Rotary International has announced that Birmingham has been successful in its bid to host the 100th Rotary International Convention in June 2009.
The convention will be one of the biggest events to be held in the UK for over twenty years, and Birmingham has been chosen as the host city thanks to the combined efforts of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, Marketing Birmingham, Birmingham City Council, and The NEC Group.
Ed Futa, chief operating officer of Rotary International, a global network of community volunteers, said on a recent visit to Birmingham: "The Rotary Club of Birmingham developed an outstanding proposal because they believe in the far-reaching benefits for their community, creating a boost for the local economy, attracting international visitors and providing inspiration. The city of Birmingham offers a magnificent backdrop for Rotarians to gather and to discuss how Rotary Clubs around the world are helping make the world a better place. Rotary has served the needs of communities since its founding in 1905 and held its first annual convention in Chicago."
Robert Lee, President of The Rotary Club of Birmingham which will be the official host of the Rotary International Convention 2009, said: "It is a tremendous honour for us to be asked to host such a high profile and important event as the 100th Rotary International Convention. We thank Rotary International for providing our city and our club with this fabulous opportunity,which will enable us to present to the world what a great destination city Birmingham really is."
Leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby said:"Rotary International is the world’s largest service organisation and its prestigious Annual Convention has been hosted by Osaka in Japan, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Copenhagen and Malmo since 2004. It is a particular honour for Birmingham to be chosen to host the Convention’s centenary celebrations, which will provide the city with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate its position as a global city with a local heart.
Rotary International is a worldwide organisation of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. It has more than 1.2 million members, in over 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographica lareas. The four-day convention in 2009 will attract visitors from all around the world including North America, South America,Europe, Asia, Australasia, India and Japan.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham said:"This is a fantastic achievement for the city. Over four days approximately 20,000 delegates are expected to generate an economic impact in the region of £20m bolstering city hotels, bars,restaurants and attractions, and will once again project Birmingham onto the international events stage.
The Rotary International Convention 2009 will take place from 21 – 24 June, 2009 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). The last time the event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Birmingham was in 1984 when it was also held at the NEC. The fact that Rotary has chosen to return to the city highlights the impression made and fond memories that were taken away.
Paul Thandi, Chief Executive of The NEC Group said: "The event in 1984 achieved at the time a record attendance for a European-based Rotary convention and Birmingham was showered with praise for its attractions, facilities and the welcome it gave to delegates. Visitors to the 2009 Convention will undoubtedly be impressed with the changes that have taken place in Birmingham,with new developments across all areas of the city having transformed it into a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination for business and leisure."
30/07/07
