Despite the challenging conditions currently affecting the
global economy, thousands of visitors from all over the world will
descend on Birmingham in June to attend one of the biggest
conventions to be held in the UK for 20 years.
More than 18,000 people from 151 different countries have
already registered to attend the 100th Rotary International
Convention, taking place at The NEC from 20 - 24 June and
pre-convention Peace Symposium, which will be addressed by Nobel
Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The convention, secured for the city by the host club the Rotary
Club of Birmingham, Marketing Birmingham in partnership with
Birmingham City Council, The NEC Group and supported strongly by
Advantage West Midlands, , is expected to attract up to 20,000
people and generate an estimated £19.5m for the regional
economy. More than £2.5 million worth of business has already
been placed with local businesses through Birmingham Convention
Bureau and the Host Organising Committee alone, in hotel bookings
and event tickets.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham said:
"We are well on track to reach the 20,000 target and possibly
even exceed it. Once you factor in those people who will
bring partners with them and those who will extend their stay to
make the most of the several thousand mile trip, this really is
major news for the city and region.
"Rotary International is a very influential organisation and
many of its members are international business leaders, opinion
formers and decision makers. To have these people gather in
Birmingham during such challenging times is a real opportunity to
showcase the city, change perceptions and position Birmingham as a
top city for business and leisure."
Birmingham is pulling out all the stops to welcome Rotarians and
encourage them to explore the city and region during their stay.
One highlight of the social programme will see a host of
cultural performances and special events staged in the city
centre's public squares for visitors to enjoy.
Rotary is an organisation of business and professional leaders
who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and
peace in the world. There are 1.2 million Rotary members in about
33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical
areas. The convention was last held in Birmingham in
1984.
Brian Fuller CBE, Chairman of the Host Organising Committee
said: "It is a tremendous honour for us to host such a high
profile and important event as the 100th Rotary convention.
This global gathering of business and professional leaders
will exchange ideas and exhibit projects that reflect our
organization's commitment to promoting peace, and to addressing
such critical issues as hunger, poverty, disease and
illiteracy."