Minutes December 2: Barbara Fisk

Finemaster Wim gave Doug a fine for coming late and Paul LeRoy for still not returning President's Erik magic polishing ball. President Erik had a happy buck for Mr. Norm. He became grand father again. Congratulations Helen and Norm !!

Wim had a happy buck for having a good vacation in Aruba.

Guest speaker for this evening is Barbara Fisk. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium. Barbara visited our Club in her role as District 7080 RI Convention Coordinator. Her presentation was about the "Nitty Gritty of RI Conventions."

2010 RI Convention in Montreal, Québec, Canada, 20-23 June

Sophisticated yet friendly, Montreal offers an ideal setting for Rotarians to gather at the 2010 RI Convention. More than 80 nationalities and ethnic groups reside in Montreal. In addition, it is also the largest francophone city outside of Paris, making it the most bilingual metropolis in North America. Register early now for "An International Experience" and to receive the best rates and accommodations.

First-time convention attendee information

As a first-time convention attendee, you are embarking on an experience that will inspire you, inform you about Rotary on an international level, and provide you with resources and motivation to move your club forward. Why attend? By participating in an RI Convention, you'll gain a broader appreciation of Rotary's global impact and strengthen your commitment to service. And seeing a convention may move your invited guests to become Rotarians too.

Here are some other great reasons to attend a convention:

Service projects. Find out how fellow Rotarians developed their service projects by visiting club and district project booths. You can also partner with other Rotarians in an international project or exchange.

The Rotary Foundation. Learn more about PolioPlus and other Foundation programs during plenary sessions and workshops that show how Rotarians take humanitarian action and promote peace and understanding throughout the world.

Development of future club leaders. Expand your network of international contacts by getting to know Rotary leaders and members from your own district, and become more involved in district plans.

Club administration. Attend a special workshop for incoming presidents and the Presidents-Elect Luncheon, where you can meet and exchange ideas with fellow leaders.

Family fun. With so much to do around the event, you and your family can plan a memorable vacation around the convention.

Maximizing your convention experience Take advantage of preconvention meetings, RI luncheons, and host events before the official start of the convention. Showcase your club or district humanitarian service project in the Club and District Projects Exhibition. Organize an event! Request a form by contacting uae@rotary.org . Get involved behind the scenes of this major RI meeting by volunteering to be a sergeant-at-arms. Sign up when you register, or stop by the sergeant-at-arms office on-site during the convention.

Organize a group to attend from your club or district. You may even receive a rebate for your collective efforts! Special forms are available for tour groups by contacting ri.registration@rotary.org .

Say yes to personal information sharing when you register, and you'll receive information about local attractions, events, and activities from convention organizers and the local Host Organization Committee.

Subscribe to the International Meetings and Convention E-Group through Member Access to receive convention information updates. Booths House of Friendship R I conventions provide an ideal opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with Rotarians from around the world. Inside the House of Friendship, located in the Palais des congres for the 2010 convention, thousands of Rotarians come daily to learn about new projects and how to become more involved with other Rotarians who share their interests or concerns. The House of Friendship has a special regional theme and decor and incorporates regional cuisine, relaxation areas, and local arts and crafts exhibitions.

Booth space

The House of Friendship at the RI Convention offers one-of-a-kind souvenirs; booths for club and district projects, Rotary Fellowships, Rotarian Action Groups, and RI licensed vendors; and a business expo featuring commercial and noncommercial exhibitors.

Booth applications for club and district projects, fellowships, and action groups will be available online in October and must be submitted to Rotary International by Friday, 29 January . Applicants will be asked to resubmit their application if the wrong form is submitted to Rotary International. Please direct any questions regarding booth applications to Kimberly Dunton Braam, shipping and exhibits supervisor, at 847-424-5238 or exhibitor@rotary.org .

Read the guidelines for the Use of the Trademarks of Rotary International RI-licensed vendor and business expo applications will be distributed by RI when contacted by eligible exhibitors; deadlines vary for each application. Find out more about how to apply for different types of booths: Club and district project booths Fellowship booths Global Networking Group booths Rotarian Action Group booths RI-licensed vendors Business expo

Thank you Barbara for a great and enthusiastic presentation. Remember the Early Bird deadline of December 15, 2009 and save $ 100,=!

At the end of the meeting chairman of the membership committee Paul Bradford handed out business cards for new guests to all members.

Meeting adjourned at 8.00 pm.