District 5495 will hold its first in-person district conference in two years when it gathers May 13-14 at the Prescott Resort and Conference Center in Prescott, Arizona.
 
According to District Governor Bret McKeand, the primary focus will be on our clubs and the impact they are making in their communities and throughout the world.
 
 "Despite the challenges we've all faced over the past few years, it's inspiring and reassuring to know that our Rotary clubs in District 5495 have continued to do incredible work to 'Serve to Change Lives,'" said Bret.
 
 "We intend to spotlight those activities and celebrate the tremendous gains we've made over the past year to return to normal. Most important, we want to have fun and get re-acquainted with our Rotary family."
 
Our district was forced to cancel its last two district conferences due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Among the speakers to appear will be Nabil Oudeh, Past District Governor from District 7040 in Canada. Mr. Oudeh will serve as the official Presidents Representative for Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta and will speak on several topics throughout the conference, including providing the keynote address during the Saturday evening closing ceremony. In addition, Mr. Oudeh will also speak at the Peace Symposium on Thursday, May 12.
 
 The conference kicks off Thursday, May 12 with a Peace Conference during the day and a first-ever district fundraiser to benefit The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona.
 
The fundraiser will be held at the Phippen Western Museum in Prescott. Tickets are $100, with all proceeds benefitting TRVFA.
 
The event will feature a catered barbecue dinner, silent auction and entertainment by Past District Governor Alan Havir. Western dress is encouraged for the event.
 
 Registration for both the peace conference and TRVFA fundraiser are separate from the district conference.
 
Register here.
 
District Conference begins Friday, May 13
 
 The district conference officially kicks off at noon on Friday and will celebrate "Over a Century of Service in Arizona." Four D5495 clubs that have celebrated their 100th anniversary over the past 12 months will be recognized, including The Rotary Club of Prescott, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021. 
 
Speakers will focus on Rotary's theme for this year: "Serve to Change Lives," and a number of clubs and district Rotarians will share updates on their projects and the impact they've made in their communities this past year.
 
 Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in several service projects planned that weekend at the resort and at a nearby veteran's medical facility. Those who attend are asked to bring 10 non-perishable food items for a project on Saturday, plastic grocery bags to donate to a project hosted by the Rotary Club of Tempe Downtown, and flexible plastic bottle caps to donate to a project hosted by the Rotary Club of Phoenix East.
 
Programs run throughout the afternoon, followed by our district’s annual hospitality suites function in the evening. The conference culminates in a special awards ceremony on Saturday evening.
 
According to Conference Chair Mary K Clark, attendees can expect a number of other fun surprises and programs throughout the weekend.
 
Friday Evening Hospitality Suites: Guaranteed Fun! 
 
On Friday evening, several clubs will host "Hospitality Suites" on the second floor of the resort. Clubs hosting a suite are required to decorate their rooms based on a particular historical theme or era. and provide light refreshments and snacks for attendees circulating among the suites. Reserved suites and the themes as of May 1:
Phoenix 100: “The Year 2105: Rotary’s 200th Anniversary.”
Rotary Club of Tempe Downtown and Tempe South: “Cinco de Mayo.”
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes: “World War II and The Pacific Theater.”
Rotary Club of Mesa West: “The Roaring ‘20s.”
Rotary Clubs of Prescott, Prescott Sunup, Prescott Frontier: “World’s Oldest Rodeo.”
Rotary Club of Scottsdale North: “Prohibition-Era Speakeasy.”
Valley of the Sun Passport Club: “The 1960’s and the British Invasion.”
Rotary Club of Paradise Valley: “The Old West and ‘Gunsmokin’ Hot’.”
The DG Line: “Bringin’ Back the ‘70s.”
Rotary Club of Phoenix West: “Back to the Future.”
Conference Committee: “Ballooning over the English Channel.”
 
Accommodations
 
The special room rate offered by the Prescott Resort for the district conference has expired and is no longer available. Rooms are available at the resort, but at the resort’s standard rates. Attendees who have not yet reserved a room are encouraged to check with other hotels in Prescott and Prescott Valley. Several Prescott Rotarians are “home hosting” and opening their homes for Rotarians who may need accommodations. Contact Ron Williams of the Rotary Club of Prescott at rbwilliams@usa.net, or by calling 928-899-4150 to check on availability.
 
President's Rep: PDG Nabil Oudeh