Rotary Convention: What is one of the highlights that Rotarians talk about?House of Friendship
One answer that a lot of people say for why they go or what they look forward to at the International Convention is the House of Friendship.
The House of Friendship is a marketplace where you can get everything Rotary from clothes, pins, promotional materials, or basically anything with a Rotary Logo on it. We have personally purchased shoes to pins to undergarments in the House of Friendship with Rotary Logos and Polio Plus logos on them.
Informational booths showcasing Service Projects and Rotary Action Groups (RAGS) are popular destinations as well. This is where you can find out more about projects and a chance to get more involved in different projects around the world. Many clubs have booths showcasing their projects and grants they have done around the world and in their own communities Many are looking for funding or helpful hands to help them finish their projects.
Rotary International also has booths in the House of Friendship. There are many mini break out sessions focusing on public image, communication helpful for all. There is usually a virtual reality on polio trips and global grants. Something different every year for you to explore
We love to visit clubs to talk about the convention and past convention just email us (Gary and Sandi Chard)at sandichard@gmail.com
- Gary and Sandi Chard
The best kept secret in Rotary is considered The Rotary Fellowships. They are groups of Rotarians who have a common interest. Some examples are Wine Appreciation, Whisky Drinkers, Lawyers, ancestry, single clubs, to name a few. Each year new fellows are added. Just last year 13 new ones were added including coffee lovers, tea lovers, horse racing, metaverse and more. In the House of Friendship, you will also find the fellowships displaying what they are all about. Some of the fellowships hold events during the conference, example is the beer fellowship holds events usually 2 or 3 evenings at local breweries and raises money at the events to support WASH-RAG. Some do pre- and post-trips in the area showcasing their fellowship. Wine tours are very popular.
Generally, The House of Friendship has food options: either a cafeteria style, or food truck style choices. The House of Friendship is a great place to meet up with people that you haven’t seen since the last convention or meet new friends while having lunch or break from the day at the convention.
The House of Friendship starts the day before the convention and ends the last day. While the last day has some great deals as the booths do not want to take their wares home make sure you buy that special item the first day you see it as it usually sells out.
You can see why this is an important part of the Rotary International Convention.
We love to visit clubs to talk about the convention and past convention just email us (Gary and Sandi Chard)at sandichard@gmail.com
For Exhibitors: The House of Friendship is the ultimate destination for attendees to gather, network, and learn about your product, program, or service.
Would you like to showcase a program or project in the House of Friendship?
Saturday – Wednesday, 21-25 June
Location: The BMO Centre
In addition to exploring the tools and resources needed to make an impact around the world, the House of Friendship offers concessions and entertainment, drawing thousands of visitors daily. Rotary and non-Rotary entities are welcome to secure booth space to interact with enthusiastic convention-goers.
Access is included in the full convention registration fee. Nearly 95% of convention attendees make their way through the aisles of this exciting exhibition hall, connecting with leaders, activists, and People of Action.
If you're interested in showcasing your product or service at the Rotary International Convention, please complete this form to be notified when the application and prospectus become available.
The 2025 Rotary International Convention will occur in Calgary at the BMO Centre from Saturday, June 21, through Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Our House of Friendship Exhibition Hall offers a unique opportunity for your organization to connect directly with Rotary members from around the globe.
Applications for Rotary Action Groups, Projects, Fellowships, and Club and District Projects will be available starting September 1.
Applications for Non-Rotary Entities, including Commercial Exhibitors, Licensees, and Rotary Partners, will open on October 1. Sponsoring the Rotary International Convention provides additional exposure beyond the Exhibit Hall and offers enhanced opportunities to engage with convention attendees.