2024 Rotary District Conference – "The Family of Rotary"

Join us for our annual Rotary District Conference this April 26-28 at the beautiful Hayes Mansion in San Jose, California!

This year's conference is an incredible opportunity to discover (and rediscover) the Family of Rotary by reconnecting with friends in Rotary, and making new lifelong connections with like-minded people. We are featuring a 2-day conference this year, with welcome and networking receptions beginning Friday evening for those available to come out early. 

Our conference theme this year is The Family of Rotary. Rotary brings like-minded people together in a way that can only be likened to family. We are there for each other during the good times, and we are there for each other during the tough times. Together we are stronger, and we can do more for each other, for our communities, and for the world.

We are excited to feature keynote speakers from around the USA and the world, along with 3 rounds of breakout sessions broken down into four tracks, each with distinct topics. Details for speakers will be released soon.

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Each General Session features our Keynote Speakers, alongside some local speakers from within our home district. Together they will inspire and motivate us! Conference Package or meal tickets are required to enter General Sessions.

Saturday Morning General Session

• Shirley Grace, Rotary International Polio Ambassador
  Shirley is Past President of the Rotary Club of Fresno (08-09) and Past District Governor of District 5230 (12-13). Shirley has served her District as Foundation Chair and council on Legislation and served as Zone 25-26 Institute Chair in 2017-2018. On July first, 2022, Shirley began a three-year term as Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator for Zone 26. She’s a cyclist and has raised over $400,000 for End Polio Now over the last 7 years. A recipient of the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World and The Foundations Meritorious Service Award, Shirley and her husband Dick are Major Donors and Bequest Society Members. Her passion is ‘hands on service’ through local and International Grants projects, and many of those projects she remains involved with through multi-year commitments and relationships. Shirley travels throughout the US to inspire Rotarians as a keynote speaker and continues to find fulfillment and peace through Rotary and Community Service.
• Stephanie Greer, CEO & Co-Founder of Akin Mental Health
  As CEO & Co-Founder of Akin Mental Health, Stephanie holds a PhD in neuroscience from UC Berkeley and has built a career translating insights from science into actionable tech products at innovative companies including Hopelab and Apple. At Akin Mental Health, Stephanie and her company work to improve the well-being of families affected by severe mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Akin Mental Health believes that family support and education are the most undervalued multiplier of health and wellness in mental illness recovery. Stephanie and her team believe every family member deserves support and every individual navigating mental illness deserves family advocacy.

Saturday Lunch General Session

• Dr. Todd Jenkins, CEO & Founder of Bowtie Leadership & Development, Inc.
  Dr. Jenkins, also known as Dr. "Bowtie" Todd, is the Founder and CEO of Bowtie Leadership and Development, Inc., a global leadership management training and coaching firm with a focus on bringing diverse people together to increase individual or organizational productivity and performance. Dr. Jenkins is a certified Leadership Management International Facilitator, Coach and Speaker with more than 10 years of training and development, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion work experience. He is an award-winning chief diversity and inclusion executive, trainer and strategist. He has worked with several clients, 1:1, small and large businesses and organizations throughout Europe, South America, Asia and North America. He has spoken to crowds as large as 30,000 and trains groups inside fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities and various non-profits. He spends his life dedicated to helping others see their greatness through education, exposure and best practices. His inspiration, energy and motivation have been said to move mountains.

Saturday Dinner General Session

• Gary Huang, Rotary International President's Representative and Past Rotary International World President 
  A member of the Rotary Club of Taipei, Taiwan, Gary C.K. Huang served as World President of Rotary International in 2014-2015. He has served as Chair of Taiwan Sogo Shinkong Security Co., Shin Kong Life Real Estate Service Co., and P.S. Insurance Agency, Inc. and director of Federal Corporation and managing director of Taipei Life-Line Association. He is a past president of Malayan Overseas Insurance Co. and charter secretary general of the Council for Industrial and Commercial Development in Taiwan. A Rotarian since 1976, Huang has served as RI vice president, director, Rotary Foundation trustee, district governor, International Assembly training leader, regional session leader, task force member and coordinator, and committee member and chair. Convener of the 2000 Hong Kong, 2011 Kuala Lumpur, 2002 Manila, and 2003 Singapore Rotary Institutes, he also served as chair of the 2002 Taipei Presidential Conference. He is chair of the Council of Past District Governors in Taiwan. Huang created 19 new clubs in 1986-87 as governor of District 345, which included Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Huang has been awarded the National Civic Service Award by the Federation of Non-Profit Associations and the Outstanding Community Service Award by the Ministry of the Interior, R.O.C. He is a recipient of the RI Service Above Self Award and the Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service. Huang and his wife, Corinna Yao, have three children.

