CALGARY CALLS
story by: Geoffrey Johnson
For centuries, people have gathered in Calgary at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Now, with its June 2025 convention it’s Rotary’s turn. With nine months to go, we take a look at what to expect from Canada’s third-largest city.
Shouts of “Yaahooo!” echoed across the House of Friendship in Singapore as members snapped pictures in cowboy hats at the Calgary convention booth and lined up to register for their trip to Canada’s West.You’re sure to hear that cowboy call of enthusiasm at the Rotary International Convention 21th - 25th June in Calgary, a city with country flair that’s famous for its summer rodeo blowout.
Affectionately called Cowtown for its cattle industry history, Calgary even has a link to Beyoncé, whose latest album has country music influences. One of her co-writers on the song “Texas Hold ’Em” grew up in Calgary and calls it Canada’s country capital.
Calgary Stampede is a rodeo festival which takes place in the city every year.
Don’t miss the National Music Centre in town that includes the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. A wide-ranging music museum has an exhibit on country star Shania Twain and a mobile recording studio used by the Rolling Stones.
The timing of the convention, on the grounds of the Calgary Stampede, is perfect. You’ll have time afterward to visit another part of North America for a vacation then return to the city to catch the rodeo 5th - 15th July.
One suggestion: Take a train into the neighbouring Rocky Mountains to see Banff National Park’s breathtaking scenery. And Calgary invites you to celebrate Canada Day on 1st July, with an Indigenous showcase, a street fair, and fireworks show.
Perhaps you’ll leave town with a cowboy hat or boots. But outside of all the fun, you have a serious job: help local members make noise about Rotary to boost public engagement, while supercharging your excitement about all you can accomplish through this great global network.
The state of Alberta boasts six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Rocky Mountain Parks where you’ll find charming Baff, a short, but astonishingly beautiful drive from Calgary.
Although boasting more miles of bike and walking trails than any other city in North America, the city’s light rail system makes travel around the city simple and efficient.
Studio Bell is home to the Canadian Music Hall of fame, one of many sights the city has to offer.
Share ideas and inspire at Convention
Do you have an idea or project that you want to tell the Rotary community about? Breakout sessions can inspire participants, help them polish their leadership skills and provide new ideas for strengthening membership, projects, fundraising, and more!
Help us develop a breakout program that celebrates Rotary's diversity! Submit your proposal online by Monday 14th October 2024.
Find out more information about the Convention and book tickets by heading to the Convention website. Register by 15th December to receive a discount.
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