Minneapolis-St. Paul set to host Rotary’s 120th international convention in 2029
The largest convention Minneapolis will host in 2029
EVANSTON, Ill. (Feb. 5, 2024) — Rotary International today announced Minneapolis-St. Paul as the winner of the provisional bid to hold its annual international convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center, May 26-30, 2029.
More than 15,000 Rotary members and participants from around the world will gather in the Twin Cities to connect, learn from each other and various experts, and share ideas for bringing positive, lasting change to communities across the globe. The event is expected to inject an estimated $30.4 million in both direct and indirect business sales, and will utilize hotels in Minneapolis, Bloomington, and St. Paul, as well as most of the Minneapolis Convention Center.
“I am excited to welcome Rotary members from across the globe to the Twin Cities and the State of Minnesota for their international convention in 2029,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. “Rotary members do incredibly important work to improve lives and strengthen communities here and throughout the world.”
“Minneapolis is the right city to host the 120th Rotary International Convention and Rotary is a fabulous organization to welcome,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “With more than 15,000 attendees and strong values of service, diversity, and leadership – this event will have an enormous impact on our community, and we look forward to showing off our world-class city.”
The winning bid was led by Rotary clubs in Minnesota and Iowa. “We’re thrilled that Minneapolis will once again host Rotary’s biggest gathering,” said Tom Gump, Chair, Host Operating Committee, 2029 Rotary International. “We look forward to working with Meet Minneapolis Tourism Bureau, the Cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington and the State of Minnesota to plan the largest Rotary event in Minneapolis since the last convention we hosted in 1974.”
“Abundant in fresh water, nature, and cultural diversity, Minneapolis – the City of Lakes, is the ideal location for our members and participants to connect and celebrate our friendships, cultures, and shared commitment to making a positive difference in the world,” said Rotary International President Gordon McInally.
Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment. More than US$5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation—Rotary’s charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful, impactful service—to support these and other initiatives over the last 100 years.