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 $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.

About Rotary
Rotary unites a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change. Rotary connects 1.4 million people of action from more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.

###

CONTACT:
Vivian Fiore, 847.866.3234, vivian.fiore@rotary.org
Ally Peters, 612.368.7959, ally.peters@minneapolismn.gov
Jane Kolar, 612.417.7583, jane.kolar@state.mn.us

ADDITIONAL QUOTES
Rotary International Vice President Pat Merryweather-Arges
“Rotary members from throughout the world are looking forward to 2029 when we can all join together in the multi-cultural city of Minneapolis, in the heartland of America,” said Pat Merryweather-Arges. “Minneapolis is host to many large conventions due to the warm hospitality of the residents and the endless amount of entertainment, sports, shopping, and natural habitats and reserves. While it is five years away, we are already packing our bags, making plans, and looking forward to Minneapolis in 2029!”

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter
"This event marks a significant opportunity for our vibrant Twin Cities community to showcase our spirit of service, diversity, and leadership," said Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. "We look forward to hosting more than 15,000 attendees and providing an ideal setting for connection, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that will undoubtedly contribute to positive, lasting change in communities worldwide."

Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse
“Bloomington is looking forward to working with Minneapolis and St. Paul to make the Rotary International 2029 convention a huge success. With the Mall of America and our experience welcoming the world to Minnesota, I know Rotarians are going to really enjoy their time here. And I know from my own experience with historic Rotary #9 in Minneapolis that our Host Organizing Committee and all our volunteers will be ready to shine in 2029.”

Melvin Tennant – President & CEO, Meet Minneapolis
“We have a robust and active Rotary community. We are excited and eager to help our local Rotarians showcase the spirit of Minneapolis to their fellow members,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “Our city’s tourism and hospitality workers have built a reputation for their welcoming, inclusive, and authentic spirit of service. I know they will help create memorable experiences for all Rotary International Convention attendees.”