FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Isaac Reichman
ireichman@choosechicago.com
312-805-9586
CHICAGO TO HOST ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN 2030
Global event will return to Chicago for the first time since 2005 to celebrate its 125th anniversary in the city it was founded
CHICAGO (February 23, 2023) – Choose Chicago and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) are proud to announce that Rotary International has selected Chicago’s McCormick Place West Building to host the Rotary International Convention from May 25-29, 2030. The convention, which attracts tens of thousands of attendees from all over the world, will return to Chicago for the first time since 2005 to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2030.
“We’re thrilled to announce today, on the anniversary of the first Rotary club meeting in 1905, that Chicago will once again host Rotary’s biggest gathering,” said Lyle Staab, Rotary member and Chair of the Chicago Bid Team. “We can’t wait to show our visitors all Chicago has to offer. We’re determined to deliver a memorable experience for the participants, and to make a difference in Chicagoland through the event.”
“Rotary International has deep roots in Chicago and I am thrilled to welcome them back to our great city for their international convention in 2030,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Rotary is a global organization that delivers many benefits to communities around the world, and we are honored that they chose Chicago for such an important celebration. Major events like these are vital to our local economy and our residents, and we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of Rotary members to Chicago!”
Founded in Chicago in 1905 and currently headquartered in Evanston, Ill., Rotary International hosts an annual International Convention that brings people from all continents and cultures to share, learn, and take action to bring positive, long-lasting change to communities worldwide. These International Conventions take place all over the world, with the 2023 event in Melbourne and future conventions taking place in Singapore, Taipei, Manila and other global cities. The 2005 event, which took place in Chicago on Rotary’s 100th anniversary, welcomed over 40,000 attendees and had an economic impact of over $65 million.
“Chicago is thrilled to welcome tens of thousands Rotarians in 2030,” said Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “We cannot thank Rotary enough for bringing positive changemakers from around the world to Chicago once again. This is a wonderful opportunity for Chicago and our sales team and will bring the global exposure needed to further solidify Chicago as the top destination in North America for conventions.”
“We are honored to host the Rotary International Convention in 2030,” said Larita Clark, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the municipal corporation that owns McCormick Place. “We look forward to welcoming thought leaders from around the world who take action to create lasting change in communities across the globe.”
The successful bid for Rotary International’s 2030 International Convention comes after the Choose Chicago sales team wrapped up a very effective 2022. The team met their aggressive sales goal by booking over 1,500 events, including 39 major citywide events, with 64% of these major events representing new business in the city. These bookings represent more than 1.7 million hotel room nights, creating economic opportunities for our hotels, restaurants, and the entire hospitality community.
###
About Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter and tag #ChicaGOandKNOW. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
About Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA): The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority owns McCormick Place, the largest exhibition and meeting facility in North America, the Wintrust Arena as well as the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and the Marriot Marquis Chicago Hotels. Together, the North, South, and West Buildings and Lakeside Center offer 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space. Located along Chicago’s lakefront, McCormick Place features 173 meeting rooms, the Arie Crown Theater, and one of the largest ballrooms in the world.
