's roots by using the resources of the world's largest genealogical library. The Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is setting up genealogy stations in rooms throughout the convention hall to help you explore your ancestry.

Plenary Sessions
Experience the scope and strength of Rotary alongside thousands of Rotarians from around the world in the daily plenary sessions. This year's program promises sensational entertainment, stirring speeches, and inspiring opening and closing ceremonies, including a Maori (New Zealand) welcome and a performance by renowned New Zealand opera singer Dame Malvina Major!

HOC Events
Each year, the Host Organization Committee (HOC) arranges various events to showcase the host city and offer attendees a unique cultural experience. While in Salt Lake City, plan to attend a rodeo, enjoy a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or experience a taste of the Old West at the Rendezvous in the Park event, featuring authentic food, entertainment, and hands-on craft demonstrations.

Host Hospitality Night
Enjoy the warm hospitality of Utah's Rotarians while dining in private homes and area restaurants during the always-popular Host Hospitality Night. You may even be treated to a famous Rocky Mountain Dutch oven dinner prepared and served in the great outdoors. Spaces are limited, so sign up early.

Unofficial Affiliate Events
Interested in hosting your own club, district, or regional event? Find out more and download an unofficial affiliate events form. Whether this is your first or your 21st convention, you'll discover new friends, new project ideas, and a renewed sense of commitment at this year's meeting. And best of all, you'll find it all under one roof! Salt Lake City's state-of-the-art convention center, the Salt Palace, is located in the heart of town and within walking distance of most hotels and HOC events. The Salt Palace will be the site of all your convention favorites.

Check back soon for more details and links to register. In the meantime, explore these sites to start planning your trip:

Forms
â¿¢ Preliminary program information (PDF)
(Note: The information will be updated September 2006.)

â¿¢ Group housing form (PDF)

â¿¢ Hotel reservation form (PDF)

â¿¢ Registration and ticket form (PDF)

Links
â¿¢ 2007 International RYLA

â¿¢ U.S. visas and entry requirements (Be sure to apply for a U.S. visa on or before 1 February 2007)

â¿¢ Housing information

â¿¢ Host Organization Committee

â¿¢ Utah Office of Tourism

â¿¢ National Park Service

â¿¢ America's Byways

â¿¢ Utah.com