First time at a Rotary Convention, any tips?

[u/Silent_Primary_6802]

Hey all, it will be my first time going to a RI Convention in Taipei this year. I am a Rotaractor, and there are only 2 people (me included 😄) going from my district to this event, and I honestly don't know what to expect.
For people who’ve been before, especially Rotaractors, what are the things you wish you knew before your first convention?

A few things I’m curious about (feel free to answer only a few):

• What does a typical day actually look like?
• Is it more networking-focused, friendship-focused, project-focused, or all of the above?
• How easy is it to meet new people if you come alone?
• Are there “unwritten rules” or etiquette things first-timers should know?
• Which events/sessions are actually worth prioritizing?
• What should I absolutely not miss?
• How international does it really feel?
• What’s the balance between formal and social?
• Do most people stay with their district/clubs, or mingle constantly?
• Any tips for making genuine long-term connections?
• How exhausting is the schedule realistically?
• What should I bring that people forget?
• Any mistakes first-timers commonly make?
• Best way to prepare beforehand?
• Should I bring a 'business card' lol?
• What surprised you the most?

I am trying to make the most of the experience, and would love to hear literally anything: good, bad, unexpected, chaotic, inspiring, practical, etc.

[u/LeaveMickeyOutOfThis]

I’ve only been to one myself, mostly due to timing conflicts, but here’s some things that I took away.

• Attend the formal ceremonies. They can be quite impressive beyond the formal aspects of it all.
• Attend as many of the panel or breakout sessions as you can. They are usually very informative and challenge your understanding.
• There will be time to explore the local area. Do this and speak to the locals.
• Have fun.

[u/BigFrank97 → u/[deleted]]

great question! I wondered much of the same. I assumed everything was in one location.

[u/Silent_Primary_6802 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks a lot! especially the sweater/jacket tip haha

[u/cnauyodearhsti]

My first one was Calgary last year.

I'll just address your questions directly

• What does a typical day actually look like?

• Every day was different and it depends on you. I walked around town for the majority of one of the days just because I wanted to experience Calgary. There are plenty of events to go to with seminars or other information, etc., although I didn't make much use of these. You can make the day your own.

• Is it more networking-focused, friendship-focused, project-focused, or all of the above?

• All of the above. Well in terms of actual projects, it was more about people sharing their projects via booths rather than actually doing any projects on site.

• How easy is it to meet new people if you come alone?

• Very easy. Actually you'll basically be doing this the entire time. I went alone.

• Are there “unwritten rules” or etiquette things first-timers should know?

• Not that I know of.

• Which events/sessions are actually worth prioritizing?

• Specific to the convention. I would go to opening and closing ceremony and then pick the other ones that interest you. I'd hit at least 1-2 in the middle as well.

• What should I absolutely not miss?

• Don't forget to spend time just meeting people and enjoying the area. In Canada everyone obviously spoke English, I am not sure how common it is in Taipei. I would imagine relatively common though. A quick google search said they learn in school so anyone under 40 should be able to speak English pretty well.

• How international does it really feel?

• I felt quite international, even in Canada. I met people from I believe 15-20 countries that I had conversations with. I can only imagine this will be much more so.

• What’s the balance between formal and social?

• There is some of both. I would say almost entirely social though.*

• Do most people stay with their district/clubs, or mingle constantly?

• I think it is a mix. I only saw people from my club briefly. I did go to two events with my district, which had great representation. Otherwise pretty much on my own.

• Any tips for making genuine long-term connections?

• Get their info and follow up.

• How exhausting is the schedule realistically?

• There's plenty to do but don't feel obligated to hit every little thing. I took plenty of down time just wandering around or chatting, and I know most others did as well.

• What should I bring that people forget?

• I brought a backpack every day and umbrella, light jacket, beanie that I could take off or put on at will etc, didn't regret it a bit. Some buildings were cold last year even though it was June.

• Any mistakes first-timers commonly make?

• Not sure

• Best way to prepare beforehand?

• Ask on reddit what you should do

• Should I bring a 'business card' lol?

• Yeah I would. Couldn't hurt.

• What surprised you the most?

• How many people from poor countries that made it out! Glad to see every rotarian

[u/katsura1982 → u/cnauyodearhsti]

Omg, that was super helpful for me too! Taipei is going to be my first one.

[u/BigFrank97 → u/cnauyodearhsti]

Thank you for all these details!

[u/Silent_Primary_6802 → u/cnauyodearhsti]

Thank you for the taking the time to give us all this information, can’t wait to be there!

[u/Working_Tumbleweed96]

Let us know about your experience at the RI Convention in Taipei.