Sunday Morning General Session

• Taylor Huie, Medical Design Engineer at Stryker Instruments & Rotary International Membership Committee Member
  Taylor Huie is a Medical Device Design Engineer at Stryker Instruments in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A class of 2021 Biomedical Engineering graduate from Duke University, Taylor worked on the faculty-led Duke COVID Engineering Response team to design solutions to minimize the spread and risk of COVID-19. In Rotary, Taylor serves as Executive Director of the Ascension Rotaract Network MDIO, supporting Rotaract and partnering Rotary teams in Zones 28 through 34. An active dual member of the Rotary Club and Rotaract Club of Kalamazoo, she also serves in several club, district, and zone roles focused on Rotaract and Membership, including her role as a member of Rotary International’s Membership Growth Committee. During her time in North Carolina, Taylor served as the Charter President of the Rotaract Club of Duke University, launching with an initial 400 members. Starting early in Rotary leadership, Taylor is Past President of the 140-member Interact Club of St. Joseph High School, which has raised over $200,000 for education, water, and medical projects for Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic. Raised in a Rotary family, Taylor has parents in Rotary leadership, two siblings who have served in Interact leadership, and several Rotary Youth Exchange siblings from around the world. A global speaker for Rotary International, Taylor has led discussions on starting and sustaining Interact and Rotaract Clubs, as well as fostering synergy through strong cross-generational partnerships. Taylor is honored and excited to share with others what she has learned about motivating young people through a life of “Service Above Self.”
  
  
  

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Breakout Sessions: This year's breakout sessions are separated into four tracks of topics, with at least one topic per track available during any of the three breakout rounds. Conference pass holders can choose any combination of breakout sessions they want to attend. Breakout sessions occur on Saturday only. A Conference Pass or a Conference Package must be purchased to gain entry into breakout rooms.

• Service Projects track
• Leadership Development track
• Mental Health Awareness track
• Electives track

Breakout Sessions: 

Below is the draft list of breakout sessions. Subject to change.

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Morning - Round A (10:30 A.M. to 11:20 A.M.)

San Martin Room, 10:30 A.M.
The Importance of Mental Health in Family Support
Presented by Stephanie Greer, Co-Founder and CEO of Akin Mental Health

Mental Health impacts the whole family. Dr. Stephanie Greer, the Co-Founder and CEO of Akin Mental Health has a personal journey to tell and a new approach to family support. Learn about her efforts in collaboration with tech companies like Hopelab and Apple. (Mental Health Awareness Track)

Monterey Room, 10:30 A.M.
Empowering Young Leaders by Building Resilience
Presented by Ambassadors of Compassion

Testimonials from the Program participants and how District 5170 and the Ambassadors Program can strengthen the mental health of youths to build resilient and compassionate next-generation leaders. (Mental Health Awareness Track)

Morgan Hill Room, 10:30 A.M.
Game Show: 50 Things About Rotary You Didn’t Know
Presented by Ron Sekkel, Joe Hamilton, and Hung Wei, your Local Rotary Trivia Gamemasters

Whether you are new to Rotary or a veteran, come join us for this interactive game show focusing on Rotary knowledge! A fun way to learn more Rotary knowledge. Surprise prizes will be given out! (Elective Track)

Live Oak Room, 10:30 A.M.
Polio – I can do that!
Presented by Shirley Grace

Rather than settling for contribution fatigue, what can you do to make a difference, have some fun and raise awareness! (Service Project Track)

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Afternoon - Round B (2:00 P.M. to 2:50 P.M.)

San Martin Room, 2:00 P.M.
Holistic Wellness - 101
Presented by Dr. Clifton Der Bing

Monterey Room, 2:00 P.M.
Service Projects Forum
Presented by the District International Service Committee

Featuring selected international projects, come learn about best practices in setting up new international service projects and keeping them running smoothly over the years. (Service Projects Forum)

Morgan Hill Room, 2:00 P.M.
Design Graphics & Flyers Easily with Canva
Presented by Anu Marimuthu, District Intern

Learn how you can design great looking graphics, flyers, and presentations for your club without any technical knowledge on Canva for free. (Leadership Development Track)

Live Oak Room, 2:00 P.M.
Wine Tasting Experience (Separately Ticketed)
Presented by The Wine Steward

In this hotly anticipated breakout session, wine novices and experts alike can participate in a premium wine tasting of 6 selected wines curated by The Wine Steward from Pleasanton, along with experiencing a master class in wine. A separate paid ticket is required for entry. The ticket covers the cost of the wine tasting. Limited seats available. (Elective Track)

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Afternoon - Round C (3:00 P.M. to 3:50 P.M.)

