The Salt Lake City Rotary Club is breaking new ground.

For the first time, the host of the 2007 International Rotary Convention brought members of the top Rotary Clubs to the host city for orientation.

"We decided the best way to promote it is to bring them in," said Chris Simonsen, vice chairman of the Host Organizing Committee. "It is to help them promote what they may not know about."

In June 2007, more that 20,000 Rotarians are expected to come from around the world for the convention. It will be the largest convention ever held in Salt Lake City, according to a written statement from the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City.

So the leaders can go back to their countries and promote the event more effectively, the Salt Lake chapter gave the leaders a small taste of what "Rendezvous in the Rockies" will be like.

On Saturday, the leaders attended an orientation where they had a chance to mingle with one another. After dinner they were shown a presentation, highlighting some of the state and national parks as well as events attendees will be participating in next year.

"I am already enthusiastic," said Judy Bain, of Wellington, New Zealand. "Now I can give them a New Zealand idea of what it will be like."

She has already had more than 230 people contact her about the upcoming convention. Bain hopes to encourage more to attend after learning about the activities.

On Sunday, participants attended "Music and the Spoken Word" at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. They also traveled to Park City to watch ski jumping, as well as other activities. Monday, they attended the Days of '47 parade and rodeo.

As the leaders took everything in, they were given a "possibles bag." The bag is for them to put their dreams and wishes in. If they wear the bag, an old Indian legend says those dreams will come true, Simonsen said

Members were also "branded" with a wristband that says "2007 — Salt Lake City — Rendezvous." They are to wear the band until next year's conference.

The idea is that people will ask band wearers about it and it gives the wearer a chance to plug the convention, Simonsen said.

Rotary International is a worldwide organization made up of business and professional leaders. There are more than 1.2 million members around the world who provide humanitarian service.

"I have been pleased to meet new people," Bain said. "Now I will be more enthusiastic to go back and share with the members in New Zealand."

---

E-mail: blee@desnews.com