91^st Lions Clubs International Convention 2008
Bangkok, Thailand June 23 - June 27, 2008

Newsroom - Background

Melitta J. Cutright
melitta.cutright@lionsclubs.org
Brett Rush
brett.rush@lionsclubs.org
630-468-6817

For Immediate Release

Background on Lions Clubs International Convention

Lions Clubs International Convention—In late June or early July of each year, 15,000-20,000 Lions club members and their families from more than 100 countries gather for the Lions Clubs International Convention. For five days, Lions conduct association business, share fellowship and enjoy the sights of an international city. The Lions Clubs International Convention is one of the largest annual conventions of its kind in the world.

Lions Clubs International—Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization, with 1.3 million members in 45,000 clubs in 205 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world. To learn more about Lions Clubs International, visit http://www.lionsclubs.org/.

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA, Lions Clubs International staff members handle arrangements for convention events, housing, outside suppliers and exhibitors. More than 100 headquarters staff work at the convention.
 
Lions Around the World--Lions are men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes. Lions clubs evaluate community needs and choose service projects to meet those needs. Lions collect and recycle used eyeglasses and support eye screenings and cataract surgeries. They sponsor programs for young people, including youth groups called Leo clubs, and provide scholarships and recreational opportunities. Lions also work to improve the environment, support diabetes education, provide hearing screenings, assist the aged and build or maintain community parks.

Convention to be Held for the First Time in Thailand—The Lions Clubs International Board of Directors selects convention sites from around the world five years in advance following an extensive bidding process. During the evaluation, tourist authorities present options for accommodating the convention and the large number of attendees and explain why their cities are attractive destinations. Local Lions club members demonstrate their commitment by forming a Lions Host Committee.

Lions Clubs in Thailand—There are approximately 300 clubs with nearly 8,500 Lions members in Thailand. Kajit “KJ” Habanananda, a Lion from Bangkok, Thailand, served as president of Lions Clubs International from1998-99. 

Host Committee—Lions volunteers from Thailand have spent several years preparing for the convention. The group is responsible for hospitality, including staffing welcome centers, arranging welcoming banners, securing local marching bands for the parade and serving as sergeants-at-arms for major events.

Upcoming Lions Clubs International Conventions

Minneapolis, MN, USA	2009
Sydney, Australia	2010
Seattle, WA, USA	2011
Busan, Korea	2012
Hamburg, Germany	2013

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