San Martin Room, 3:00 P.M.
Bridging Generations & Attracting Young Leaders
Taylor Huie, Committee-Member from Rotary International Membership Growth Committee

Learn from young professionals in Rotary on strategies and tactics they are employing to attract Millennials and Gen Z into Rotary, while still connecting with Gen X and Baby Boomers. (Leadership Development Track)

Monterey Room, 3:00 P.M.
Best Practices for Making Our Teams More Inclusive and Welcoming
District DEI Committee & Dr. Todd Jenkins

The Family of Rotary is about welcoming people from all backgrounds. Learn about current best practices to keep teams more inclusive and welcoming in a constantly evolving society. (Leadership Development Track)

Morgan Hill Room, 3:00 P.M.
Your Rotary Legacy - Extending Your Impact
Presented by Erin Groble and Tabitha Sparks (Rotary International Staff Members from Evanston)

Erin will speak about the impact of Rotary’s Endowment and ways that donors can create their Rotary legacy with a gift to the Endowment. Also joined by Tabitha Sparks- Major Gifts Officer for The Rotary Foundation (Zones 26 & 27).

Live Oak Room, 3:00 P.M.
Rare Whiskey Tasting (Separately Ticketed)
Presented by Christian Carr, Dan Willits, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

In this hotly anticipated breakout session, whiskey novices and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to taste 6 different rare Scotch whiskys that normally cannot be purchased in U.S. stores. Entry requires a separate paid ticket. A very limited number of seats are available. Each attendee will receive one souvenir Rotary whisky dram glass to take home. (Elective Track)

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Conference Schedule: All times and details are subject to change.

Friday:

• 5:00-5:30pm - Registration & Check-in (remains open until 7)
• 5:00-6:30pm - Affinity/Hobbies Networking Hour
• 6:30-8:30pm - Welcome Reception with hosted bar and music

Saturday:

• 8:00-10:15am - Breakfast & General Session 1 (featuring Family & Inclusion)
  [House of Friendship opens at 9:00am]
• 10:15-10:30am - Break (coffee and tea available)
• 10:30-11:30am - Breakout Round A
• 11:30-12:00pm - Break (coffee and tea available)
• 12:00-1:45pm - Lunch & General Session 2 (featuring a Celebration of Lifelong Rotarians)
• 2:00-2:55pm - Breakout Round B
• 2:00-3:00pm - District Business Meeting
• 3:00-4:00pm - Breakout Round C
• 4:00-5:30pm - Dinner Reception, House of Friendship Closes at 5pm
• 5:30-8:00pm - Dinner & General Session 3 (featuring Past Rotary International President Gary Huang & Celebration of Club Presidents)
• 8:00-10:00pm - Host Hospitality Night with hosted bar and music

Sunday:

• 8:00-8:45am - End Polio Now Walk (right outside the hotel at Edenvale Park)
  
• 8:45-11:30am - Breakfast & General Session 4 (featuring Youth Speech Contest & Young Leaders Panel)
  
  
  

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Registration Deadlines

Prices increase – save money by registering early!

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Our group rate room block has expired and sold out! If you still want a room, please book that directly with the hotel.

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The House of Friendship is our exhibitor hall showcasing incredible local and international service projects organized by our Rotary Clubs and non-profit partners. It's a great opportunity to wander the halls to network, discover new projects, make connections, and shop around. We expect about 35 projects to be showcased this year in the House of Friendship. 

Below is a list of projects and clubs/partners currently confirmed to exhibit in the House of Friendship.

• Rotary Merchandise from Perry's Creative Promotions
• Various projects by Rotary E-Club of Silicon Valley Health and Wellness
• Various projects by the Rotary Club of Dublin
• Various projects by the East Palo Alto Rotary Bayshore
• Various projects by the Rotary Club of Evergreen Valley
• Various projects and End Polio Now Walk by the Cupertino Rotary Club
• Rotary Vietnam Project by the Rotary Club of San Jose Evergreen
• Various projects by the Los Altos Rotary Club
• Various projects by the Palo Alto/University Rotary Club
• Aromas San Juan Broadband Project by the San Juan Batista Rotary Club
• Valle Verde project by the Rotary Club of Evergreen Valley
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library by the Los Altos Rotary Club
• Various international projects by the Morgan Hill Rotary Club
• ESRAG Every Club Climate Friendly project by ESRAG: Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group
  
• Lake Cunningham (San Jose) Park Project by the San Francisco Bay Area Rotary Club

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End Polio Now Walk: Join us Sunday morning right in front of the Hayes Mansion hotel for our End Polio Now Walk at Edenvale Park. This is a perfect stroll for your entire family – kids and dogs (on leash) are welcome! See details below.

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House of Friendship Exhibitor Application

House of Friendship Exhibitor applications have closed. We are sold out of exhibitor spots for this year's conference.